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Solar technology in the US is currently powering up to 18.6 million American homes. It seems that solar technology could be the future.
If you are thinking about moving to a greener means of energy production in your home and wondering how to buy solar panels, this guide is for you.
Read on to find out what you need to consider when buying solar panels and how to make the best choice for your property.
Think About Size and Location
Before you can start purchasing solar panels for your home, you need to take into consideration where you want to place them. Different panels require different amounts of space, so make sure that you understand how much room you have first.
You also need to make sure that surrounding trees or buildings do not shade the area in which you want to install. Look to see if you have chimneys that will cast any shadows or large satellite dishes that may block the sun.
To roughly calculate how many watts you want your solar panels to provide, you will need to know the area’s photovoltaic potential. Divide your current electrical usage by this number and increase it by 30% to cover any inefficiencies in the system. This will give you a rough guide to how much wattage your solar system can provide you.
What Type Do You Need?
Solar panel technology contains three different types of panels, each with its own benefits and disadvantages. Primarily the difference is the amount of space required to generate the same amount of energy. The three types are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous.
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are similar in structure, with the monocrystalline being the slightly more efficient of the two. They are both more expensive than amorphous styles. They also require much more space to function effectively and are the best solar panel for your home.
Amorphous cells are smaller and less efficient but much cheaper to install. They will work better in hotter environments than their crystalline counterparts and tolerate some (but not much!) shade.
Where to Buy Solar Panels
When it comes to installation, you have two choices: a DIY installation or hiring a professional installation company. DIY is best for small installations in off-the-grid locations, like on a boat. However, you will need to have some level of expertise to undertake such a project.
If you take the DIY route, you can purchase your solar panels from a wholesale reseller or buy an installation kit from an online store like Amazon. Kits are usually small and often not powerful enough to provide electricity to a house. However, they will be suitable for a small project like in an RV.
If you are considering a large project, you need to speak to a professional national installation company. For example, if you live near Salt Lake City, you could use a company like Blue Raven Solar. They can be contacted via their website at blueravensolar.com/utah/salt-lake-city/ and will be able to guide you through the steps to complete your installation.
How to Buy Solar Panels the Right Way
Hopefully, this guide has given you some insight into how to buy solar panels and has given you some ideas on getting started. Remember, when buying solar panels, it is best to speak with a professional. They will be able to give you the best assessment of the size and type of technology that will best suit your home.
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