What To Know Before Investing in A Solar Panel
As petrol becomes more expensive, generators are now a very expensive power source, which is why solar panels continue to grow in popularity. Are you thinking about it: why wouldn’t you want to take advantage of free renewable energy from the Sun?
However, installing solar panels is never as easy or straightforward as one might think. There’s the initial expense to consider as well as selecting the best type of solar panel for your home. Then there’s the whole process of getting them installed and hooking them up.
But this shouldn’t stop you from investing in solar panels. After all, once you’ve got them installed, they’ll save you money on your bills, not to mention add value to your house. That’s why we’ve pulled together this guide on essential things you should know before buying solar panels.
Is your roof ready for solar panels?
If your roof is old or damaged, it might not be prepared to take the weight of solar panels. You should get it inspected by a professional to confirm if it’s structurally sound. It’s also best to get any necessary repairs fixed before you order your panels. At the very least, your shingles should be relatively new; otherwise, the whole grid will need to be removed to access the repairs in the future.
If your roof can’t take the weight and you’re not prepared to pay for a replacement, you can place solar panels in your backyard alternatively. Just be sure to aim them in the best direction for sunlight.
What types of solar panels are there?
There are three main types of solar panel to choose from; monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline is the most common option you will see on residential homes. This is considered to be the most efficient of all the solar panels, but it comes with a steep price as a consequence.
Polycrystalline panels are a little less efficient by comparison, but they don’t cost as much. Thin-film panels, on the other hand, have a much finer design, which makes them more flexible and portable. These aren’t as efficient as monocrystalline though. The best option for you will depend on your home and your budget.
And then there’s the question of solar panels vs. solar shingles. Solar panels are more traditional, and are lower in cost by comparison. Solar shingles are newer, and rather than sitting on top of your roof, are designed to look like your shingles, so they’re more aesthetically pleasing. However, solar shingles are significantly more expensive than solar panels.
Do you need a permit to install solar panels?
Each state and municipality will have its own set of rules in terms of solar panels, and you might need a permit to install them. Check-in with your local authority to see what’s required.
Depending on what’s needed, this may take some time to approve, so get this sorted first before browsing and selecting your solar panels. A good installation company will be able to take care of the permitting process but be sure to ask them.
How much do solar panels cost?
Make sure you’re fully aware of the expense of installing solar panels before buying. On average, expect to spend at least $15,000 to $20,000 to buy and install solar panels. You will likely need to hire a professional to install them, and you also need to account for any repairs your roof may require beforehand.
Be prepared that while you save money on your bills, recovering the initial expense will take a long time. Many solar panel installers will provide a calculator to see how much you’ll save per month if you have solar panels.
Should I get a battery backup for my solar panels?
Solar panels are great for providing electricity when the Sun is out, but what about at night? Many solar panel installers also provide the option of adding a battery backup, so that when the Sun goes down, you can still draw the benefits of your solar panels — and not use power from the grid. A battery backup will add more money to the overall cost of your system but will provide you with a source of power in case there’s a power outage in your area, without requiring a noisy generator.