Picking the Most Appropriate Solar Panel for Your Needs
As discussed in our solar energy article, switching over to solar power bestows a lot of advantages. However, there are so many types of solar panels it is difficult to decide which one is the most appropriate for your needs.
So how does one select the most appropriate solar panel for his personal and family needs?
As said, there are numerous configurations and types of solar panels available today. It takes a great deal of knowledge to identify the right one for installation in your home and that would be perfect for your needs.
The first step is to call a reputable solar company to evaluate the amount of power used in your home and determine whether a solar panel system is actually suitable for your needs. Some companies will send a specialist to do a solar evaluation for free. The following video demonstrates what to expect from such an evaluation.
After determining whether solar power is suitable for you – (after all, it is possible that from one reason or another, solar panels might not be appropriate for you), you should research the leading companies that supply these panel systems. Check out Solar Panel section for a decent selection.
There are several types of solar panels: solar roof tiles, solar patio covers, roof mounted solar panels and ground mounted solar panels:
- Solar roof tiles are placed over your existing roof tiles and expertly made to interlock with them. These tiles are aesthetic and tastefully designed and tend to look very sleek. They come in different sizes and shapes and provide a much more sophisticated look than the traditional roof mounted systems. Both the installation and the solar roof tile materials are expensive. If you can afford it, this is one of the best solar panels which not only makes your house more aesthetic, but is also highly efficient in solving your energy problems.
- Roof mounted solar panels also come in various styles. These are the most popular variety of solar panels as they are highly functional and versatile in comparison to the other types. These types of panels are placed on a frame which is fixed onto your roof. As a result, they do not require any major alterations to the roof. Moreover, they also protect your roof from the harsh weather elements thereby extending its life.
- Solar patio covers. These are the smallest type of solar panels. Solar patio covers are placed on the garden patio and are practically invisible. They serve two purposes: they provide shade in addition to supplying energy. If your home does not have a roof, then this is might be the ideal solar panel for you.
- Ground mounted solar panel system. This type of of solar panel is ideal if you have a lot of land space around your home that is unusable or unproductive. These are large scale systems and are usually stationary. They can also be motorized (to move in the direction of the sun) in order to ensure efficiency enhancement by at least 39%. You can opt for ground mounted solar panel systems that can be placed on ballasts. This system generates the largest amount of energy output and efficiency.
Again, although these guidelines can certainly help you make a decision, asking for the advice of an expert will certainly help you decide which of the above solar panels is the most appropriate one for you.
In conclusion, going for a solar panel offers not only efficient and free energy, but is also good for the environment. Whether you decide to install your own solar panels or call in for an expert, you will certainly benefit from this decision. In case you’re considering installing the panels yourself, here is a video that will give you a taste of what to expect in a solar panel installation.
