Top 5 Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Solar Panels
Introduction: Overview of the Benefits of Installing Solar Panel Energy
The most important benefits of installing solar panel energy are its ability to generate clean alternative sources of power, reduce energy costs, and conserve the environment. The advantages of solar energy are numerous and include providing energy freedom by eliminating the need to pay power companies and reduce energy bills. With advancements in technology, solar panels are now becoming more efficient, providing more energy than ever before, with high-efficiency panels offering up to 10 to 30 percent more energy than standard panels. In addition, solar panels provide a sense of energy independence and are an affordable way to power your home or business.
Match Your Load with the Panel’s Power Rating
Once you’ve decided to invest in solar panels and begin researching different products, you’ll come across the phrase “power rating.” In short, the power rating reflects the panel’s total power output in watts (W). More specifically, it tells you what sort of load the panel can handle and how much power it can generate. It is important to ensure that the power rating of the panel matches your load requirements, meaning that the panel should be able to cope with the power load required by your home or business. For instance, if your electricity needs consist of powering an air conditioner with 1,000 watts, then you will need to buy a panel of 1,000 Watts or greater to provide the appropriate power.
Consider the Panels’ Efficiency
When you’re researching solar panels, you will also come across the phrase “efficiency.” In short, the efficiency rate of a solar panel will determine how effective it is at turning sunlight into usable energy. The standard efficiency rate for most solar panels is between 18 and 22 percent. Higher efficiency models can offer up to 30 percent or more, but it is important to note that these models are usually more expensive. Therefore, it is important to consider the panels’ efficiency rate when deciding which panels to purchase.
Check for the Minimum Warranted Power
Another important factor to consider when purchasing solar panels is the minimum warranted power. All solar panels come with a minimum power warranty, and this tells you the minimum output that the panel can generate. It is important to be aware of this as it will determine whether or not the panel is suitable for your household or business needs. For example, if the minimum warranted power of the solar panel is less than your load demand, you may need to look for another panel or purchase more panels to cover the gap.
Look for PTC Rating
In addition to the power rating and efficiency rate, you also want to pay attention to the panel’s PTC rating. PTC stands for “peak temporal coefficient” and it is a rating system used to measure the panel’s efficiency. A higher PTC Rating means that the panel is more efficient and can provide more energy over a certain period of time. Therefore, you want to make sure that the panel you select has a good PTC Rating, as this will help you to get the best value out of your money.
Location is Crucial
When deciding on a new solar panel, it is also important to consider where it will be installed. Location is one of the key factors that will determine the success of your installation. To start, it is important to look for a location that receives the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. For example, if you live in the northern hemisphere, you should try to install the panels on a south-facing roof. In addition, you should try to avoid any potential shadows from nearby trees or buildings that may reduce sunlight levels.
Final Words – Summarizing the Benefits and Considerations when Buying Solar Panels
Installing solar panel energy provides numerous benefits, from reducing energy costs to providing energy independence. To ensure that you receive the best value for your money, it is important to consider a variety of factors when buying solar panels, such as the power rating, efficiency, warranty, PTC rating, and location. With these factors, you can be sure that you are making an informed decision that will provide the most energy savings and return on investment.
