If you are interested in solar power and you are on a budget, you will need to find affordable solar panels for your project. There is a wide variety of ways that you can save money on the panels. Also, remember that if you install them yourself and put them together yourself, you can definitely save a lot of money. The first step, however, is to save money on the panels in the first place.
Finding Good Deals
The very first thing you will need to be concerned about is to find great prices on the supplies. You can do this using any number of methods. You can barter with the local supplier, you can search online for the best deals, and you can even buy them used. If you are on a budget, you would just need to examine all your options so you can find the panels to suit your needs.
The Proper Accessories
When buying affordable panels, remember you do need to have the right accessories for your project. So, when pricing the panels, make sure that you also price the other elements like the batteries and mounting hardware. These are important parts of your project.
Buy a Solar Kit
Sometimes, you can find solar panel kits at a good price. These are kits that are designed as a DIY project and they include everything you will need to put them together and install them yourself. These kits usually include solar cells and panels, batteries, mounting hardware, inverter, and anything else that you will need to install them.
Kits are a great idea because it saves you from needing to buy these things individually. If you opted not to buy a kit in favor of choosing the exact components that you want, you could spend a lot more money and the project will no longer be affordable. Just find the best kit for your needs and that is within your price range.
Long Term Investment
Remember that solar panels should be looked at as a long-term investment. On the surface, some of the prices you are encountering may not look affordable. Over the long term, however, you will be saving money on electricity, which will end up making the money you spend worth it. In other words, you will automatically be saving money.
Consider Renting
To find affordable solar panels that do not break the bank, another option is to rent them rather than buy them. Some companies specialize in renting out solar panels. This is a good option for people who cannot afford the large sum of money upfront for the panels and do not necessarily want to take out a loan or borrow money.
If you want to save money on solar panels then there are options for you. Not only can you shop around for the best deals or buy a kit but you can also rent them. The goal is to find the option that is best for your needs.
How Efficient Are Solar Panels?
Although people ask: how efficient are solar panels system, that is probably not what they really want to know. The average panel has an efficiency rate of about 12% with top-of-the-line, extremely expensive units producing 40%. Realistically, shoppers find affordable units with 14 to 17%.efficiency rates. However, most homeowners considering going green and eliminating high electric bills forever are more concerned with finding the best product at an affordable price. This question can be answered by comparing different products.
Sun Cells and Efficiency![Solar Panels System at your Home]( "Solar Panels System at your Home")
Solar panels contain cells that convert solar energy from the sun into electricity by a photovoltaic panel process. Four different components make up the efficiency of special cells: conductivity, charge carrier separation, thermodynamic, and reflectance energy. As these are difficult to measure, other components are used. These electricity-producing panels are designed to last 30 to 35 years and usually carry 20-year guarantees.
Efficiency Ratings
People trying to answer the question, how efficient are solar panels, need to remember this manufacturing process is an evolving industry with new developments occurring daily. Therefore, these electric homeowners should review data on products available when they are ready to purchase. However, the leaders in this industry continue to be competitive. Sanyo produces the most efficient home solar panel with a price of just under $1200.
Its 190 W PV modules operate at 17.4% efficiency. To reach this output Sanyo developed a special patented process that produces more electricity as temperatures rise. For people supporting green manufacturing efforts, the PV modules of Evergreens Spruce, priced at $1079, recover the environmental impact from manufacturing in as little as 18 months. Kyocera gets the best deal award with a 190 W price of $1085 and a 15% efficiency rating. By offering a 25-year power output warranty and a 20-year factory warranty, consumers are protected with this product.
Choosing the Best System – Solar Panels kits
The best free-energy system for a home may not be the cheapest or most energy-efficient unit. Although these are excellent guidelines, consumers will want to compare the number and size of panels and rebates offered by each state and the federal government. If a home has a limited area to accommodate solar cells, the output per panel and the size of the unit are important. Because state and federal guidelines vary, consumers taking advantage of these financial incentives should review which products provide the most tax relief. By comparing all of these, shoppers make the right choice for their products. Now, the question, how efficient are solar panels, has been completely answered.
