A Guide to Choosing the Right Solar Panel 

Are you a business owner or a homeowner and have decided to transition to solar energy? That is one of the best decision you have made since you are about to make a change towards a sustainable energy and cost-effective future. However, the key to success of your decision is getting the right solar panel, a choice that involves carefully considering various factors. Whether you are looking to harness the power of sun for your resident or hoping to reduce operational costs, choosing the right solar panel is essential. As you know, solar panels come in in different technologies, capacities, sizes, and efficiencies. Use these tips to know which solar panel type will fulfill your needs. 

Cost

When it comes to making any purchasing decision, cost should be the first consideration. Although it should not be the only factor to determine which solar panel you purchase, it is vital. This is because we have different financial capabilities and it is wise to pay for what you can to avoid future financial hurdles. The prices of solar panels are determined by different furs such as size in watts, physical size, model, brand, quality, durability, and certifications of the solar panel. Considering that you will probably buy a solar only once in your life time because the lifespan of solar is long, it is crucial to buy good quality system rather than simply choosing the cheapest option. However, this doesn’t mean that you need to take the most expensive system. The right thing is to study the solar panels carefully to the one that offers the most benefits within your budget. 

Understand Your Energy Needs

Consider your energy consumption patterns in order to know the solar panel you need. Estimate the amount of electricity you consume monthly to know the capacity of solar panel system you require. This step sets the foundation for type and size of panel that will efficiently serve you. It wouldn’t be wise to get a small panel that does not meet your needs, while getting a big one that surpasses your needs is a waste of resources. 

Energy efficiency

Solar panel efficiency is a measure of the amount of sunlight that falls on panel surface and is converted into electricity. A solar panel with higher efficiency rate is better but it is usually expensive. However, you don’t have to choose the biggest solar or the option that is more efficient since you might end up spending more money on a system that will be covering more than your energy needs. Let an expert guide you on the level of energy needs each solar panel can handle to help you choose the one that matched your needs. They usually use PV tester to measure solar panel efficiency and guide you to making the right choice. 

Before making the decision, think of it this way, if you need a cup of coffee, do you boil water on a large kettle just because it is available and end up wasting water and gas, or use a smaller kettle to boil the right amount of water you need. While both will fulfill your needs, one will be more expensive than the other. Asses your needs carefully and select a solar panel that suits your needs. 

Durability

A solar is equipment that you probably need to purchase once in your lifetime. Having said that, the type and quality of solar panel you choose can determine whether you will be back in the market sooner or you will incur high maintenance cost. Choose a solar panel from manufactures that are confident in their products. Typically, buy a solar that offers 25 and above years of warranty because this shows the manufactures trust their product. If a solar panel does not have a long warranty, take this as a sign. Regardless of how low price is, search until you find an option you are satisfied with. After all, it would be a waste of your investment if the product breaks in a year, making you go back to less sustainable energy sources. Proper maintenance is key to a longer lifespan, but maintenance is always easy. 

Size

Size involves both physical size and watts size. Invest in a solar panel that is big enough to power all your energy needs. You should also consider the space you have and whether the system you get will fit that space. Physical sizes vary depending on how powerful the system is (bigger size means more watts) and the type of solar cells used to build the panel. A business or commercial solar panel should be big while a resident panel should be of standard size depending on unique needs. 

Capacity

The capacity of a solar panel is the amount of power it can produce when put under standard conditions, usually measured in watts or kilowatts. A panel with higher capacity means it can provide more electricity and the vice versa. Nonetheless, this does not show the exact amount of electricity will be generated in the real-world. The factors that determine the amount of electrify produces are location, weather, temperature and orientation. You can estimate your actual output by multiplying your capacity by a performance ratio that accounts for these factors. 

Installation and Maintenance Requirements

There are different solar panels and each has varied installation and maintenance requirements.  While some are easier to install and maintain and you can DIY, others require specialists to help you install and maintain. Before purchasing any panel, factor in these considerations, especially if you plan to take the DIY approach or have limited resources for continued maintenance. It would be wise to choose the option that is easy to install and requires minimal maintenance. Talk to solar energy professional to guide you on how to choose the right panel for your unique needs. 

In conclusion, making the decision to shift to solar energy is taking a step towards clean, renewable and sustainable energy. However, selecting the right solar panel determines whether you will enjoy your decision. Put important factors into consideration before making any decisions. Consider your energy needs and chose the panel that satisfies them. Other factors to consider are capacity, cost, size, installation and maintenance, durability and energy efficiency. Considering these factors carefully helps you to pick a solar panel that will meet your needs efficiently and serve you for long.