Electricity generated from the sun is renewable and clean. And, with more companies adopting solar power, it’s more accessible than ever before. But with so many options out there, how does one decide which panels to buy? The best solution for this problem is to check if your project can generate self-consumption of 50% or more. Doing this will allow you to reduce costs by about 30%. Find the kinetic energy k of the rotating particle.
1. Choose the best solar panels
Panels are typically produced by companies who market themselves as expert photovoltaic installers. But, when it comes to choosing panels, you have to consider the following factors:
A. Warranty – How long is their warranty? How much do they stand behind their product? Will they still be in business in 20 years? Check the warranty very carefully! Many companies use a policy of ‘limited’ or ‘included’ warranty. Try and find one with a strong ‘performance’ type of warranty that will cover defects over a long period. For example, any solar panel brand with a 25-year performance guarantee is good because this essentially means that the manufacturer stands behind its product for three decades!
B. Solar insolation – How good are their panels for early morning and late afternoon sunlight? Be sure to choose one that will do well with your climate.
C. Viability – If you can generate self-consumption of 50% or more, you can reduce costs by about 30%. Use a calculator to calculate if this is possible and which panels meet this criteria. If a panel doesn’t meet this criteria, it may be best to invest in some other type of product.
2. Consider the grid
Some states have solar-friendly grids. But for those that don’t, you might want to get a battery back-up system, or you might want to choose another type of product. If you go the battery route, it’s important to ask:
A. What will be the cost impact over time?
B. How long will the warranty last?
C. What is their service and maintenance history?
D. How long will it take to pay off your batteries? Will you need additional maintenance services or repairs for your batteries on a regular basis? Or will they fail quickly if not serviced on time?
3. Consider the installation
There are many ways to install panels on your home:
A. Low-maintenance flat roof. This is where you should go. Sticking panels on a flat roof will give you the most return on investment, but it’s also very work intensive and requires gutting the roof to install them (and then put it back after). It’s best for commercial properties, factory or industrial sites etc. A low-maintenance flat roof is ideal for a small commercial building, farmhouse, garage or any other place where cost-efficiency really matters.
B. Installation on a sloped roof – If your property has a sloping roof, you can use two types of system: High rise and low-rise installation. High-rise installations have a higher initial cost and more maintenance, but they can be easier to install. Low-rise installations are cheaper, and installation is generally less of a chore, but it’s not as efficient.
4. Consider the other factors
Electricity generated from the sun is renewable and clean. And, with more companies adopting solar power, it’s more accessible than ever before. But with so many options out there, how does one decide which panels to buy? The best solution for this problem is to check if your project can generate self-consumption of 50% or more. Doing this will allow you to reduce costs by about 30%.
5. Getting the best price
A. Figure out what you will be using the electricity for. Will you be charging batteries? Will your home power needs be very different when it’s dark and bright? If so, you may want to consider buying small-scale solar systems that can provide power in different ways, including battery storage.
B. Look at government incentives – 30% of the cost of a system is tax deductible in Australia. This can bring down the cost significantly if you’re going to be installing a large scheme with lots of panels and batteries.
C. Don’t be intimidated by large quotes – you might get a quote that’s way above the average, but don’t let this put you off. Many large companies just want to make money off the installation work and not the panels, so they may make their base price very high. They may also charge extra for certain parts or services like permitting or roofing maintenance which can increase your overall cost considerably.
6. Choosing a company
A. Look for a company that has a good reputation and reviews. Many companies now offer free solar evaluations which can help you decide if their system is for you or not. You can have your solar system installed and have it running within a few days if you’re happy with their service.
B. Another thing to look for is the ability of the company to install solar systems in climates other than in sunny regions where panels are more efficient at generating electricity.
