If you’re looking for a way to save money on your energy bills, solar panels are a great option. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they can also help reduce your monthly expenses. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best solar panels on the market and discuss why they might be a good choice for you.
What are solar panels and how do they work
Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells that absorb the sun’s rays and convert them into energy. The cells in your typical solar panel come in a grid pattern, similar to the layout of tiles on a roof. Solar panels look just like ordinary rooftop shingles, but they’re usually black or blue instead of the silver color you’re used to seeing.
There are two types of solar panels on the market today– crystalline and thin film . Crystalline panels are made up of cells that are “cut” or sliced from wafers, which reduces their cost but makes them less flexible than thin-film cells. Thin-film panels are a little less efficient than the crystalline variety, but they’re more flexible and cost-effective.
The benefits of using solar panels
There are several benefits to using solar panels, including:
- Boosting your home’s resale value (more and more people want to live in sustainable homes)
- Reducing the amount of greenhouse gases you produce (by not having to rely on power plants for electricity)
- Saving money on your energy bills
- Using a renewable source of energy in your home
How to choose the best solar panels for your home
There are several things to consider when you’re trying to decide which solar panels will work best for your home. The first thing you need to do is figure out how much energy you typically use each month. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, check out some of these figures:
1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the average amount of energy used by a typical U.S. household in one month.
2 kWh is also important to know if you’re thinking about buying solar panels for your home. This is the amount of energy that’s produced by a typical 1×1 ft. solar panel in one hour.
Once you know how much energy your home uses, take a look at the area you plan to install your solar panels. You should be able to squeeze six of the 1×1 ft. panels onto 100 square feet of roof space, which means that if you’re installing on an average-sized house, you can expect your home to produce about 12 kWh per day.
With that much energy, you can expect to power everything in your home. If you’re thinking about buying a lot of appliances and electronics for your home, though, look into purchasing two or three more panels so that the amount of solar energy you produce is enough to power them.
Installation tips for solar panels
Before you install your solar panels, there are a few things you’ll need to do first.
These include:
- Determining the amount of electricity you use each month (by looking at your bills) and how much energy your appliances and electronics use throughout the day
- Figuring out how many solar panels you need to power everything in your home
- Finding an installer who can meet your needs (if they don’t already have their own), estimate the cost of installation, and give you an idea of when they can get started with your project
- Making sure that local building codes allow for rooftop installations if needed (especially if it’s an older house)
Once you have an idea of how much energy your home uses, it’s time to look for the best solar panels.
Solar panel manufacturers are listed above for easy reference, so take a look at their products to find out which ones are available in your area.
If possible, speak with someone who already has solar panels installed on their roof—they can tell you what to expect and help you make a good purchase.
Maintenance tips for solar panels
If you’re going to have solar panels installed on your roof, it’s important that they stay clean and in good condition throughout the year.
Keeping them free of dust and dirt can help them produce more energy, which means a lower cost when you go to sell your home.
Solar panels also need sun exposure all year long—they won’t function properly if they’re covered with snow or ice. If possible, try to find a place on your roof where they will get direct sunlight for at least six hours each day.
As for installation, make sure you choose a company that has experience with solar panel installation. These panels aren’t difficult to put up, but it’s best not to attempt the job yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing.
FAQs
What is the lifespan of a solar panel?
Solar panels typically last 25 years or more, although their efficiency will decrease over time. This means that while they’re working for you, they’ll be able to produce less energy than when they were first bought and installed.
How much electricity do solar panels produce?
A 1×1 ft. solar panel should produce about 1 kWh per day given six hours of sunlight
Is installation necessary with many solar panels?
Installing enough solar panels to power an entire home requires only basic construction skills and the right equipment, but if you’re not sure what to do or which solar panels are best for your home, leave the installation to a professional.
What is covered in the cost of solar panel installation?
The cost of installation will vary depending on the number and size of panels you need, as well as how much work must be done to prepare your roof for installation. Contact each company above to get an idea of the total cost, including how much work needs to be done before installation can begin.
Why are solar panels so expensive?
Even though the initial cost of solar panel installation is high, it’s a one-time expense that will save homeowners money in the long run. Plus, when it comes time to sell your home, you’ll be able to recoup much of that initial cost through tax breaks and other incentives.
Conclusion
Solar panels are a great way to reduce your energy bills and help the environment. Not only are they more affordable than ever before, but they also come with a number of tax breaks and incentives.
Before you purchase solar panels, be sure to do your research and find an installer who can meet your needs. Keep in mind that while installation may seem daunting, it’s something that most people can do themselves with the right instructions.