Introduction
Do you want to buy solar panels but need to be made aware of what factors you should consider? Do you need to become more familiar with the types of solar panels? Do you want to know the best category of solar panels? If yes, then you are at the right place. This article will explore how to choose the best solar panel according to your needs out of many options. Solar panels are growing rapidly. Many countries, such as China, are working on projects to convert huge electricity workloads to solar panels. It will help them save money by spending less on high-priced fossil fuels. It also helps them protect and save the environment, as solar energy is clean and does not produce harmful gas emissions. Solar energy also reduces the carbon footprint.
Many factors, such as panels material and inverter, panel’s cost, mounting option, warranty and performance, and many more, affect the buyer’s decision to buy a specific solar panel. We will explore all these factors in detail. So reading this article, you can choose the perfect solar panel for your home.
Panel material
Out of many factors, the solar panel’s material greatly influences the buyer’s decision because it affects the panel’s efficiency, durability, and cost. Also, it impacts how much environmental impact the solar panel will have. There are three main types of solar panels, and each is made up of different materials. Let’s explore their materials and their impacts.
The first type is monocrystalline, which is made up of single-crystal silicon. These cells have high purity and efficiency, uniform dark color, and rounded images. The second type of solar panel is polycrystalline, which comprises multiple-crystal silicon cells. As compared to monocrystalline, polycrystalline solar panels has low efficiency and purity. Their color is blue, and the edges are square. And the third type of solar panel is thin-film, which comprises thin layers of multiple materials. Out of all three types, this is the cheapest and least efficient type of solar panel.
So which type of solar panel best suits you depends upon your budget, home location, needs, and preferences. For example:
You may opt for monocrystalline panels if you live in a sunny area with ample roof space and want to maximize your power output.
If you live in a cloudy area with limited roof space and want to save money on your installation, you may opt for polycrystalline panels.
If you live in an area with unorthodox roof styles or want to use solar power for small projects, you may opt for thin-film panels.
Solar inverter
A solar inverter, a device that converts D.C. to A.C., is another factor you must consider when choosing or buying a solar panel. As the majority of our home devices do not use direct current, they use alternate current, so inverters are the most important factor.
The major types of solar inverters are string, micro, and power optimizers. Each type has its pros and cons.
String inverters are cheap. These solar panel are widely used and easy to install. String inverters connect a series of solar panels to a single inverter, so you can’t monitor an individual panel out of this series. Any damage in one solar panel can decrease the performance of the overall solar system.
Microinverters are more expensive. One inverter is attached to one solar panel, so these are complex to install, and they convey D.C. to A.C. at the panel level. They are also environment-sensitive panels means they are affected by harsh environmental conditions.
The third type of inverter is a power optimizer. These are not inverters but look and work like inverts. They optimize the D.C. before sending it to a central string inverter. These are a combination of both types of string inverters and microinverter.
So check your home’s roof size and layout, shading issues, and your needs and requirements; you can choose one that best suits you.
Mounting option
A mounting option is attaching your solar panels to a surface, such as your roof or the ground. How much solar light your solar panel will capture depends upon the mounting option. Mounting options also determine the panel space it will take on your home’s roof, appearance, and installation.
Roof mounted is a type of mounting option that is suitable for the majority of roof types. You install your panels on top of your existing roof. In doing this, you use racks drilled or ballasted to the roof surface. Roof mounted uses low space of the roof and has low installation cost.
Ground-mounted is another type. In this type, you install your panels on a metal frame secured to the ground by digging or using concrete blocks. If you have plenty of land or poor roof conditions, this type is best for you, but it has high installation costs and possible aesthetic issues.
Another type is Tracking systems. In this type, you install your panels on a special mount that can move and follow the sun throughout the day to increase your energy production by up to 45%. It saves space and money but needs high upfront and maintenance costs.
Other Factors: Cost, warranty
Similarly, another factor is the cost of solar panels. Still, the price depends on several factors, such as the panel quality, system size, installation fees, incentives, etc. The average cost per watt of a solar panel in the U.S. is around 3$ to 5$.
Another factor is the warranty, which is the most important because it saves you from unexpected costs and losses. Buying a solar panel, you get multiple types of warranties such as product warranty for the physical integrity and functionality of the solar panels, performance warranty that the solar panels will maintain a certain level of power output over their lifetime, and artistry warranty that ensure the quality and safety of the installation work done by the installer.
FAQs
What are the factors to consider when buying solar panels?
There are multiple factors to consider while buying a solar panel, such as the panel material, solar inverter, mounting option; it’s cost, warranty, and performance. You can choose one that is best suitable for your needs and preferences.
How do I choose solar panel capacity for my home?
When choosing a solar panel capacity for your solar system, you need to consider the factors such as the amount of available sunlight, the size of your roof, and your energy needs. If you do not know how to measure these factors, consult a professional installer.
What are the 3 types of solar panels?
Three major types of solar panels are monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline solar panels, and thin-film solar panels.
What is most important for solar panels?
Different factors have different impacts on solar panels, but some of the major factors are the efficiency of the solar panel, its durability, and its cost.
Final Analysis
You need to consider several factors like the panel’s material, solar inverter, mounting option, cost, warranty, and performance while choosing a solar panel out of many available options. All these factors are important to determine whether your panel is durable, efficient, and sustainable. Compare the pros and cons of different types and brands of solar panels. Consult with a professional installer. Keep remembering your home’s roof size and angle and a record of your annual energy needs. Doing this lets you easily choose a solar panel that is best for your home in the long run.
