Ready To Invest In Solar Panels? 4 Things To Consider
When it comes to purchasing a solar panel system, you want to purchase your system from a company that you trust to provide you with a quality product that will work effectively for a decade or two. When checking out your options, be sure to consider the manufacturer's warranty, mounting system, type of panel, and recommendations from others.
Manufacturer's Warranty
The first thing you should do when looking at a solar panel system is to check and see what type of warranty the manufacturer offers. With a solar panel system that you are mounting on your roof, you want it to come with a substantial warranty between 20-25 years.
The warranty period should represent the expected lifespan of the solar panel you are interested in purchasing. Be wary of solar panel systems with short warranties; this shows you the company is not willing to back up the product for what should be its full lifespan.
Mounting System
Second, you need to carefully check out the solar panel system's mounting system. When looking at the mounting system, regardless of if it is a ground, roof, or tracking system, you need to make sure the mounting system is certified for the area where you live.
The mounting system should come with an engineer certification that the mounting system will work in your area. Many solar panel systems come with wind certifications, which let you know what speed of wind storms the panels can handle.
Panel Type
Not all solar panels are the same. The most efficient panels tend to be mono-crystalline solar panels; they also tend to be the most expensive panel type as well. Polycrystalline panels are more affordable but not as efficient as their mono-crystalline counterparts.
There are also various thin-film panel technologies on the market as well. The panel type you choose should be based on your budget and on the available space you have for the panels.
Recommendations
If you live in a state, such as Arizona or California, where solar panels are more common, ask your friends, family, and neighbors for their recommendations.
Someone who has used a particular system for a few years should be able to provide you with good insight and feedback on their system. If you notice a particular company being recommended to you frequently, consider looking into that company's products.
When it comes to installing solar panels on your home, make sure the manufacturer's warranty matches the life of the product. Look for a solar panel system with a certified mounting system and the right panel type for your budget and your space. Contact a local solar company like Sustain Solar Power for more information.
