Choosing the best solar panels can significantly impact your overall savings. A sound system will last for decades and generate a lot of electricity.
There are a lot of variables that go into making the right solar panel decision for your home. Here are some things to consider to help you make the best choice.
Cost
There are a few things to consider when choosing the best solar panels for your home. First, determine your energy needs. This will help you determine the size of the system that is needed to offset your utility bills.
Then, choose a manufacturer that offers quality solar modules. These solar panels are more durable and produce more electricity than those from lower tiers. Additionally, the installer you choose is essential. Different installers have different design approaches, affecting how much you pay. For example, some companies may include hidden fees, such as dealer fees, in their quotes.
Tax incentives and rebates can offset solar panel costs, significantly reducing your total costs. Additionally, many homeowners purchase their solar panel system with a loan or lease rather than paying for it up-front. When purchasing solar panels with a loan or lease, you can avoid additional interest charges and receive a better rate on your borrowing.
Solar installation costs vary depending on the type and size of the system you need, your location, and your energy goals. The best solar companies offer options for your unique energy needs and budget.
Energy Savings
Your energy savings are a significant factor in deciding which solar panels to install. Your electricity rates and the local sunshine help determine how much you can save with your solar system.
The best solar panel installation in New Jersey can help you find your exact power needs and the solar system size that will best meet those needs. They can also provide a breakdown of the solar system’s costs. Then they can help you compare quotes from different suppliers, ensuring that you’re comparing apples to apples in terms of warranty, product quality, and installation service.
Many states offer incentives that can reduce your upfront costs or increase the financial return of your solar energy system. These include cash rebates, net metering policies, and small-scale technology certificates (STCs).
It’s essential to remember that a cheap solar panel may not be the best value if it degrades faster or doesn’t perform as well over its lifespan. As a general rule, you get what you pay for. But don’t be fooled by false sales pitches or high-pressure tactics from some less reputable companies in this space. See client reviews and speak with friends and family who have gone solar to understand which installers stand behind their work and care about customer satisfaction.
Maintenance
Solar panels require minimal maintenance, and most systems have automatic monitoring to alert you of low efficiency or repairs. However, you must schedule a cleaning and inspection once or twice yearly to keep your system at peak performance.
You can usually perform these tasks yourself with a hose and soft sponge to save money. You should check with your installer first to ensure you follow best practices and do not void warranties. You can also hire a local contractor to do the work for you, with prices varying depending on your location and solar array size.
Solar panel maintenance costs can add up to a lot, especially if you are experiencing issues like a sudden drop in energy output. To avoid these problems, tracking your energy usage and monitoring your solar panels closely is a good idea. While this can be a hassle, it will help you to notice any irregularities and get them repaired before they become worse. You can also look at your monthly electricity bill to see if your solar panels produce less power than usual. If you see a consistent drop, it’s likely time for an annual inspection. A professional can help you determine whether the problem is with your panels or the surrounding environment, and they can recommend a solution.
Warranty
Solar panel warranties can be complex, and you must fully understand what you’re signing up for. A warranty shows a company’s confidence in its product and can protect you from expensive repair bills. While a warranty can vary by manufacturer, the industry standard is a 25-year performance warranty. In addition, many companies offer an artistry warranty that covers installation and other aspects of the system for ten years.
Manufacturer performance warranties guarantee that a module will continue to produce its rated output. Solar panels naturally degrade over time, but this degradation typically is at most 1% of their initial yearly efficiency. This allows most Tier 1 manufacturers to warranty at least 90% of production in the first ten years and 80% for up to 25 years. These warranties can be linear or stepped, with stepped warranties reducing coverage at specific milestones throughout the panel’s life.
A warranty can also cover repairs and replacements, so talking to your installer about what will and won’t void your warranty is essential. Also, be sure to discuss any potential issues that might arise during the life of your solar panels so they can address them as quickly as possible. Lastly, make sure that you have a copy of your warranty document. This can be beneficial if you decide to sell your home, as it indicates a quality system and a solid warranty protects it.