The solar industry was shaken up over the last year, and it might have you confused.
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The Inflation Reduction Act, providing a 30% tax credit for the cost of solar panel system installations, along with falling solar panel prices and rising electricity costs, makes the case for adding solar panels to your roof. Changes to net metering in California and elsewhere mean that the case for some people isn't as strong as it once was (though the argument for batteries might be stronger).
If you're trying to make sense of it all, start with our tips for calculating your savings, finding an installer, deciding if a battery is right for you and what ome improvements you might want to tackle before jumping to solar. Read on for all that and more.
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How solar panels work
Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight into electricity. The sun emits solar radiation, which is absorbed by the photovoltaic cells. Electrons within the solar cell are energized, escape their bonds and form an electric current. That current, which starts as direct current, is switched to alternating by the solar system's inverter. From there, it's used up in the electronics in your home or sent back to the grid.
"It's not a magical technology, but it seems like it because you just stick something in sunlight and it makes electricity for you," said Joshua Pearce, a professor at Western University in Ontario and co-author of To Catch the Sun, a free e-book on DIY solar systems. "Even being a scientist who works on this stuff all the time, it's amazing that these things actually work."
The benefits of solar panels
Why would you want solar panels at home?
- Savings on energy: The most direct benefit is that you can gain the opportunity to power your own home outside of the electrical grid. That saves you money, and if you generate extra power, you might even be able to get credit on your bill from the electric utility via net metering. The average payback period for solar panels is six to 12 years, according to some sources.
- Abundant power source: According to the US Department of Energy, just 1 hour of noon summer sun meets the annual US electricity demand. Depending on your situation, turning it into electricity can save on your electricity bill.
- Help with your home value: If you plan to sell your home down the line, having home solar panels can be a major perk to buyers and can help increase your home's value.
- Key step toward going green: Since solar is a renewable resource, you can shrink your carbon footprint.
- Independence from grid failures: Some areas have electrical grids that are less than reliable. If you experience frequent power outages in your area, your own solar power and battery can keep the lights on.
- Provide power to your campsite: Some small solar panel arrays fit right onto RVs, or you can take them camping so you have electricity, no matter how remote the location.
Where to buy solar panels
Many businesses specialize in selling and installing solar panels for homes. Search online to locate solar panel suppliers and installers in your area. You can start with CNET's best list of solar panel companies. You can even shop for solar panels at major home goods stores like Home Depot. Stores like this can set you up with professional installation to help you get a residential solar panel setup.
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Major installers often offer solar financing options, too, though you might be best served by shopping around for a loan, especially with high interest rates. Many solar installers also offer solar panel leases or power purchase agreements, which you can enter with no money down (though savings over the lifetime of your panels are typically lower). You can also apply for the federal solar tax credit, which will give you up to 30% of the cost of your solar back to you on your taxes, assuming you have that much tax liability.
Solar panel installation
Most residential solar arrays are installed by a professional. Installing solar panels yourself is technically possible, but you run the risk of voiding warranties. You should only attempt it if you have the necessary expertise. If you opt for a professional installation, be sure to shop around for the best deal. Compare the warranties installers offer along with price, customer service and how well their proposed plans meet your needs.
A reputable solar installer will advise you on the age of your roof before installation. Replacing your roof before installation may ultimately be the cheaper option, since removing the panels to replace the roof will be an additional expense.
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Care and lifespan of solar panels
Many solar panels are warrantied to last 25 years, though their useful life is likely longer. On top of that, they're fairly maintenance-free, just requiring that you keep them free of obstructions like dirt, leaves and snow. More extensive repairs may be covered by warranty.
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Solar panels become less efficient over time, though that downward trend is not necessarily a problem. A typical manufacturer's warranty will guarantee that your solar panels won't lose more than 2% efficiency in the first year and not more than 0.5% per year in the next 24 years. That means your panels are guaranteed to produce at 84% their original capacity after year 25. Some panels will set a higher benchmark &#; like 92% &#; after 25 years, but you'll still be getting plenty of electricity out of them two decades on.
Do you need a solar battery?
Installing a solar battery in your home will allow you to store excess energy produced by your panels. However, they are currently almost as expensive as a solar panel system (from $12,000 to $22,000), so while a battery is nice to have, it's not a necessity.
There are instances where a solar battery is worth the investment. Those who live off the grid will need a battery to use solar power. And if your area is prone to frequent blackouts or you have medical needs that require refrigerated medicine or machinery, a battery may be worth the cost.
If net metering has been eliminated or weakened where you live, a battery might make solar a better proposition. Since you won't be compensated as much for the energy you send to the grid, storing more of it to use later can save you more money, despite increasing the initial cost of the system.
How to pay for solar panels
There is a variety of options for paying for the installation of residential solar panels, aided in part by the 30% federal tax credit. Homeowners can pay out of pocket for the entire project, then receive money back from the government. There are also plenty of solar loan options that also allow you to claim the tax credit. Interest rates have shifted higher over the last year or so, which means you should shop around for the terms that best fit your needs. Other financing options include bank loans or a home equity loan, but given their higher interest rates, consider these financial tools carefully.
For those without the financial means to buy or finance a system, there are solar leases and power purchase agreements. A solar lease is similar to that of a vehicle, where you pay a set amount each month for a system that will be owned by the installer. Under a power purchase agreement, you pay a set rate for the energy that is generated by the solar panels (the rate may increase after a certain amount of time), rather than the system itself. The drawback of these mechanisms is that you won't own the solar panels yourself, and hence won't get any of the tax credits or have the ability to sell renewable energy certificates.
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How the solar tax credit works
The federal residential solar energy credit, which grants a 30% credit to homeowners who install panels on their home through . (If your entire project costs $30,000, you'll be granted a credit of $9,000). The credit applies to homeowners who purchase a system with cash or through financing. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, you should seek professional tax advice to determine your eligibility, then fill out IRS Form following the instructions.
Improve your home efficiency first
Before you start the process of going solar, you should try to improve your home's energy usage in other ways.
"Solar is an exciting type of infrastructure, but if the ultimate goal is to save money on your electricity bills, I encourage homeowners to think about efficiency upgrades first," said Gilbert Michaud, assistant professor at Loyola University Chicago's School of Environmental Sustainability. "Those could include insulation, upgrading and replacing windows or other things that are maybe less fun, but can help you realize savings immediately and lower costs. Once you've done those efficiency retrofits or upgrades, maybe solar is a good idea."
These upgrades will give you a clearer idea of how many solar panels you'd need to power your home, too. That means you'll likely need less panels &#; reducing the cost of the installation &#; than if you didn't do efficiency upgrades first. Here's some suggestions.
- Check your insulation: Inside your walls is a layer of material meant to keep hot or cold air where it is. In the winter, this means the warm air from your heating system stays inside your house, and vice versa for cool air in the summer. If there are leaks in your insulation, hot or cold air is escaping or getting in, which makes your HVAC system work harder and costs you more money.
- Upgrade or replace windows: Much like insulation, your windows play a large role in keeping your home heated or cooled. If your windows are out of date, air could be coming in or out, which is not great for your energy bills.
- Replace old household items with efficient ones: If you have older appliances, thermostats or light bulbs, replace them with newer, more efficient ones to realize energy savings.
Solar panel FAQs
How much money will solar panels save me?
Many experts say that homeowners will see a return on investment on a solar panel installation in a period between seven to 12 years. That's when the money saved from paying your energy bills will exceed the initial money spent on a solar project. Those who go solar through a lease or power purchasing agreement should see savings practically immediately.
Is it better to buy or lease solar panels?
If you have the funds, it's better to buy solar panels rather than lease, and that's mostly due to tax credits. The federal government will provide a 30% tax credit for the total cost of the project. This will take a huge chunk off the bill. The sooner solar panels are paid off, the sooner they provide "free" energy. With a lease, you'll get the benefits of reducing your energy bills but not the credits that accompany solar power, and you will typically save less money over time.
Do you need a permit to install solar panels?
It depends on where you live. Within many municipalities (or if you have a homeowners association), you'll likely need to get a permit before work can start. Most installers take care of this process for you.
How long do solar panels last?
Many of today's solar panels have warranties guaranteeing their use for 15 to 25 years. Panels are likely to still work after this period of time, although at slightly less efficiency.
How much maintenance do solar panels need?
Solar panels need very minimal maintenance. The only care required would be to clear them of any dirt, leaves or snow, but this is not something you'd have to do regularly.
Can you get solar in an apartment or a rented home?
That will be up to the property's owner, but even if they're opposed to installing panels there are ways for renters to access solar. There are smaller solar devices you can use at home. You can also check if there are any community solar options in your area, which will allow you to buy electricity from a nearby solar farm to reduce your energy bills.
A lot hinges on the type of solar panels you choose to install. High-quality panels from a reputable manufacturer can last decades and save you a great deal on electricity costs over the years. On the other hand, panels from manufacturers who prioritize initial cost over long-term performance can leave you with an underperforming system that won&#;t stand up to the test of time. Learning how to choose the best solar panels is an important step in creating a long-lasting, money-saving solar system. First, you&#;ll need to narrow down your aesthetic, budgetary, and energy production goals. Then, you can filter through all the options and end up with the perfect solar panels.
