Nowadays, it’s nearly impossible to keep up with life without electricity. After all, technology hasn’t advanced that much to the point where multiple energy sources can power everything.
But be that as it may, experts are most likely well on their way to getting there.
Because although they haven’t reached the point of having one piece of technology utilize various energy sources, they did thorough research on one of the most sustainable energies in the world: sunlight.
Also known as solar energy, sunlight can be found anywhere. It even surpasses water in that regard. Unless there’s a celestial phenomenon blocking the sun, it’s impossible to go anywhere without feeling it.
Since that makes it more sustainable than water, experts have researched the extent of its qualities before designing technology that accommodates it perfectly. From there, solar panels were created.
Although it sounds like the ideal power source, you shouldn’t jump into it as soon as you hear about it. Because although it uses the most sustainable energy, that doesn’t make it any easier to ‘harvest,’ especially if you bought the wrong set of solar panels.
Therefore, you might be wondering what you need to look into before deciding to get solar panels on a whim.
1. Expert Advice
Considering how vast the internet is, the likelihood of you getting misinformed is extremely high. And due to solar energy’s growing popularity, it might get blown out of proportion when all you’ve read about is how it’s the best thing since sliced bread due to how revolutionary it is.
Although the real thing isn’t too far off, users might blow their money at the first available solar panel without possessing any authentic information about it.
Fortunately, many solar companies are happy to offer helpful tips in selecting the perfect solar panel for you because of how many components are involved in your decision-making, which you’ll find out soon enough.
Furthermore, their professional advice can provide insight on which solar panel best suits your home and divulge the different solar panel brands in the market.
2. Roof Conditions
Solar panels are frequently installed on the roof. Because other than the windows, that’s where sunlight lands.
So, with that in mind, solar panels are meant to utilize the abundant sunlight in that area. Once there are no obstructions, you must ensure that the orientation where the roof is facing receives maximum sunlight. If your home faces south (even southeast or southwest), you’re already qualified as a solar panel candidate.
Besides sunlight, you need to know how big the roof is. After all, the bigger the house, the more energy it demands. In that case, measuring your roof can help estimate how big you need your solar panels must be. This way, you can already begin considering your options.
3. Budget
Since you’re still a novice at solar energy, you’re probably not aware that different types of solar panels are available. And they are as follows:
- Monocrystalline
- Polycrystalline
- Thin film
Monocrystalline solar panels are known to be the most energy-efficient solar panel, while the thin film is found at the other end of the spectrum.
But due to their high energy turnover, monocrystalline solar panels are the most expensive. Thus, if you’re interested in solar panels while desiring to save money, you should go down the middle road—or with polycrystalline solar panels, to be precise.
4. Energy Consumption
Although you need to consider the size of your house, what’s more, important is to consider how much energy the household’s residents are consuming.
After all, it’s not the building’s size running on electricity but the furniture and technology inside. So, the more appliances you possess that use energy, the higher the number of solar panels you need.
On another note, your daily schedule needs to be reviewed thoroughly, especially for those working from home.
Because if you work during the day, that brings you closer to qualifying for solar panel installation. Those with night shifts might find it trickier to manage, but not impossible.
Your work shouldn’t be hindered if you’re willing to have a battery or a secondary energy source serving as backup.
5. Power Company Programs
Thanks to solar panels, many homeowners are starting to realize the many uses of solar energy. But be that as it may, you might stumble into the problem of having too much solar power in your arsenal, especially if you haven’t been using energy lately.
Where the excess power goes isn’t worth getting worked up about since multiple power companies are advertising programs that buy that extra energy from you.
Contact someone from your power company to know what the rates are in your area. Don’t settle for the power company you have now.
Ensure you ask multiple power companies so you can weigh out their offers to buy your excess energy. Once you see someone with a generous offer, only then should you consider cashing it in.
Takeaway
Besides water, sunlight is the most sustainable energy source in the world. And because of its sustainability, people have found ways to utilize it by creating solar panels.
However, because they’re a fairly new technology, you might be interested in diving right into the trend and installing one immediately.
But because of your impulsiveness, what’s supposed to be a great energy source only went to waste. Therefore, you need to know whether or not you qualify for solar energy first.
