If you want to cut down your electricity bills but still need some electricity to power your home then the answer is simple – solar power. However, with so many companies launching new solar products every year, it can be hard to know which one is the best for your home.
To help you find the best solar panel for your home, we have compiled a list of the most important things to consider before purchasing one. We will also tell you which solar products stand out for being the best across various categories. Let’s get started.
Features
When choosing a solar panel, you need to consider the following features:
1. The Voltage Rating
You need to know what the voltage rating of the solar panel is to prevent any damages to your home. Different solar panels have varying voltage ratings ranging from 12 volts to 25 volts. If you have a sensitive appliance connected to the circuit and it gets damaged because of a low voltage, you will be frustrated as you will not be able to identify the root of the problem (e.g. faulty wiring or equipment failure). A 12 volt solar panel will not be able to provide the required amount of power for large appliances such as a refrigerator or air conditioner. Similarly, if you have a metal roof and it gets rusted due to a low voltage, it might become a dangerous projectile during a heavy rainstorm.
2. Size
It is important to consider the size of your home and how much space you have for an installation. The reason behind this is that you need to be sure that the solar panel can accommodate all the necessary wiring conduits and still leave enough room for you to operate and maintain it. Smaller homes may only have a single junction box which could be cramped if you have more than one appliance connected to it. For multiple circuits, you will need a bigger box which will certainly cost you money in the long run.
3. The Amount of Electricity You Will Need
This factor depends on a few things such as the size of your home, the time of day, and the weather. For example, if you live in a smaller home with no windows, you will require more electricity than someone living in a bigger home with lots of windows. Similarly, if it is a cloudy day and you are not using any appliances with heavy electrical load then you will not need as much electricity as someone using many appliances in the day (e.g. a washing machine, fridge, and air conditioner).
To determine how much electricity you will need, you will need to add up the amps of all the appliances you have in your home. For example, if you have an air conditioner, you will need a minimum of an amplifier because it draws a lot of power. The same goes for the fridge. If you have a pool, there is also the matter of the pool pump which is always on and requires energy to run. Depending on the style of the pool, you may need an extra circuit to connect it to (e.g. if it is an above-ground pool with lights around it).
If you are not sure how much electricity you will need, simply call your electricity provider and they will be able to tell you how much you will need to purchase in advance. This will certainly help you avoid any unpleasant surprises when you see your monthly bills at the end of the month.
4. The Maximum Depth Of The Installation
If you have a shallow installation, that is, one that is not more than six feet tall, you will not need additional electrical outlets because there will be no need to run additional circuits just to accommodate the height of the panel. However, if you have a deep installation, you will need more electrical outlets because there will be no room for the panel at the base – this is important for safety reasons (e.g. faulty wiring could cause a short circuit if the panel is directly connected to the electrical supply).
5. Electrical Infrastructure Required
Do you have the necessary electrical infrastructure already in place? This includes everything from the circuit breaker to the wiring which attaches the panel to the outlets. If you try to attach the panel without having the necessary wiring conduits already in place, you may end up with a dangerous short circuit that could damage your home or cause serious injuries to you or your family. Even when using proper connectors and safety devices, it is still not safe to work on equipment which is connected to the electricity supply without a proper electrical outlet nearby (e.g. in the case of an accident or sudden malfunction). This also means that you will need to maintain a constant watch on your electrical appliances to ensure that they do not overload the circuit and cause any damages or malfunctions (e.g. fridge motors which are directly connected to the electricity supply without a protective device such as a fuse could become very hot and potentially burn your house down due to overheating).
Once you have answered all these questions, you can start comparing the various solar products available in the market. You should also keep in mind that the best solar panel for your home will depend on your location and whether you are planning to generate power for business use or for your own personal needs.