We want to help you make the choice that&#;s right for you and your goals. That&#;s why we&#;ve assembled a list of six things you should consider when selecting your solar panels.
How to Choose the Best Solar Panels - Top 6 Considerations
1. Comparing Solar Panel Types - Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline
There are two main types of solar panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Which one you choose will impact the overall look of your system, its cost, how much electricity it will produce, and how much space your system will cover.
Monocrystalline panels have an overall darker tint to the cells and are typically the more efficient option. Panels with a higher efficiency mean you can produce more electricity with fewer panels, so your overall system takes up less space. However, for all their advantages, monocrystalline panels are often the more expensive option.
Polycrystalline panels have a bluer tint and are typically less efficient than monocrystalline, meaning you&#;d need a few more panels to generate the same amount of electricity. However, they do often come at a lower price, and despite the additional panels you&#;ll need, will likely be the cheaper option. For a more in depth breakdown of cost, check out our complete guide about how much solar panels cost.
2. Panel Color: The Back Sheet and Frame
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Monocrystalline Solar Panel Manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Another way you can control the look and price of your solar system is through the selection of backsheet and frame color.
Each panel is composed of several silicon cells that are placed on a back sheet. This back sheet shows through the gaps between the cells and creates a grid-type design. Some manufacturers offer solar panels with black back sheets instead of the typical white.
Black back sheets create a more uniform-looking panel that blends into darker roofs. However, black holds heat, so black back sheets may get hotter than traditional panels, which could slightly reduce the panels&#; efficiency.
There are also two options when it comes to the color of the metal frame around the borders of the panels: black and silver. Black frame panels can be more aesthetically appealing but will cost more. Aside from that, both black- and silver-frame panels should perform identically.
3. Determining the Right Solar Panel Size for Your Home or Business
Solar panels come in two different sizes: 60-cell and 72-cell. The size refers to the number of cells (the small, crystalline silicon wafer) on the solar panel. On average, 72-cell panels are about a foot longer than 60-cell panels.
Their larger size makes 72-cell panels better suited for large, wide-open spaces like commercial roofs and ground-mount systems. 60-cell panels are typically better suited to fit in tighter spaces, like on the dormer of a home&#;s roof. However, this isn&#;t a hard and fast rule and will vary from location to location.
Overall, 72-cell panels tend to be more economical, as they generate more electricity per panel than an otherwise identical 60-cell panel.
4. Panel Production: Output Rating and Efficiency
Both the panel&#;s output rating and efficiency will impact how much power it can produce.
The output rating is the three-digit number in the solar panel&#;s name. It represents how many watts of electricity the panel will generate under ideal conditions.
Most panels have a wattage between 250 watts to 400 watts, with a few panels exceeding the 400-watt mark. A higher wattage means more electricity generated per panel, but it will likely mean a higher price tag. Though you&#;ll need fewer panels to reach your generation goals, it likely won&#;t offset the price increase.
However, wattage isn&#;t the only thing to look for. You should also consider the panel&#;s efficiency, which is the percentage of electricity it produces from the energy it receives from the sun.
The more efficient a solar panel is, the more kilowatt-hours of electricity it will produce per watt of power capacity. This is especially important if you&#;re concerned about the amount of space your solar system takes up.
For example, let&#;s compare two 300-watt solar panels: one that&#;s 21% efficient and another that&#;s 17% efficient. Both will produce 300 watts of power under ideal conditions. However, the one that has a higher efficiency will be physically smaller and take up less space than the one that is less efficient. So if you have high electric bills and a small amount of space to install your solar system, you&#;ll want to look for efficient panels.
5. What Kind of Solar Panel Warranty Will You Be Getting?
An important indication of overall panel quality is a robust warranty from the manufacturer. Many high-quality solar panels are guaranteed for 25 to 30 years and can continue working even after their warranty expires.
Purchasing solar panels that will last is essential to the long-term success of your system. The longer your solar panels generate electricity, the more money you save. Purchasing panels backed by a comprehensive warranty will help guarantee their success.
Most manufacturers offer two kinds of warranties: performance and product warranties. The performance warranty assures that the panel will be capable of producing a specified percentage of power during the warranty period despite degradation. The production warranty protects your panels from material or workmanship issues.
6. Overall Quality and Brand Considerations - What Makes a Good Solar Panel?
You want the highest quality solar panels at the best price. However, there are a few important factors to consider when evaluating the quality of a specific solar panel.
To get a true measure of a solar panel&#;s quality, you&#;ll want to look at its guarantee, the manufacturer's reputation, customer reviews, and the panel&#;s technical specifications for efficiency, temperature coefficient, and power tolerance.
