Solar energy is a viable alternative to traditional energy that uses fossil fuels. It harnesses the power of the sun and uses it to create energy that can power your home. While the solar energy conversion process is relatively straightforward, choosing a solar power system and setting it up is more complicated.
If you’ve been interested in a solar power system for your home, this article should help make things easier for you. In this article, we’ll cover some of the factors you should consider when choosing a solar panel system for your home.
Geography
This is one of the more critical factors when considering a solar power system for your home. If you live in Chicago or Portland, you’re not going to get as much direct sunlight than if you live in Phoenix or Los Angeles. More direct sunlight means that your solar power system will be able to generate more energy for your home. This makes it a better investment for you in the long and short term.
Warranty
For you to see a return on your initial investment, you’ll likely have to run solar panels for years. Some people can recoup their initial investment in solar panels in as little as five years—but that’s on the low end of the spectrum. It could take 10 years or more depending on several different factors. Because of this, it’s important to find a solar panel manufacturer that offers a robust warranty.
Some manufacturers offer efficiency warranties, meaning that they guarantee that the solar power system’s production won’t fall below a certain level for a given number of years. Some offer warranties against the failure of the panels. These panels are a long-term investment that will be exposed to the elements, so securing a solid warranty can protect you and offer peace of mind.
Panel type
For your solar power system, you’ll get to choose between monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film amorphous solar panels. The two most common are monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline solar panels offer the best energy output but also have the highest price tag.
Polycrystalline solar panels are less expensive and less efficient than monocrystalline panels, but they’re more environmentally friendly. Thin-film amorphous panels are better for smaller homes and involve stacking multiple thin-film panels on top of each other to generate power. They’re more efficient than other types of thin-film solar panels, albeit more expensive.
Inverter type
Every solar power system needs an inverter to convert the sunlight that’s been collected into energy that can be used in the power grid. There are two types of inverters: string inverters and microinverters.
A string inverter is less expensive but also less efficient, as it links all the panels together and routes that power to the inverter. A microinverter, on the other hand, is more expensive but vastly more efficient; it allows the solar panels to operate independently of each other, preventing one downed panel from adversely affecting the whole system.
Call for your solar power system today
If you’re interested in a solar panel system for your home, call us at Aneva Solar. We’re the solar panel experts, and we’d be happy to work with you to find a viable solar energy system for your home today.