Tips To Choose The Right Solar Panel For Your Home

Buying a solar panel power system often can be an exciting experience for you, however don’t be too nervous and carried away by the excitement. Ensure that you put your focus on some essential aspects related to purchase. This is because purchasing solar panels is really a substantial investment and hence you should opt for reliable solar suppliers. Here are some important tips to help you buy solar panels in San Francisco and be aware of what to look for when you make the purchase.

 

Know the type of panels

You could see there are more companies entering into the market in manufacturing solar panels. As being said that different types of solar panels available on the market, it may be difficult for you to distinguish and identify what is the best one for you. If you have knowledge on the panel type, you will find it helpful to make the right choice.

 

Silicon-based solar panels

Solar cells have silicon as their building blocks. Do you know which determines the solar panels efficiency? It is silicon purity! Solar cells that come with flawlessly aligned silicon molecules are found to be more efficient and able to convert solar energy into electricity in a better manner.

 

Mono-crystalline solar panels

Being available in uniform surface and solid black, these Mono-crystalline solar panels can deliver the consumers with consistent performance in high temperatures and even in shaded conditions.

 

Poly-crystalline solar panels

After silicon crystals are heated, melted, and hard-pressed, the remains are the Poly-crystalline solar panels that form a large solar cell. These are the panels, commonly used in solar panels around the globe and they are less expensive.

 

Thin-film solar panels

If you are looking for panels for curved surfaces, then this type is the ideal choice. They are lightweight, flexible and portable.

There are still more types of panels available, here we have listed out some important ones. Primarily, you have to determine the efficiency of solar panels and then move with leading solar suppliers to find the most perfect one for you.

 

Consider recommendations

If you are ready to buy solar panels, then you can ask your friends, family members and neighbours or colleagues if they know about any good dealers or whether they have purchased solar systems. It is noted that the best tips for buying solar systems often come from the neighbourhood of consumers. Since they can tell about their experiences and alert you with any problems if they have faced or experienced, you will be able to avoid such problems earlier.

 

Look for Certification

This holds most paramount importance that the seller or solar supplier you decide to buy from has relevant accreditation. Most professional solar panel installers are the ones who are members of the Solar Trade Association (STA) or Renewable Energy Assurance Limited (REAL). Be sure to know about the person who carried out the actual system installation. If you find it is a subcontracting company, then you have to make sure that the installer is accredited.

 

Efficiency of panels

The solar panel efficiency is the indicator for how well it can convert the solar energy into electricity. Typically, efficiency is calculated as a percentage, if higher is the percentage; the more panels will be more efficient. Generally, most solar panels efficiencies are found to be between 10-20%, however you can note that 25% models are also available in the market.

As the solar panels have the capability of losing efficiency over time which is estimated to around 0.5% each year, they come with a lengthy lifetime of 20-25 years. Most of the manufacturers give consumers a power warranty that usually carries a specific level of efficiency after a pre-set amount of time. You can compare the power warranties and with those details you can gain an idea of how well the panels can perform further down the line.

The efficiency of solar panels are affected by a number of factors, like shading, angle of the roof, placement, how well they are cleaned and maintained and outdoor temperature. Reliable solar suppliers can recommend you the optimal position for efficient solar panel installation.

 

Warranty

While you are in the decision of buying solar panels, you should consider what kind of warranty is issued with the equipment. In general, the average warranty that comes with solar panels is about twenty years. If you are offered with a shorter warranty, then you can think that the quality of the panels is probably lower. Solar inverters and storage batteries normally come with limited guarantee and it is around 5-10 years. Most dealers provide workmanship warranty additionally which is at least for 1 year.

 

Choose the right solar supplier

If you are totally ready to go installing a solar system in your home, then it is recommended to consider the below checklist for locating the right seller.

• Check the reputability of the company you have chosen and speak with them. Ask for how long they have been in the field and what their expertise is in installing solar panels. Also ensure they are insured and licensed.
• Make yourself know of the thing that the supplier comes to your home physically to assess the property, roof, and have consultation.
• Check with whether the supplier monitors the energy usage and gives you recommendations based on the details of average energy consumption, your existing and future requirements, and space requirements.
• Check with the solar supplier whether they mainly deal with solar products or make part of sales. Since there is a probability for some companies to change shortly and have a sign in contract even without stepping into the property.
• Consider the reviews of the company from other consumers. If you can, speak with someone who has already bought a product from this company before. Try to know the quality of their work and products.

Don’t forget that purchasing solar panels is a long-term investment and so you should take that seriously. Being ready to spend a considerable amount on a residential solar system, make sure that you deal with a professional and experienced solar supplier in the niche and the one with a good reputation.