Choosing the right solar panels for your home is an important financial decision. You need to select a system that will meet your energy and savings goals while fitting within your budget and space.
The best solar panel cost is one that provides quality equipment backed by a solid warranty. However, there are many other factors to consider when shopping for solar panels.
Cost
Like most things in life, solar panels come at different prices. However, price shouldn’t be the sole consideration when choosing a solar panel system for your home. Cheaper solar panels may need to be of better quality or deliver on their promise of energy savings.
Solar panels’ size, power rating, and efficiency also contribute to the cost. Ideally, you should budget before shopping for the best deals. This will help you avoid overspending on your solar energy system.
It would help if you chose solar panel installation and retailer accredited by the Clean Energy Council (CEC). This way, you can be sure you’re getting an excellent installation service that will deliver on its promises of high-quality panels and small-scale technology certificates (STCs) eligibility. In addition, you should make sure a warranty backs your solar panels. You’ll find that most manufacturers offer a comprehensive product and performance warranty, which gives you peace of mind that they will last a long time. It is also important to note that if a manufacturer’s warranty backs your system, you will be entitled to a faster turnaround on repairs or replacement parts.
Energy Needs
Considering your energy needs is crucial to ensure your solar panel system will save you money in the long run. It is recommended to gather your electricity bills over the past year, add them together, and divide by 12 to find your yearly consumption of kilowatt-hours (our energy usage calculator can help you with this). You can then use our sun-hours calculator to determine how many peak sunlight hours your home receives daily.
The next step is determining how many solar panels your energy needs will require. Starting with the minimum required to offset 100% of your energy needs is best. It is also essential to consider each panel’s wattage rating. The higher the wattage, the more energy it will generate.
Aside from the wattage, the efficiency of each panel is another factor to consider. Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are available, each with different efficiencies. A high-efficiency panel will produce more kW/h per square meter, which may make it a good choice for those concerned about space constraints.
Weather
The weather can have a significant impact on the performance of solar panels. Solar panel voltage and current drop as the temperature rises. For every degree above 77 degrees Fahrenheit, a panel’s efficiency decreases by 1 percent.
That’s why cool weather is ideal for solar panels. Your system will reach its maximum power production on a clear day. Hot summer days typically have lower max power levels because of higher temperatures and less sun.
While New Zealand is known for its sunny weather, the occasional wind and snow are no problem for high-quality solar panels. A well-installed roof can protect the system from damage.
However, it’s essential to know that a top-rated solar installation company will regularly consider the climate and wind conditions your area experiences when designing your solar system. If you are concerned about inclement weather affecting your solar investment, consider pairing your solar panels with a battery storage solution to provide clean, renewable backup electricity during stormy weather. You can find more information on these options by requesting a free solar quote today!
Aesthetics
As solar becomes more prevalent, the panels must look as good as they work. That’s why many manufacturers emphasize aesthetics as a primary feature of their products.
While traditional silver-framed panels aren’t going away anytime soon, the black frame design is becoming more popular. It removes the harsh edge accompanying silver-framed panels and blends in more naturally with modern roofs. The black frames also look more aesthetically pleasing, retain efficiency, and add value to the home, although they may be slightly pricier than their silver-framed counterparts.
There’s even the option of solar tiles integrating photovoltaic cells into a roof tile. These are great options if you live in a conservation area or prefer to keep the look of your property the same. These are available in various hues to stand out or blend in, and they still deliver the same high-performance energy you expect from any PV system.
Installation
It’s important to remember that solar panels are a long-term investment, and the quality of your panel system will affect how much electricity it will generate over time. As a result, you should be wary of selecting a supplier that places too much emphasis on initial cost without considering the manufacturer’s reputation for product reliability.
The wattage of solar panels reflects their ability to produce electricity, but a higher wattage will also usually come with a higher price tag. Similarly, your energy needs will affect how many panels you need to achieve your generation goals.
Your roof’s positioning will also play a role in the performance of your system. It’s best to install panels in a position that directly faces the sun throughout the day and is free from shade. In addition, check whether a minimum 12-year manufacturer’s warranty covers the panels you’re considering – this is distinct from the 25 or 30-year “performance guarantee” many manufacturers offer.