How to Buy Solar Panels: The Basics Explained

According to industry research, solar panels have become at least 70% cheaper in the last ten years. You can also save with fantastic federal rebates on your taxes until the end of 2022 when you install solar.

So, if you’ve been wondering about installing solar, now’s the time to do it.

Installing solar panels for home and business use is one of the best ways to do your bit for reducing carbon emissions. That’s only if they can really help you cut down on your reliance on non-renewable sources of electricity.

Here’s how to buy solar panels that will help you enjoy renewable energy at its best.

Finding the Right Solar Panels

Depends on general knowledge of how solar panels work and the different solar panel options available to you.

Solar panels comprise photovoltaic cells comprising semiconductors that convert the sun’s light into electrons. These panels then feed this DC to an inverter in your home that changes it to AC that’s stored in batteries for later use.

Most solar panels are around two inches thick, but they vary considerably concerning their other dimensions. They usually weigh less than 30 pounds and come in three main configurations.

These are:

• Cost-effective framed solar panels
• Lightweight foldable solar panels
• Bulkier flexible solar panels

Both of the latter are portable and suited to camping or boating, while framed panels are the industry standard for home solar panels.

There are three main types of framed solar panels, namely thin-film, monocrystalline, and polycrystalline panels. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient, but also the most expensive type of solar panel.

The size of the panels you choose determines how much electricity they can generate, but this is also influenced by how much direct sunlight they receive.

Solar panel technology is advancing all the time, which contributes to the efficiency of the latest panels.

How to Buy Solar Panels That Meet Your Energy Needs

Your energy needs are the main consideration when buying solar panels. One of the major solar advantages is getting rid of those pesky energy bills for good.

With a grid-tied system, you can still use energy from the grid if necessary, but you’ll pay the usual rates for this. Add to this the cost of installing solar, and it’s vital that you can harness enough power from the sun for considerable savings.

One way to calculate how many panels you need is to check your energy bill for your average consumption every month. Then divide this number by the number of hours that you receive sunlight per month.

You can check this figure on a solar insolation chart for your area. To ensure you don’t underestimate your usage, you can bump that figure up by 30-50% to make up for system inefficiencies.

That’s around the number of watts you’ll need to install on your roof.

Save With Technology

For expert guidance on how to buy solar panels that suit your location and your needs, consult a local solar installer for advice. They’re your best source of reliable information regarding solar in your area.

Would you like to find out more about solar power or how technology can help you save? Browse our blog for more insights.