How To Choose Your Solar Panels
Are you thinking about getting some solar panels? You should do more research on different technologies and manufacturers. Read the following article for some helpful tips you can use to choose the right solar panels.
You should start by figuring out how much power you use at home. It is important to choose a solar energy system that is adapted to your needs. If you are not sure how much power you need for your home, install an energy monitor. Use this device to get an idea of how much power you use on a daily basis. Monitor your power use over several months to take fluctuations caused by running your AC unit or heating your home in consideration.
You should not purchase the most affordable panels you find. Investing in a recent technology is your best option since recent panels can produce more power than other products available on the market. Learn more about recent technologies and purchase the best panels you can afford. Investing in more performing panels could actually allow you to power your home with a much smaller system. If you cannot afford solar panels now, wait a few years for new technologies to become more affordable.
Have a professional inspect your roof to make sure it is sturdy enough. If your roof is too weak for the weight of solar panels, you will have to hire a contractor who can install a steel frame on your roof. If you do not want to improve your roof, invest in light weight panels. Thin film panels are your best option because of their flexibility and their light weight. These panels are more expensive but they could help you avoid spending money on your roof. If possible, get an adjustable mount too so you can adjust the position of your panels throughout the day.
Find out more about different manufacturers. There are several brands of solar panels, and some brands have much better technologies than others. You will get better results if you invest in an excellent brand. Do plenty of research online to get a better idea of which manufacturers have the best products. Look at rankings of manufacturers, and choose solar panels that rank in the top tier of the market.
Compare different solar panels. Take the time to look at the specifics of each product to determine how efficient the panels are. Pay attention to the wattage to get an idea of how much power a panel can produce. The wattage of a panel is calculated in function of how much power the device can produce in ideal conditions. The power you can produce with your panels actually depends on your exposure to sun rays. Solar panels produce very different amount of energy from one are to another.
Use these tips to select the right solar panels for your solar energy system. You should spend plenty of time researching different manufacturers and comparing different panels before deciding what kind of system you want to invest in.
