Solar panel systems have a bright future in the roofing
industry and for home and building owners alike. Solar panels, also known as
solar photovoltaic panels are excellent tools for reducing monthly electric
bills, providing clean power, lowering dependence on traditional fossil fuels,
and adding value to a home or building. Installing rooftop solar panels is one
of the best ways to increase the value of a home or building. And, not to
mention the fact that federal legislation extended a 30% tax credit for
commercial and residential solar panel installations.
The following "7 Steps to Installing Solar Panels"
can be used to guide both commercial and residential customers through the
solar panel shopping and installation process, and help make it as smooth and
easy as possible.
1. Make your home more energy efficient.
Before you begin the solar installation process you
first need to examine the energy efficiency of your home. Adding solar
photovoltaic panels to a home with poor energy efficiency is not going to
provide the results you expected. In some states to be applicable for the tax
credit your home needs to have an energy audit performed before the solar panel
system is installed, making your home's energy efficiency paramount. Here are
some tips to make your home more energy efficient:
* Upgrade or replace windows
* Well insulate walls and attic
* Replace inefficient hot water heaters and/or furnaces
* Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent
bulbs
2. Evaluate the solar site or roof.
Ask yourself a few questions: Is the roof strong enough to support
the panels? Is the available space large enough to hold the panels? Does the
roof offer southern exposure? And most important, does your roof receive enough
sun light? Solar panels are recommended to receive full sun exposure between
9am and 3pm in order for them to be the most effective.
3. Get competitive bids.
Solar panels
are a big investment, but done correctly they can provide a significant return
and increase the value of a building or home. Shop around a little and find the
best price. But be aware; don't just look for the cheapest price. Find a well
established retailer and installer with a strong track record. Educate yourself
and ask the right questions, because sometimes a higher costing solar system
might be the better option, and in the long run provide a higher return on your
investment.
4. Research the cost.
Solar photovoltaic panels vary in cost, which is usually
determined by the size measured in Watts, the actual dimensions, the brand, the
longevity, the warranty, and any certifications the solar panel might have. As
solar systems increase in size so does the price. Expect to pay approximately
double for a solar system of double the watts.
It is probably a good idea to receive multiple quotes, and
if there are large differences inquire why. And, as mentioned before, don't
choose your solar panels based solely on price; make sure it will supply enough
energy to fit your needs.
5. Determine the required size and Watts.
To begin, study your electricity bill. It will provide you
with a lot of useful information to estimate your energy needs. Find out how
many kilowatt hours (kWh) you use per day, month and year. When sunlight is
optimal, a 100 Watt panel will generate 100 Watts of electricity per hour. Most
homes electricity needs can be fulfilled with a solar system between 1 to 5
kilowatts or 1,000-5,000 Watts. And in general, 1 square foot of solar
photovoltaic panels in bright sunlight yields 10 Watts, but that can vary
depending on the type. Ultimately, when determining the required size of solar
panels be sure that they will supply enough electricity to meet or exceed your
needs.
6. Choose the Solar Panel Type.
There are 3 main types of solar photovoltaic panels that are
available to choose from and vary in efficiencies.
* Mono-crystalline panels are essentially one large solar
cell. They are smaller than the polycrystalline panels.
* Poly-crystalline panels are comprised of many small cells
grouped together which produce a little less efficiency than the
mono-crystalline panels, and are potentially available for a lesser cost.
* Amorphous (or thin-film) panels are larger in size and
require more space than the other panels. However, there are other significant
benefits, such as a lower cost, versatility, flexibility and greater
efficiencies in the Midwest.
It should be noted that efficiency only addresses the amount
of light that is created on bright sunny days. The thin film panels have the
unique ability to produce watts in low light and overcast conditions, therefore
increasing its yield of watts over the same time for the other panels in less
than optimal climates like the Midwest. Side by side comparisons in the desert
reveal one thing, but side by side comparison in an area that only has 4.2
hours of sunlight on average daily, the thin film provides a distinct
advantage.
One must also consider that the framework required to mount
the panel type vs. the thin film can add cost and future maintenance.
As there are different types of solar photovoltaic panel
roofing systems available, there are also different types of installation
methods, such as a grid-tied system, which offers the ability to have more
solar photovoltaic panels added at a later date.
7. Review the quote and solar system specifications.
Read the fine print and be clear on all aspects of the new
solar panel system. Here are specific points to review:
* Total Cost - Labor, installation and equipment.
* Projected savings - how many years will it take to pay
itself off?
* Operational and maintenance costs
* Required permit costs, if any
* Solar system make and model - is it a trustworthy brand?
* Taxes
* Tax credits - 30% federal tax credit with no cap.
* Utility rebates
* Warranty - how many years? Most reputable brands will
offer a 25 year warranty. If less, inquire how long it takes to pay itself off.
Solar Panels remain a great choice to lower your energy
costs, as well as reduce your carbon footprint on the environment. Innovative
solar panel design and technology is rapidly hitting the market, so the future
is bright for the solar panel industry. Learn more about solar panels and speak
with a reputable solar panel installation company today.
For more information on installing solar panels on your home
or building contact a reputable roofing contractor.
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