As the planet continues to get hotter with every passing year, and global warming threatens the very existence of the human race, more and more home and business owners are turning to solar power to generate energy that’s cleaner and sustainable.
But, while switching to solar power has some huge advantages, it’s important to understand what switching entails, before you engage with a solar installer in your area.
To help you make sense of the options, and determine whether making the switch to solar power is feasible for you, here are some important considerations to make:
Your energy needs
Knowing what your energy needs are is essential for choosing a system that will enable you to power your home or business efficiently. The size of the building, what appliances are being used, and how much power is typically consumed, will all play a role, and you may find a professional audit is the best way of accurately determining this.
Panel efficiency
How efficient a solar panel is, is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a system to power your home or business. The efficiency of a panel refers to its ability to produce electricity from sunlight, and basically, the more efficient a panel is, the more electricity it’s capable of producing.
At the moment, solar panels with efficiency rates of around 22% are generally considered to be the most efficient, and you should pay attention to this rate when buying panels, so that you can be sure to get the most out of your investment.
Panel wattage
Referring to the amount of power a panel is capable of producing, it pays to look for a high wattage rating when shopping for panels, as they will generate more electricity and give you more bang for your buck over time. That said, panels with a higher wattage are more expensive.
Panel size
As you might expect, the bigger a solar panel, the more electricity it will be capable of producing, but it will also cost you more, and take up a lot more space on your roof, or in your yard if you have a ground-mounted system. Think carefully about the size of your roof, and your electricity requirements before making your choice.
Cost
Even if you’re able to take advantage of government incentives and tax rebates when having a solar panel system installed at your home, you’ll still need to think carefully about how much you can afford to spend. Although you’ll get your money back on your investment in the long term, your short-term financial needs must also be considered.
Brand
Although you might be tempted to buy cheaper panels from a lesser known brand, when it comes to something as expensive as solar panels, it really does pay to stick to trusted brands with solid reputations. Always check the warranty before buying, and research customer reviews to make sure you’re buying from a reputable brand.
Switching to solar is a fantastically effective way to combat serious environmental issues, and reduce your own carbon footprint significantly. But you must give the decision to switch serious thought before taking the plunge, and that way, you should get the most out of your solar experience.