How to Choose a Solar Power System For Your Home

When you think of solar power, you probably envision an attractive community project or a massive farm with acres and acres of panels. But in fact, solar energy is accessible to most homeowners. Even if you live in a less-than-ideal spot for solar panels—say, on the second floor of your home or in a small space—you can still make use of the sun’s rays with a small system.

Solar energy is one of the most environmentally-friendly options available to homeowners looking to cut down on their monthly utility costs while at the same time reducing harmful greenhouse gases and ecological impact from electricity use. As such, we’re happy to see more and more people taking up residence in sunny areas so they have access to this renewable resource.

What is a Solar Power System?

A solar power system consists of the following components: inverter, panel, mounting system, wiring, and installation hardware.

The panels collect sunlight and convert it into electrical energy that is then stored in solar batteries. The inverter uses this electricity to power your home or business. The wiring and installation hardware allows for easy setup, while the mounting system provides a stable foundation for your panels.

How Much Does A Solar Power System Cost?

Solar power systems are pricey, but that’s mostly because the initial investment is high. The good news is that most solar panels last for around 20 years before reaching the end of their life and will cost you around $3,000 to replace. It may not seem like a lot of money to spend on a system in the short term, but consider how much you’ll save over time.

Additionally, if your solar power system comes with a 25-year warranty, you won’t have to worry about breaking it down or replacing it after just a few years. This is especially convenient when the solar panels are installed on the roof of your home and aren’t easily accessible for replacement.

Important Factors to Consider When Selecting a Solar Power System

The first thing you should do when considering a solar power system for your home is determine how much sun you get in your area, as well as how much space you have for the system. This can be done by visiting a website like one of these and inputting your location to get an idea of how many kWh per day of electricity you can expect from solar panels on the roof.

Next, consider the size of the system that will best fit your needs. If you live in a house with less than 2500 square feet, a smaller system may be appropriate—but if it looks like it’ll be too small, there are larger systems available with more panels. You should also pay attention to warranties and any rebates or incentives offered by the government or utility companies.

Finally, consider your personal feelings on renewable energy. Solar panels are always going to cost more up-front than other options like fossil fuels or nuclear power; however, they have fewer long-term costs and impact on the environment. In addition, there is no risk involved with solar energy because it’s 100% renewable—so if you invest in solar today, you know that tomorrow it will still be generating clean energy without harming our planet.

Pros and cons of installing a Solar Power System

Installing a solar power system to your home can be good for your wallet and the environment. But it comes with some drawbacks, as well.

One of the biggest cons is that solar energy isn’t always available. Solar panels rely on direct sunlight, so if there’s a cloud in the sky or you live in an area with limited sun exposure, you won’t harvest any energy at all!

Another downside is that installing a solar power system for your home can be expensive. The initial cost can run anywhere from $2,000-$10,000 depending on your needs and how much electricity you want to generate per month. However, once you recover these costs by reducing your utility bill over time, you’ll find that it was well worth the investment.

If you decide to go ahead with a solar power system, make sure you get one that fits your needs and budget. And remember: It takes both time and money to install a solar power system!

Which type of solar panel is right for you?

The best solar panel for your home will vary depending on the size of your home and the square footage of your roof. You can purchase a single panel to power a single light or you can buy a system with panels that are spread out across the rooftop. If you have high-aspect-ratio roofs, you should look into solar panels that are lightweight and foldable to fit around the roof.

These types of panels are also easier to install than other types of solar panels and they provide greater flexibility in terms of placement.

Your roof type will dictate which type of solar panel is best suited for your home. In general, flat roofs create more electricity than sloped roofs because they don’t face as much shade in hot months. However, if you live in an area with lower sunlight hours, sloped roofs would need less exposure to make up for low annual sunlight hours.

If you live in an area with lots of trees and tall buildings, passive solar energy may be more appropriate to help heat your home during winter months while still making use of the sun’s rays throughout the rest of the year.

Installing a rooftop solar panel system

So you’ve got your solar panel system. Now what?

The first step is to assemble the solar panel and wire it up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, use the mounting hardware provided to attach the panel on your roof. Next, follow installation instructions for connecting up your solar module to a battery bank and other components in the wiring, such as inverters. Finally, make sure you properly charge your batteries before connecting them to your home’s electrical system so that you can access clean energy all year long.

Installing a Ground-mounted Solar Panel System

Ground-mounted solar panels are the most common option for smaller spaces. If you live in a sunny area, it’s certainly possible to install these types of solar panels on your roof and be on your way. However, the equipment is heavy and requires some basic installation skills. The good news is that ground-mounted solar panels can be set up by a professional contractor or DIYer in just a few hours; even if you’re not handy, it shouldn’t take too much time to get this part of the process underway.

When installing a ground-mounted system, first decide where you want the panel to go and mark out the location with stakes or paint. Next, dig out the space before constructing a wooden frame around the area where you want to place the panel. After setting up concrete blocks around the frame, fill them with gravel to hold them in place while you pour concrete into each block. Once this step is complete, attach rebar to each block with wire ties. Finally, affixing roof tiles over the top of all of this will ensure that water doesn’t seep through and damage your system as it mounts on top of your roof’s shingles.

Get Free Quotes From Solar Panel Installers In Your Area

In order to choose the right solar power system for your home, you’ll want to be aware of the important factors that go into selecting the best solar power system for your home. Look at your lifestyle and your energy consumption before deciding whether or not a solar power system is right for you. If you’d like to get quotes for a solar power system at your home, we can help. We work with a nationwide network of pre-vetted, top-quality solar panel installers that are ready to get your project quoted, financed, and installed without a headache. Click here to start your quote process now.