Factors to Consider When Choosing Home Solar Panels

Solar panels are proving worthwhile, with proven return on investment especially when you acquire them through tax incentives, bulk pricing and energy credits.

The popularity for solar panels is soaring day by day, with homes finding them more affordable.

The cheaper solar panels do not generate as much power as the high-quality ones. It is everybody’s wish to acquire a panel that lasts long, generates more power and is affordable.

Let us look at the factors that you can consider when you plan to buy Sunpower solar panels for your home.

Statistics of the Solar Panel

Solar panels usually have standard measurements for the following parameters:

• Power output

• Efficiency

• Tested operating temperature coefficients

These parameters help the homeowner to compare different solar panels and choose the best for his home.

Nameplate Rating

This indicates the power output for the solar panel. It is indicated in direct current (DC) that is the electricity that is generated under ideal conditions. Solar panels are meant to produce between 200 and 400 watts, determined by the quality and size of the panel.

This ideal power production is not possible because of factors such as sun exposure, temperature, roof angle, and the condition of the atmosphere. However, the solar panel installation process should consider all these in order to maximize the efficiency of the panel.

Efficiency Rating

This is a measure of how the panel efficiently converts solar energy into electricity. Majority of the panels are rated at 15-20% which is a percentage of kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy generated against each watt.

Temperature Coefficient

Extreme heat affects the solar panel’s ability to produce electricity. If heat exceeds the standard lab temperatures of 77ºF, then the panels lose a significant percentage of their efficiency. This factor should be considered especially by homeowners in hot areas.

Quality of the Panel

Solar panels are usually sorted based on their cost, durability, and efficiency. These differences are determined more by the panel manufacturer, type of the panel and the year of manufacture. Cost of the panel can account up to 30% of the system cost.

Low-End Panels

These are the least expensive panels available. Most of them have an efficiency rating of 15%, meaning that when you choose them you sacrifice on durability, quality, and efficiency.

These panel types also come with shorter manufacturer warrants, are likely to perform dismally, and their efficiency wanes with time. Investing in these panels means that you are not paying attention to a quick return on investment.

Midrange Panels

These ones are popular in the US because they offer an excellent compromise between the initial investment and long-term user benefits. You can trust their durability, efficiency (15% and above) and reliability.

Manufacturers give a good warranty period and offer good prices too.

High-End Panels

For homeowners who have a flexible budget, this can be an ideal choice. They have an efficiency rating of as high as 20%, are durable and with long-time warranties of decades! They have good temperature coefficients, making them a superb choice for hot environments.

Return on Investment

Different states have different costs for solar panels and their installations. Some states such as California, Arizona, Maryland, Florida, and Massachusetts extend tax incentives to solar panel consumers and this reduces their initial investment cost.

Energy Credits

Some states offer solar panel owners a chance to sell extra electricity they produce back into the government grid. This contributes greatly to the reduction of the ROI time, so go ahead and buy Sunpower solar panels.