How To Buy A Solar Panel – Ultimate Buying Guide In Depth

how to buy a solar panel

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how to buy a solar panel

Currently, with the threat of global warming rising ever higher, more and more people are looking for a solution. For many, the solution to this problem is clean energy.

Going green is becoming increasingly popular and one of the most common associations with solar energy is solar generated power. Solar panels generate energy by absorbing the light from the sun. They use the energy the massive star produces as a power source and then that power flows into your home. It is an extremely clean and renewable source of energy and that very attractive. In fact, generating your own power with a personal solar panel is attractive because it not only lessons your ecological footprint but also reduces electricity bills.

As a result, saving money on electricity equals a more prosperous way of life. Solar panels are incredibly efficient and getting your hands on one is not that hard. It simply is all about knowing what you need and how to find it.

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Things To Consider When Buy A Solar Panel

Before you buy a solar panel kit it is important to figure out what you need it for. Doing this will allow you to figure out which type of solar panel you need and determine the number of units you should buy.

Figuring out your needs and how much energy you require for them will make your job easier. Finding the right panel for the job will become a task of simplicity instead of something intimidating.

 

Know The Difference Between Solar Panels

There are many different types of solar panels available on the market. Generally speaking, solar panels fall into three categories. These categories are as follows:

First Generation Panels, Second Generation Panels, and Third Generation panels. First Generation Panels are usually made of monocrystalline silicon of polysilicon.

They are usually found in commercialized settings. They tend to do better in higher temperatures compared to their Polycrystalline counterparts.

However, this makes them incredibly expensive and not always the best choice for someone buying a panel at home. While costly, they are efficient for smaller spaces than their counterparts. Second Generation Panels are newer and made with a thin film of solar cells. They are usually used on buildings or in smaller solar power systems.

They are flexible and this makes them extremely good for multiple applications. They do relatively well in high temperatures and are the easiest to produce, which makes them more cost-effective.

The downside is that they take up a lot of space, which can make them unattractive to residential applications unless installed on the rooftop. They also have the shortest warranty among the options as they tend to have shorter lifespans. Third Generation Panels are more experimental than the other two options. Many of the models are still in development and research phases. For the meantime, the options you need to worry about are solar panels that fall under the first two generations.

 

Know Your Energy Needs

Calculate the electrical needs of your home or business. From this, figure out the wattage amounts to power everything you will need to use.

This will give you a general idea of the electricity you use per month and that will help you know which solar panel kits to buy. It is always important to make sure you cover all of your energy needs when turning to solar power.

 

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need

 

Realize Buying A Solar Panel System Is Not Cheap

While solar panels will save you money in the long run, understand a system to power your whole home will be costly up front. Rather you need just one panel or many.

It is important to realize that solar panels are an investment. Therefore, it is important to do the optimal amount of research for your needs so that you made buy the best flexible solar panels.

 

Think Of Your Location

Look around where you intend to install your solar panels. Determine if the area is flat, on a hill, or has areas of shade. Determine how much direct sunlight these areas will get.

All of these things will impact which kind of panel you need and how much money you spend. Some panels are better at handling spots of shade, while others lose great amounts of efficiency in comparison.

The best place to install solar panels is where they will be facing the most sunlight from eight in the morning until four in the evening. Wherever the sun is the most intense will provide more efficient energy to whatever you need to power.

 

Get Multiple Quotes And Search For A Decent Warranty

Do not only do small amounts of research and settle on the first panel you find. Check warranties from company to company and get multiple quotes.

It is important to understand your options and know your needs. This way you can find the ideal panels for you at the most affordable cost.

 

Other Things To Consider Regarding Solar Panels

  • Consider the price of installation and extra materials as well. Factor this into your costs.
  • Have the wattage for your needs written down and at hand while you do research. This will make sure you get the right panels for your needs with no mistakes.
  • Ask around forums for advice. Check in with other people who have similar needs or own solar panels. As for their opinions before making your decision.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, buying a solar panel does not have to be an intimidating or scary task. While it will take a lot of research and some basic addition.

So long as you know what you need you can easily purchase solar panels. With some time and effort, you can transfer yourself to a cleaner energy and save yourself some money in the long run.

 

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Bob Stevens

Bob Stevens

Hi, I'm Bob Stevens. I spend a lot of time working with power generators and power tools. In my spare time, I like to write about my hobby.

Bob Stevens

Bob Stevens

Robert K. "Bob" Stevens was a British-born American photojournalist for the Sun, a subsidiary of American Media, located in Boca Raton, Florida, United States. He was the first journalist killed in the 2001 anthrax attacks when letters containing anthrax were mailed to multiple media outlets in the United States

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