The major challenge when buying solar panels is choosing which brand to use. Comparing prices on a like-to-like basis may not result in the lowest cost of ownership over the lifetime of your panels. When shopping for solar panels, consider how the below factors will affect all-in ownership costs.
Solar cell conversion efficiency - Solar cell efficiency is how much energy from sunlight is converted into electricity. The top-selling panels have a conversion efficiency rate of 15 to 22%. Your local climate and sun exposure and shading will affect how much usable electricity is produced.
Solar panel installation costs - Some solar power companies will include installation in the cost of the solar panels.
Home upgrades - Your roof may not be appropriate for solar cell panels. Some solar panel vendors are offering solar panel installation with a new roof at a lower price than the cost of a new roof.
Guaranty - The elements will be beating down on your solar panels—sun, sleet, and rain—so make sure you have a guarantee that covers the lifetime of your expected use of the solar panels. Inquire if it also includes the cost of any replacement components. Weatherization can extend solar panel lifetime.
Replacement parts and repairs - Your solar panels may need repair or replacement in the future. Know the costs upfront.
Financing options – Residential solar system providers are offering attractive financing terms to increase sales. Loans and leasing are popular payment methods. More recently, monthly subscriptions that include solar panel installation and guarantees have been offered. Interest rates and other financing charges should be included in the overall cost of ownership calculation.
Government grants and subsidies - A wide variety of local, state and federal grants and loans are available for solar panel and other smart energy home upgrades.
By considering your new solar panels as part of a more energy efficient home, you can reduce your overall home energy bill. Solar panels that interconnect with your other home energy systems will provide the best value.
A hybrid system could allow you to also heat water or ambient flooring. If you have an electric car, easy connectivity to your electric car charger will be important to you. If you can connect your solar system to the local grid, you can even become a seller of electricity. Net metering agreements enable you to sell power back to your local utility, allowing you to make money from your solar panels, or at the very least offset the costs of your new home solar power system.
Energy makes the world go 'round, and in more ways than one! Kinetic energy and gravitational energy are literally responsible for the motion of the earth through space. In a less literal sense, we humans could not live the way we do without energy. We rely on electricity to power everything from our washing machines to our air conditioners. That energy can come from a number of sources, such as solar power or natural gas, but it is energy nonetheless. Show energy some appreciation by reading the articles on this website and expanding your own knowledge on the topic. You'll look at outlets a whole lot differently soon.