Are you thinking about installing solar panels at your home? In the beginning, there is always a period of excitement and anticipation. As you start researching your options, you discover that not only is it possible to save money on your energy bill each month but installing home solar systems can significantly impact the environment in the following ways.
- Solar panel systems help reduce your carbon footprint.
- They are an excellent way to save money.
- Solar panel systems help save energy, which can be used for other crucial purposes, such as heating your home in winter or cooling it during summertime.
- Installing solar panels will also help the environment by reducing pollution from electricity generation and preventing climate change caused by burning fossil fuels.
Things to consider while installing
Consider location and orientation
Before you install your solar panels, it’s essential to consider the location and orientation.
The best spot for solar panels is in the southern hemisphere, where they receive more sunlight and can quickly generate electricity. If you live in a northern hemisphere location, you should angle your existing solar panel array so that it faces south; this will help maximise its efficiency and output.
If possible, try to orient your solar panel array towards the equator—this ensures that all its components receive maximum benefits from natural light throughout the day.
Will it pay off?
The payback period for solar panels is usually five to ten years. This means that you will have to wait five or ten years before you get your money back, depending on the size of your home and what type of electricity rate you have. Using a lot of gas or propane in your house can take longer because those fuels are expensive for the solar panels to pay off.
The payback period also depends on how much electricity is used in a specific area. If there’s not much sun where you live, you’ll need more energy-efficient appliances such as LED lights and heaters, so your monthly bill doesn’t increase too much.
What type of panel is best?
Knowing what type of panel is best for your situation is crucial as you’re looking for solar panels. There are different types of solar panels, each with pros and cons.
- Silicon: Silicon is the most common material used in solar panels because it’s inexpensive and easy to work with. The downside? Silicon doesn’t produce as much electricity as other materials, so if you’re looking for more power output out of your system, consider using a different panel type like gallium arsenide (GaAs).
- Copper: Copper is another popular material used in creating solar cells because it has high-efficiency ratings—meaning less energy needs to be used from the sun during photoelectric conversion processes.
- Gallium Arsenide (GaAs): GaAs can reach up to 20 per cent efficiency levels compared to traditional silicon-based designs.
Know which kind of system is best for you
There are three main options:
- Monocrystalline solar panels, also known as thin film or amorphous silicon (a-Si), have a very high-efficiency rating, but they cost more than polycrystalline systems. These panels generate electricity directly from sunlight without needing batteries or inverters.
- Polycrystalline modules are considered middle-of-the-road when it comes to performance and affordability. These solar panel types combine several layers within each panel to produce electricity efficiently without sacrificing quality or longevity—which means they last longer than monocrystalline panels.
You must consider these key things when installing home solar systems. Besides this, be careful about permitting codes. You’ll need permission from your local government, homeowner’s association, power company and utility provider. These organisations require additional steps if you’re planning to install solar panels at a residential place.
