According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, approximately 4% of American homes are solar energy-powered. If you want to lower your energy bill and minimize your carbon footprint, it’s time to join the 4% by switching to solar energy.

You may find it daunting to select solar panel systems that best suit your home.

We’re here to simplify the process by telling you about the factors you should consider when switching to solar power. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know to make the right decision for your residential solar system.

How Does a Solar Panel System Work?

When the sun hits the solar panel, the photovoltaic cells in the panel absorb the sunlight’s energy. In turn, the energy yields electric charges that move in line with the electrical field in the PV cell.

The solar inverter in the panel converts the electric flow into usable electricity. This is the electricity that will power your home and everything in it.

Benefits of Solar Power

You could gain so much from powering your home using solar power. Some of the benefits you’ll reap from using this renewable energy source include:

• Minimizing your carbon footprint
• Cushion from the risk of electrical grid failures
• Increased home value
• Saving on energy costs

Factors to Consider When Selecting Solar Panel Systems

If you’re planning to install a solar panel on your home, your goal should be to make the best investment possible. To attain this goal, consider the following factors:

Solar Panel Designs

When shopping for a solar panel, you will come across different types. One is the monocrystalline solar panels with a black shade, and their cells are made from a single silicon crystal. These have a higher conversion efficiency and will yield more electricity.

Monocrystalline solar panels are suitable if you have limited space, as they’ll yield more electricity per square foot. However, you’ll have to dig deeper into your pocket for this type of solar panel.

You can also opt for polycrystalline solar panels, which use many silicon crystals in one cell. As a result, they have lower energy efficiency than the monocrystalline panels. If you choose this design, you’ll need more panels to yield enough power output for your home.

Polycrystalline panels also have a shorter lifespan and may be less productive when temperatures are too high. On a positive note, they will cost you less. If you want a solar panel with blue shading, you can choose polycrystalline panels.

If you don’t want everyone to notice that you have a solar panel system, you can choose solar shingles. These will cost you more because of their attractive aesthetics. However, they’ll produce less energy, making them unsuitable if you want a larger energy output.

The Cost of the Solar Panel System

The upfront cost of the solar panel may be pretty high. As such, you should ensure that your choice matches your solar system budget.

Consider whether you can afford to pay for the expenses all at once or whether you will have to finance your purchase. If you choose the latter, you need to account for the interest rates you’ll pay over time.

You can decide to lease a solar panel if the upfront cost is too high for you. You will only pay a monthly fee based on the amount of energy the panel produces. When you lease, you’ll not worry about the cost of routine maintenance.

It will be best to work with a company that will advise on the best cost-saving option. An example is Blue Raven Solar provider, which will help you make the best choice between leasing and owning a solar panel system.

Installation

You should consider whether you will incur additional expenses when installing solar panels. You can either DIY the installation or choose a professional to complete the process for you.

If you choose the latter, you should first consult your supplier on whether they can install it for you as an after-sale service or at a discounted price. Your seller may also connect you to an affordable subcontractor.

When thinking about installation, one concern you may have is whether your roof will support the solar panel. A professional installer will inspect your roof to see whether it can withstand the solar panel’s weight. If your roof is in poor condition, you may want to replace it before installing a residential solar system.

Tax Incentives and Rebates

Although a solar panel system might cost you an arm and a leg, you can get tax incentives when investing in this eco-friendly energy source. Find out whether your state has rebates and tax breaks for people who embrace solar energy.

Currently, the federal tax credit will allow you to deduct 26% of the total cost of solar system installation from your taxes. Make sure you find out about these incentives and capitalize on them to reduce the cost of transitioning to solar energy.

Location

Before purchasing solar panels, you should ensure you have enough space to put them. The panels will be installed on your roof in most cases. You can also have the system installed in your yard if you have ample space or if it’s unfeasible to have it on the roof.

No matter where you install the panel, you have to get their position light for optimal sunlight. If you’re in the northern hemisphere, your panel should face south. It should face north if you’re in the southern hemisphere to ensure that it gets direct sunlight during the day.  

Warranty

Before buying a residential solar system, you should know its warranty terms. Most manufacturers will offer you a performance warranty between 25 and 30 years.

Ask about the product warranty to ensure that the manufacturer can repair your solar panel system if it has issues. Consider what the warranty will cover, and make sure you choose a manufacturer that will protect your system for longer.

Select Solar Panel Systems That Guarantee a Return on Your Investment

Switching to solar energy is the best decision to lower your energy costs and protect the environment. However, you’ll only benefit if you think about what you want before buying the panels. This guide will help you select solar panel systems that will save both your money and the planet.

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