The Sun provides Earth with immense energy, and if we could harness its full potential, even for one hour, it would be enough to meet global energy needs for one year. Unfortunately, we are only able to collect a fraction of this energy, but doing so using solar panels can make a significant difference. What a fantastic ability it is to be able to turn raw sun energy into electricity!
Buying solar panels for your home can be a rewarding experience as you’re taking a step towards protecting our environment. It can also be a daunting experience as there are rules for safe system design that can vary for different locations. There are many aspects to consider before purchasing the system.
Buying a solar photovoltaic (PV) system is a long-term investment that you’re going to want to enjoy for many years to come. Therefore, it is important to make this decision understanding the different system design options, the constraints and opportunities unique to your home, and how you can choose the best system for your home.
Get Recommendations
The first step after you’ve decided to purchase a solar PV system is to ask your friends, neighbors, and relatives who are already using PV panels in their homes or offices, for their recommendations. Often the best buying tips for solar panels come from people who are already using them. They’ll inform you about their experience with a specific brand and warn you of any problems they’ve faced. This way, you’ll be careful to learn from their experience to help avoid issues they may have encountered.
Decide on the Types of Panels
A few years ago, people would have had to use monocrystalline solar panels for their limited roof space. These panels were the most efficient type of solar panel but were also more expensive than alternative types such as polycrystalline. With the advancement in the polycrystalline panel, bifacial, and thin-film technologies, there are more choices available and selection of the most cost effective solar panel for your home can be more complex. Solar panel selection takes into consideration a balance between roof space, solar panel dimensions, electrical characteristics and the goals for solar power generation.
Make sure to check the performance warranty timeline, the nominal power ratings of the panels, and the installed cost per PV watt ($/Wpv) of the PV system.
Solar contractors can help you evaluate the options and select the best solar module for your home.
Get Solar Quotes From Different Companies
It is a good practice to get quotes from different companies. This will allow you to compare prices and quality between the providers. However, you should bear in mind that the cheapest panels may be using inferior components to reduce the upfront cost, and buying them may cost you in the long run with more maintenance, lower reliability, and efficiency degradation.
While you’re on the lookout for good quality and reasonable prices, look for the company’s reputation and knowledge base as well.
Check For Certification and Warranties
Checking for certification and warranty of panels is an essential step before making the final purchase. These certifications show that a particular solar PV module and other solar components have undergone testing by an independent, certified laboratory, and they meet the advertised specifications. Similarly, warranty, for a substantial period, builds your trust in the product and the company.
At Dandelion Renewables, we provide solar, wind, and power conservation solutions to our customers based in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. We have a complete range of certified products and services relating to renewable energy at reasonable rates. Visit our website dandelionrenewables.com, or you can contact us here to get a free quote.