How to select solar panels

Once consumers have made the wise decision to install solar panels on their home, there are many options to consider. With technological advances occurring rapidly, consumers will be wise to research the many solar options before installation. Choosing to install a home solar energy system is a common-sense financial investment for virtually every homeowner. There are many different factors to consider when choosing a solar company – the equipment that you select for your system, your financing options, and the installer that you employ all have an impact on your solar savings. There are two basic parts to a grid-connected solar energy system: the solar panels, which create electricity from sunlight, and the inverter, which converts the electricity into a form of energy you can use in your home. Some also include a monitoring system, which allows you to see how much power you’re generating and using. While solar batteries haven’t yet hit the mainstream, the announcement of Tesla’s Powerwall battery and other technologies are making it more possible for homeowners to consider incorporating a battery into their system. Solar batteries are able to store electricity for use when the sun’s power is not sufficient to provide enough electricity for your home or business.

Selecting Solar Panels

How to choose your solar panels in 3 steps
Measure solar panel efficiency and compare to the industry average of 16-18%
Gauge solar panel manufacturer warranties against industry average of 10-25 years
Compare the cost to relative efficiency but remember, the most efficient panels don’t always provide the best financial value

What factors should I consider when selecting a solar panel?

Consumers can evaluate solar panels using a few main parameters: production, durability and manufacturer quality. The quantity of electricity a  solar panel can produce is dependent on several factors, including the power rating, power tolerance, efficiency and temperature coefficient. Cumulatively, these factors show how much power your system will generate.
It is also wise to analyze indications of panel manufacturer quality. Start with the warranties and guarantees that the manufacturer offers on their products. Like all physical objects, solar panels degrade and become less efficient over time. Some manufacturers will guarantee that the power production of their panels doesn’t fall below a basic threshold over a quarter century. Moreover, many panel manufacturers have a warranty on materials in case the panels fail to function properly.

Solar power is here to stay, and the sooner you explore how much you can save, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of residential solar power. Go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. It tells you how much solar power you need, and how much you can save.

Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar.