In the last two decades, the cost of solar power has fallen significantly and continues to drop. This has made it much more accessible for average Joes like you and me who want to go green but don’t have the money or know-how to install solar panels themselves.
Luckily, there’s a company called Enphase Energy that makes it easy to install solar panels on your roof. If you’re interested in going green but don’t want to do the work yourself, Enphase can outfit your roof with solar panels and even help you keep track of the electricity you’re generating.
So how do you choose the right solar panels for your site? Here are some basic guidelines to follow so you can easily choose the right product for your needs.
Your Source Of Energy
You’ll need to decide how much energy you need and where you’ll be getting it from. Grid electricity is typically expensive and not always available, but if you have a solar energy system, you won’t need to worry about whether or not the power will be available. Your solar energy system will provide you with clean electricity regardless of the weather pattern.
In some cases, you might need a small wind turbine as well to complement your solar system. Small wind turbines are a great addition because they don’t need to be connected to the grid to work, which makes them more eco-friendly. They also don’t cost as much as grid-connected wind turbines and can be bought at almost any home improvement store. This is particularly beneficial for people who want to install a system but don’t have the money available right now.
Size And Weight
Just because you have a wind turbine doesn’t mean that you have to limit yourself to using only wind power. You can use solar energy to supplement the power generated by the wind turbine, if desired. The important thing to keep in mind is that the size and weight of your solar installation will determine how much room you have on your roof to install other devices, such as a wind turbine or a water heater. The smaller the better when it comes to size and weight, since bigger items means more room for other things.
Durability
Your solar energy system will be subject to a lot of weather and water damage over time, so it’s important to select a product that can handle extreme conditions. The best solar products are waterproof, dust proof, and have a long lifespan. You don’t want to be replacing a part of your system any time soon once it’s been installed, so make sure that the product you choose is built to last.
Cost
The cost of solar power has come down significantly in the last few decades, which makes it more affordable for the average person. If you can find a deal, it’s well worth it to invest in solar energy because the cost of installation and maintenance is less than what you’d pay for grid electricity. In some places, you can even get solar power for free if you meet certain criteria. Of course, this will depend on where you live and what incentives the government is offering.
Technology
The last thing anyone wants is a solar panel system that’s difficult to use or understand. If you’re selecting a product, make sure that there’s clear and understandable documentation provided, along with a user-friendly interface. The documentation should be comprehensive and include everything from how to correctly install and use the product to common FAQs. If possible, get a personalized demonstration from the manufacturer or vendor so you can be sure that you’re choosing the right product for your needs. In terms of technology, make sure that the system is equipped with the latest and greatest technology available so you can take advantage of all the benefits that it has to offer. This will help you get the most from your investment and ensure that you have the information you need whenever you need it.
Features
All solar products have some sort of feature or characteristic that makes them unique. It can be anything from built-in batteries that store solar energy for use at night to trackable widgets that provide digital evidence of the energy generated by the system (similar to how a solar cell works). Make sure that you consider all the features that your chosen product has before making a purchasing decision. This will help ensure that you’re getting the right product for your needs and won’t be forced into purchasing something that you don’t want or need. Features also make the product more attractive to prospective buyers, which in turn, can lead to you getting the best possible price when buying the product. Just keep in mind that some features might require additional equipment or specialized knowledge to take advantage of.
Eco-friendliness
You want to live a green lifestyle, so when selecting a solar product, make sure to consider all the eco-friendly factors. Does the material the product is made of affect the environment when thrown away? Does the design of the product limit cutting down trees? Does the manufacturing process produce toxic gases that harm us as it emits them? Think about all the eco-friendly alternatives when making a decision, so you can have a comfortable conscience knowing you’re doing your part to save the environment.
In Conclusion
Hopefully, you learned a little bit about how to choose the right solar products for your site. Although this article covered a lot of ground, it didn’t touch on all the factors that you need to consider before making a purchase. If you’re interested in investing in solar energy, but don’t want to do the work yourself, Enphase can help by equipping your roof with solar panels and even help you keep track of the power generated. In some cities and towns, you can find solar professionals who can help setup your system for maximum output.