A sunny day, the blue sky, and the warm sun on your neck – it’s one of the most beautiful sights nature has to offer. But it can also be one of the most frustrating, since you’ll want to be outside doing your daily activities, but you can’t open your windows due to the bad weather conditions outside.
What if there was a way for you to spend more of your time outside, even during bad weather conditions? One solution is to install a PV system – a photovoltaic solar power system – on your roof, which acts as a battery that stores the energy from the sun and releases it when needed. The electricity generated by the solar panels is fed into the electrical grid, and you’ll be able to use it to charge up your electronics and appliances.
But if you’re looking to buy a PV system, or are already considering the option, then this guide will help you make the right decision. We will discuss everything you need to know about solar connections and how to find the best one for your needs.
Features To Consider
When shopping for a PV system, you’ll need to consider a number of factors, such as the size and type of your roof, the electrical load it can handle, and your budget. Some homeowners choose to go with a system with a small size capacity, simply because they don’t have a large roof to work with. However, if you have a large roof, then a system with a high capacity is what you should go for, so you can generate as much electricity as possible.
Other factors you might need to consider are the warranty for your system and how easy it is to install. You don’t want to purchase a unit that is difficult to install or one that comes with a bad warranty, so make sure you’re aware of what these are before making a purchase. Last but not least, look into adding additional features to your unit, such as a solar hot-water heater or a rainwater tank – these will help you save even more money on your energy bills in the long run.
Types Of PV Systems
There are several different types of photovoltaic solar panels available, each with their unique properties and characteristics. The two most common types are monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels. A monocrystalline panel operates at a higher efficiency rating than a polycrystalline panel, but it is also more expensive and harder to manufacture.
What is the efficiency rating of your PV system? This is a very important factor, since you’ll want to purchase a unit with a high efficiency rating, in order to save as much energy as possible. The higher the efficiency rating, the more energy you’ll generate for free – provided you have sunlight throughout the year. Typically, the efficiency rating of a PV system is measured in percent, and it can range from a low of 10% to a high of 22%, with the average efficiency of a residential solar system somewhere around 13–14%.
Size Of Roof For PV System
The general guideline for determining the size of your roof for a PV system is 120 square feet (11.81 square meters) per panel. This means you’ll need at least 12 panels to cover your roof – if you have a smaller roof, then you may need fewer panels.
The reason for this guideline is that larger panels generate more electricity than smaller ones – even when they are located on a rooftop that is the same size. In addition, larger panels are more stable and can handle more weight, which is necessary if you have additional equipment, such as air-conditioners or water heaters, mounted on your roof. Furthermore, larger panels are quieter than smaller ones, so if you have a concern about noise, then you may want to go with a smaller panel size.
Cost Of PV System
The cost of a PV system is determined by a number of factors, including the size of your roof and the efficiency rating of your panels. The cost per panel is usually between $3,000 and $5,000, and the cost of the whole system will vary between $15,000 and $25,000. These are very affordable prices compared to what you would spend on electricity otherwise – typically, homeowners pay about $0.10 per kilowatt hour (kWh), which is 10 times more than what they would typically pay for electricity. In addition, smaller systems are usually more affordable than larger ones, simply because they need fewer panels to generate the same amount of electricity. In fact, you’ll find cheaper systems in smaller packages on online marketplaces, so make sure you look into those as well, if you’re wanting to save money on your energy bills.
Additional Considerations
Once you’ve determined the size of your roof and the cost of the PV system, you can start to look into the other factors that will influence the decision. Some of these factors include the warranty for your system and how easy it is to install. You don’t want to purchase a unit that is difficult to install or one that comes with a bad warranty, so make sure you’re aware of what these are before making a purchase. In addition, look into adding additional features to your unit, such as a solar hot-water heater or a rainwater tank – these will help you save even more money on your energy bills in the long run.
Last but not least, choose a system that is safe and secure. This means checking out the reviews of the product you’re interested in purchasing and ensuring that they’re good, as well as looking at the warranty for your system – ensure that the unit is safe and stable and has a good reputation.
Final Takeaway
To find the best solar system for your needs, you’ll need to look into a number of factors, including the type of material your roof is made of, the size of your roof, and the efficiency rating of your panels. In addition, make sure you do your research before buying a product, as there are a number of scammers out there who will try to trick you into purchasing a faulty product – so research and make sure you’re buying from a legitimate company.