Solar panel installation is a great investment to make in your home. Not only do the panels make you money down the road, growing in value, but they can lower your monthly energy bill by a lot.
Depending on the amount of energy your home uses, it’s possible to make up the price of buying solar panels in five years or less. Reap the benefits now and in the future.
Before buying a solar panel installation, you need to be fully aware of all the factors. Run through these eight questions to know for sure whether or not this investment is the right one for you.
1. Your Energy Needs
Solar panels are great for providing alternative energy sources and reducing energy costs, however, it is important to know exactly how much energy you will need and where it will be used. Most solar panel systems for residential homes are designed to provide a specific amount and type of energy, so it is important to accurately assess this and make sure a solar panel system is the right option for you.
Additionally, depending on the amount of energy you use, you may need to purchase more than one system, which can affect the cost. Finally, it is important to determine the size of the solar panel system you will need and to consult with a professional solar installer about the best option for your needs.
2. Available Sunlight
Solar panels need direct sunlight to generate electricity and produce hot water, so the location of the solar panel should be carefully selected to ensure that it receives enough sunlight. A solar panel’s efficiency decreases on cloudy days and the effectiveness of the system can decrease drastically at night, so a home or building should be located in an area that receives direct and consistent sunlight throughout the day for optimal success.
If a roof is shaded by trees or buildings, installing a ground-mounted solar panel may be a better choice.
3. Compare Warranties
A good warranty will ensure your components are protected in case of malfunction and provide coverage for a longer period. You need to know if the manufacturer offers a five or ten-year warranty on their modules and if the company has a technical support team in case you need help with installation or repair.
Also, read the fine print when it comes to solar panel warranties. Look into how long you are insured after purchase and what it takes to qualify for a warranty claim.
4. Current Power Bills
If the electricity bills to be paid each month exceed the cost of installing the solar panels, then solar panels will bring considerable savings on bills over time. However, if the electricity bills are too low, the savings from solar panels may be minimal, and so the cost of solar panels may be too high. Solar panels will offer greater savings and represent a wise investment for areas with high energy costs.
Knowing the current energy costs for each month can provide an estimate of how much the solar panels will save a family. Additionally, a family can contact local solar panel providers to get a more accurate estimate. Taking the time to consult and properly assess one’s current energy bills can ensure the decision to purchase solar panels is wise.
5. Available Space
Space is a key consideration to keep in mind before investing in solar panels. It’s important to know how much available area you have to install the panels and what type of roof or ground mount system is necessary. You need to factor in the solar panels’ size, weight, and arrangement according to your available space.
Consider the requirement of extra wiring, the effects of high winds or rain storms, and the additional strain on support structures. If space allows, try to leave a few yards around the installed system for maintenance and repairs.
6. Roof Condition
All rooftops vary in age, material, damage, and other conditions. When choosing solar panels, you should consider the material of the roof such as wood, shingles, terra cotta, fiber cement, metal, and more.
Additionally, you should look out for the signs of damage and understand the age of your roof before buying – a system won’t perform as effectively if it’s placed on an old or damaged rooftop. You also should consider the direction of your roof – a south-facing roof is usually preferred for consistent power production.
7. System Components
It is essential to ensure the components are of the highest quality to get the most out of the system. Examples of these components include solar cells, photovoltaic panels, mounting hardware, interconnect wiring, and a converter. To avoid any electrical system breakdowns or malfunctions, it is important to make sure all the parts are compatible, reliable, energy-efficient, and up-to-date.
Additionally, any solar system should come with a reputable warranty to cover any damages and problems that may arise. Make sure to research and look into these components thoroughly before buying a solar system to make sure it is worth your investment.
8. Brand Reputation
When choosing to install solar to your home, one of the most important things you should consider is the brand reputation of the product. It is important to look for highly recommended and trusted brands that have a good track record in providing reliable solar panel systems. You want to be sure you are buying reliable solar panels that will be efficient and last long, so you should research the companies and read customer reviews to determine the trustworthiness of the product.
By doing so, you can invest in a system that will best suit your home’s needs and provide you with quality solar energy. Additionally, if you opt for a more trusted brand, you will probably get a better warranty, making it easier to replace the solar panel if something goes wrong.
Factors to Consider Before Solar Panel Installation
Solar panel installation is an important investment in your home’s energy efficiency. Taking the time to consider all 8 of the factors discussed can help you make an educated decision when purchasing panels.
Factor in cost, efficiency, location, and warranties to find the best system for you. Contact a professional and certified solar panel provider today to get started.
Once you’ve seen how solar panel installation works and asked the necessary questions, you’ll be able to better decide if it’s a worthwhile investment for your home. If you want to learn more about energy-saving solutions, make sure to check out the rest of our blog.
