How to Choose the Right Solar Panel System for Your Home: A Beginner’s Guide

Why Install Solar Panels?

Save money on energy bills.

Solar panels begin generating electricity from the sun’s energy, which means you can significantly reduce or even eliminate your monthly electricity bills. Depending on your energy usage and the size of your solar panel system, you can generate excess energy that can be sold back to your local utility company.

Reduce your carbon footprint.

Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source that produces no greenhouse gas emissions, which helps reduce your carbon footprint and combat climate change.

Increase your property value.

Homes and businesses with solar panels installed often have a higher resale value and may sell faster than homes without solar panels. This is because solar panels are considered a valuable and attractive feature for environmentally-conscious buyers.

Receive tax incentives and rebates.

Many states and local governments offer tax incentives and rebates for homeowners and businesses that install solar panels. These incentives can help offset the upfront solar panel’s cost of installation and make solar energy more accessible to a wider range of people.

Energy independence

Solar panels allow homeowners and businesses to generate their own electricity, reducing their reliance on traditional energy sources and giving them greater control over their energy supply.

Determine Your Energy Needs and How Much Solar Power Your Home Will Need

The average household electricity consumption in the UK is around 3,600 kilowatt hours per year. However, this can vary depending on factors such as your household size, your energy usage habits, and the type of household appliances you use. You can look at your previous energy bills or use an online energy consumption calculator to calculate your estimated energy consumption.

Once you know how much energy is used in your home, you can determine the appropriate size and how many solar panels your home will need. The power output of solar panels in the UK typically ranges from 250 to 400 watts per panel, with higher efficiency panels producing more electricity per square foot of panel.

To offset your energy usage with solar panels, you’ll need to install a solar panel system that generates enough electricity to meet your daily energy needs. For example, if your household uses 3,600 kWh per year, you’ll need a solar panel system that generates around 10 kWh per day.

Consider Your Budget

Solar panel systems can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands. Having a budget in mind is essential before you start shopping for a solar panel system. While larger panels produce more energy, they may not be the best fit for your budget. Determine how much solar panels cost and what you can afford, and look for solar panel systems that fit your budget.

Research Solar Panel Types

There are two main types of solar panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but more expensive, while polycrystalline panels are less efficient but more affordable. Take a look at the pros and cons of each type of panel and decide which one is the best fit for your home and budget.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels:

Pros:

1. Higher efficiency: Monocrystalline solar panels have a higher efficiency rate, which means they can produce more electricity per square foot of panel. This makes them ideal for homes with limited roof space or for those looking to maximise their energy production.
2. Durability: Monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single crystal of silicon, making them more durable and longer-lasting than polycrystalline panels.

Cons:

1. Higher price tag: Monocrystalline solar panels are more expensive than polycrystalline panels due to their higher efficiency rate and more advanced manufacturing process.
2. Temperature sensitivity: Monocrystalline panels are sensitive to high temperatures and may experience a reduction in efficiency in extremely hot climates.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels:

Pros:

1. Lower cost: Polycrystalline solar panels are less expensive to produce than monocrystalline panels, making them a more cost-effective option.
2. Better performance in low-light conditions: Polycrystalline panels can perform better in low-light conditions, such as on cloudy days or in shaded areas.

Cons:

1. Lower efficiency: Polycrystalline panels have a lower efficiency rate than monocrystalline panels, which means they produce less electricity per square foot of panel.
2. Larger size: Polycrystalline panels are typically larger in size than monocrystalline panels, which can be a disadvantage for homes with limited roof space.

PV solar panels

PV solar panels, also known as photovoltaic solar panels, are a type of solar panel that converts sunlight into electricity. They are made up of several layers of semiconductor materials, usually silicon, that absorb photons from the sun and release electrons, generating an electric current.

When sunlight hits the solar panel’s surface, the photons knock electrons loose from the atoms in the semiconductor material, allowing them to flow freely. This generates a direct current (DC) that can be used for electrical power devices or stored in batteries for later use. To make this current usable for your home or business, an inverter is required to convert the DC current into an alternating current (AC) that can be used to power your appliances.

PV solar panels are a popular choice for homeowners and businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs. They are environmentally friendly, require little maintenance, and have a long lifespan.

When Installing Solar Panels, Choose a Reputable Company

Choosing a reputable solar installer is just as important as choosing the right solar panel system. You’ll want to research and compare different installers in your area, read reviews from other homeowners, and ask for referrals from friends and family. A good installer will be licensed and insured, provide a detailed estimate, and answer any questions you have about the solar panel installation process.