subject: Things To Consider When Buying Solar Panels [print this page] Things To Consider When Buying Solar Panels
Why are we thinking about solar power? Because we are tired of paying high and higher prices for our bulging electric and gas bills. Right now is the time to make a change. As we speak the sun is beaming down on your home, it's roof, your yard, concrete and the energy is either absorbed or bounced back into the atmosphere. What a Waste. Now ins the time to consider the benefits of a solar panel electrical system for your home or business. Consider these facts to help you make an intelligent decision.
7 Things To Consider When Buying Solar Panels
Your Electrical Needs
The most important thing to do first is to calculate your prior months usage figures over the last 2 years. This will take in both summer and winter usage. You then need to decide what percentage of your home electrical appliances are you going to power with solar panels. If you decide to power all, then your last two years of your power bills come into play. You must calculate the amount of kilowatts used on an average month over the two year period and also calculate your highest amounts used during peak months during this same period. The peak usage months are the key. You will want to have a solar system that will be able to handle your peak load and then add more power or wattage to your system so it will not be strained and it will have enough power if you add appliances to your home in the future.
If you only want to power certain items of you home that use a lot of power, then you must make a list of the wattage rating supplied for each appliance you plan to put on the solar system. Add up all of the amounts of these appliances and Presto, you have a good idea about the electricity you are consuming monthly with these. Then you figure a little higher output as the full system to power this configuration. Keeping both of these ideas in mind will ensure you will have enough power from whatever solar system you purchase.
2. What is Your Backup Source
If you are planning to use your solar system to completely power your home day and night without using the electrical grid, then you have to install some sort of backup system. On rainy, cloudy days and long nights, you will need good batteries for storing excess power that you generate on bright days. There many different batteries available in this market and they come in all different sizes, ratings and life spans. Check with the solar companies to get their recommendations for your type of system. This is very important.
Types of Panels and Mounting Systems
The most important of all is to buy from a known national company that is sanctioned here in the U>S> that the government sponsors. Check on it's financial strength. You want this company to be around to backup its warranty claims. The first type of solar panel that is used is the PV or mono-crystalline panel. These have the best or higher efficiency ratings at the moment and are ideal if you have a limited roof or yard area to work with.Thin film or amorphous silicom panels have a better look to them and are good on larger, more visible roof areas.
Mounting Systems
Whether your system is ground mounted or roof mounted, be sure
To check that all of the mounts, brackets, arms, holders, posts, screws, etc. are either stainless steel or aluminum so that weathering will not be a problem. You want as heavier a guage of
Mounting hardware as practical for locations and weight. See a
Spec sheet and compare the different brands to find this out.
Location, Location
The main goal of solar panes is to have the maximum amount of light exposure for the longest part of the day. Roof top mounted panel locations must be studied carefully to help find the optimum position. A solar specialist can help.
Warranties
This is again associated to a reputable and recognized manufacturer. It is typical for a warranty to be good for 20 to 25 years. Always ask a dealer for a copy of the manufacturers warranty policy. Find out who is actually providing the warranty and who will take care of any problems that arise.
Rebates or Tax Credits
The government offers huge tax incentives for those people who prefer to use solar energy, including thousands of dollars in tax credits and other discounts. States also have some type of incentives and these vary from state to state.
In conclusion, solar panels offer many benefits to us as homeowners and also to the environment especially. Because of the cost of these systems, both the financial and the green benefits need to be considered when making this decision.
Your Goal Is To Reap The Benefits That Solar Power Has To Offer!
