Did you know that the cost of solar panels has dropped by 90% in the last decade? That huge number is down to increasing the efficiency and power of solar panels on a large scale.
So if you’re looking at getting solar panels, how do you know what the right side panels are for your home? Let’s take a look at some key factors to consider when choosing your new solar array.
Solar Panel Location
The first thing to decide is where you want to place your solar panels. Will they be placed on your roof, or will they be on open land? What about the orientation of these panels?
The more surface area you can gather from your solar panels, the better. So don’t hesitate to position your panels so they maximize the amount of space available in your house. They could even be mounted inside your attic or garage if there is room on your roof.
Budgeting vs. Size of Solar Array
It’s great that you want to utilize all the space available to you in your home, but have a look at your total budget and get a savings estimate.
Will you need a solar battery to store extra energy? Or do you have excess cash left over that could be better spent on a higher-density solar array?
While it’s great to go for larger panels with a lower cost per meter squared, investing a little extra can get you smaller panels or a larger array. In doing so, you’re investing in the future by fitting the optimal solar panel size and won’t find yourself wishing you had more solar generation.
Roofing Materials
Your roof plays an important role in determining the final output of your solar system. If your roof has shingles, then you’ll probably need to invest in a grid-tie inverter.
This type of inverter allows you to connect your solar panels directly to the mains electricity supply. However, if your roof has metal tiles, concrete slabs, or other materials, you may not require this additional investment.
External Obstructions
Another factor to consider is whether your roof has many external obstructions, such as trees or buildings. These structures can block sunlight from reaching your solar panels resulting in less efficient operation.
So it may be that even though you don’t need to cover your whole roof, investing in larger panels or relocating to an alternative position may be better value.
Solar Panel Sizes Vary
There are many things to consider when purchasing solar panels, and solar panel sizes are one of the primary factors. It would help if you always started by researching different options before making a purchase.
And remember always to get at least three quotes from different suppliers, as even the same panels can vary in price from one place to another!
For more content that’ll save you money, keep reading and see what else you can find!
