Were you aware that 8% of American homeowners already use solar energy, while a whopping 39% are giving this switch serious thought?
There’s no doubt that solar energy is the way of the future since it gives us access to unlimited power without damaging the environment. Even though the benefits of switching to solar are clear, lots of homeowners are still hesitant to take the plunge because this transition requires a lot of thought.
Would you like to buy solar panels for the home but you’re not sure where to turn first? Keep reading our guide on how to get solar panels for the home so you can shop like an expert.
Learn About the Different Types of Solar Panels on Homes
Every homeowner who wants to make the switch to solar energy often wonders about the best home solar panels they should buy. Each type of solar panel comes with its own pros and cons, so there is no right answer that can apply to everyone.
Taking the time to educate yourself on the different types of solar panels will help you come to the right conclusion for your unique home.
As you’re shopping for solar panels, you’ll notice that the three distinct categories are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film solar panels. Monocrystalline solar panels are the most energy-efficient material, but this also makes them more expensive. If you’re working on a tighter budget, you might not be able to afford the highest quality on the market.
Polycrystalline is the happy medium on this spectrum because it’s more affordable, but it does come with less energy efficiency.
Thin-film solar panels are attractive to some homeowners because they’re flexible and portable, but they give you the least bang for your buck in terms of energy efficiency. It’s up to you to decide which option makes the most sense for your goals.
Understand the Other Tools You’ll Need
Buying solar panels on their own isn’t enough to harness the power of the sun. There are plenty of other tools that you’ll need to have to create a functioning solar panel system. These parts make it possible to generate usable power for your home.
Some of the main tools that should be on your list are as follows: inverter, battery, wiring, solar charge controller, mounting system, electrical enclosures, and meters.
If all of this information sounds overwhelming, the good news is that you can buy solar panel system kits. These convenient kits will contain everything you need for your installation project.
Compare the Costs of Solar Panels
As mentioned before, every solar panel comes with its own price that can impact each homeowner’s project. The initial cost matters a great deal, but there are other factors that can have a big impact on how affordable your solar panels are. This is why it’s helpful to do your research so you can look at the full picture.
Lots of solar panel companies and financial institutions offer competitive loans and payment plans.
This could allow homeowners to have access to the finest solar panels on the market, which will save them more money in the long run due to increased energy efficiency.
In addition to figuring out who can offer you the most competitive deal, you shouldn’t forget about the tax incentives that you can reap as well.
Figure Out How Many Solar Panels Your Home Will Need
You need to ask yourself what you’d like to accomplish from installing solar panels on your home. Would you like total energy independence, or would you like to reduce your utility bills a bit? This can influence the cost of your project and how much money you’ll save in the future.
The larger your home is, the more solar panels you’ll need to power it. You also need to consider how much energy your household uses. For example, a couple who lives in a large house will use much less energy than a giant family that shares the same living space.
Research the Best Solar Panel Installers in Your Area
Since installing solar panels is a technical job, it’s always better to hire a reliable professional. It is possible to do this job yourself, but you deserve to have peace of mind that everything is running perfectly considering how large this investment is.
Knowing this, your next step is to find the best solar installer in your community. You can look at online reviews, review their background in the industry, and ask other homeowners for recommendations.
Make Sure That Your Roof Is in Top Condition
Solar panels are expensive to install right off the bat. However, they’re built to last for decades, which makes them a brilliant long-term investment. Since solar panels are durable, it makes the most sense to install them on a roof that’s also in top condition.
The last thing you’d want to do is spend a bunch of money on installing your solar panels and then realize a few years later that your roof is falling apart. Many homeowners repair or even replace their roof right before solar panel installation so that they won’t face any expensive issues.
Are You Excited to Buy Solar Panels for the Home With Confidence?
Buying solar panels could be the smartest decision you make for your home and finances. Since this is such a big decision, you should never buy solar panels for the home without doing a lot of research. Reading this guide will put you on the right path so you’ll be satisfied with the final results.
You’ll be amazed by how much solar panels can increase the value of your home. Would you like to learn more brilliant home and garden tips? Surf our blog.