Finding the right solar system to power a home requires research and calculations. Comparing the efficiency ratings of different panels is an easy place to start. However, this only tells part of the story as the cost, number, and size of each panel have to be considered as well as any tax incentives. The direct answer to the question, how efficient are solar panels, is that the average solar panel for homes has an efficiency rating of 12%. Solar cells with 14 to 17% efficiency rates are available at very attractive prices.
How To Install Solar Panels In Your Home Successfully
Installing a solar system in your home can be a very challenging task. However, it is never as complicated as you might want to believe. To install solar panels in your home successfully, here are four simple steps that you should observe to realize the best performance for your system.
i. Identify the right mounting location
This is the first and the most important step towards installing your home solar equipment successfully. Since space is a limiting factor in most homes, the best location for installing your system would be on your roof. In an event that you are having a big piece of land, you may want to have a pole mount installation, which is fairly easy to do besides being very effective.
No matter the location you settle on, ensure that your setup has undisturbed access to sunlight. Ensure that your system is set up far away from trees and other objects that can cast a shadow on your panels thus reducing their efficiency.
You need to install your panels in the right direction. You can do this by keenly observing your roof to identify the best location for sunlight exposure.
ii. Assembling the mounting devices
When installing your device on the roof, you should use already fabricated hardware. This will enable your system to endure elements of weather like strong winds and precipitation. You can attach the mounting hardware on your roof’s rafters or have wooden blocks that cover some rafters to firmly hold your hardware. This will provide a firm grasp for your system in an event of harsh weather conditions. Never mount your solar panels on the plywood sheathing of the roof as this can damage both your roof and equipment. You can use a chalk line to be sure that your mounting hardware is properly installed. At the same time, ensure that you apply a sealant around and beneath the mounting hardware to protect your roof from leaking.
iii. Installing your Solar kit equipment
Having installed your mounting hardware, your next step should be to secure the railing and metal racks. Ensure that both water and wind can adequately flow beneath your solar panel system once the installation is complete. You can achieve this by installing your equipment about three inches off the roof. With your hardware, rails, and racks in place, you can now install solar panels and secure them in place using restraining hardware.
iv. Setting the right angle of inclination
After installing your solar panels system, you need to tilt them to achieve maximum exposure to sunlight. You can calculate the right angle once you have determined the latitude of your home, which you can easily find online. With your latitude, add or subtract fifteen degrees depending on the season. Tilting will enable your panels to receive adequate sunlight based on differences in seasons.
There you have it. By keenly observing these steps, you will be able to install the solar panel system successfully in your home. In case you are still having trouble with the procedure, be sure to seek help. Once you have mastered the process, installing additional panels should be a breeze for you.
Energy Solar Checklist
When it comes to utilizing solar energy, it can seem daunting when considering how to start the process. The installation itself can at times seem to be the easiest part, as this basically involves a few days of work for yourself or a professional doing it for you (which can save time and sanity!). Finding a renewable energy specialist or contractor, such as ourselves, shouldn’t be hard and we’ve made a list of the other important stuff to help you on your way…
Find out if there are local or state-wide incentives available. Chances are there is a tax break, grant, or rebate available, so don’t miss out!
Take care of any local permits you need. Local councils should be able to set you right with regard to regulations and building permits. There may be a fee attached, but it all depends on where you live, so enquire at your local city offices.
Talk to your local energy company about some kind of metering agreement. Again, this is all dependent on your location and the policies of the companies in your area.
If you were required to get a building permit then chances are you will have to have your solar energy structure inspected. This may be done by the city or a local energy company.
If you have a metering agreement in place then your energy company may want to do a utility inspection in advance of your panels being switched on. This should be just like a regular gas or meter reading.
It is smart to add your solar energy structure to your insurance to ensure the safety of the structure. Solar panels and mounting systems can be expensive to install initially so you want to protect your investment!
The final step is to sit back and watch your energy bills decrease! Don’t forget to read this checklist before getting an installation though!