Another way to measure a solar panel brand, though imperfect, is by looking at what &#;tier&#; the solar panel manufacturer falls under. When researching different brands, you&#;ll likely come across lists that separate manufacturers into tier one, and even tier two and three, though there is no formal definition for tiers two and three.
Most assume tier-one solar panel manufacturers tend to be the stronger brands. However, this isn&#;t necessarily the case. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance Corporation (BNEF), the tier system for solar panel manufacturers refers to how bankable a solar company is. While it&#;s fair to reason that a bankable company must have quality products, there are plenty of companies out there that do not meet the tier-one specifications but offer great, high-quality panels.
Overall Quality
Quality is a comprehensive measure that encompasses several aspects of a solar panel, including:
- Efficiency: Higher efficiency panels convert more sunlight into electricity, which is especially important in limited space scenarios.
- Durability: Look for panels that can withstand environmental conditions like high winds, snow loads, and temperature fluctuations. Standards such as IEC can be indicators of durability.
- Performance in Different Climates: This section addresses how the performance of solar panels can vary in warm climates and the importance of temperature coefficients.
Brand Reputation
The manufacturer's reputation can be a strong indicator of panel quality. Consider the following:
- History and Experience: Brands with a long history in the industry and a track record of innovation and reliability are often preferable.
- Financial Stability: A financially stable company is more likely to honor warranties and be around to service any future claims.
- Customer Reviews and Industry Ratings: Feedback from real users and ratings from industry organizations can provide insight into the brand's reputation and customer satisfaction.
Another way to measure a solar panel brand, though imperfect, is by looking at what &#;tier&#; the solar panel manufacturer falls under. When researching different brands, you&#;ll likely come across lists that separate manufacturers into tier one, and even tier two and three, though there is no formal definition for tiers two and three.
Most assume tier-one solar panel manufacturers tend to be the stronger brands. However, this isn&#;t necessarily the case. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance Corporation (BNEF), the tier system for solar panel manufacturers refers to how bankable a solar company is. While it&#;s fair to reason that a bankable company must have quality products, there are plenty of companies out there that do not meet the tier-one specifications but offer great, high-quality panels.
Choosing the Best Solar Panel for Your Home or Business
While some manufacturers on our list are objectively the &#;best&#; in terms of efficiency, warranty, or price, the panels that are right for you will depend on your specific situation.
You should go with the panel that offers the best value, balancing price with performance and quality. It&#;s about getting a system you&#;re happy with that&#;s cost-effective and has the best ROI.
Here are a few factors to consider:
- Assessing Electricity Use: Guide readers on how to assess overall electricity use
- Assessing Roof Characteristics: Roof characteristics are used to choose the optimal solar panel setup.
- Cost vs. Efficiency: Discuss how to balance the cost of solar panels with their efficiency to get the best value for your investment.
What are the Best Solar Panels on the Market in ?
There are many solar panel brands, but only a handful have risen to the top for our team at Paradise Energy.
With 15 years of experience installing solar for thousands of customers, we've gained valuable insight and experience with many panel manufacturers. We use that insight to select the brands that we can confidentially offer our customers. Our top three brands are:
Each of these brands was carefully chosen based on specific performance metrics such as customer service, company standing, and product specifications, including performance, aesthetics, warranties, and pricing.
Axitec
QCells
SEG Solar
Performance Warranty
25 or 30-year linear (85 - 87.5%)
25-year linear (86%)
25 or 30-year (84.8%)
Product Warranty
15 or 30 years
12 - 25 years
15 years
Pricing
$$
$$$
$$
Module Efficiency (%)
19.78 - 21.51%
20.6 - 22.7%
21.48 - 22.53%
Headquarter Location
Germany
South Korea
United States
Manufacturing Location
Asia & Europe
Asia & United States
Asia & United States
Manufacturing Tier
Tier 2
Tier 1
Tier 1
Wrapping Up: Choosing the Best Solar Panels in
There&#;s no one-size-fits-all answer to which solar panels are the best. That answer changes based on a variety of factors, like your budget, how much electricity you&#;d like to generate, the space you have to install the system, and what aesthetic concerns you have.
With the sheer amount of options available, this process can be overwhelming. Trying to determine the best combination of panel size, output rating, and efficiency is the most economical for your space, all while ensuring the panels are high quality and backed by extensive warranties takes experience. At Paradise Energy, we&#;ll maximize your budget and space with panels that suit your specific goals, whether that is budgetary, energy-related, aesthetically driven, or a combination of them all.
Want more information on 550W Mono Solar Panels? Feel free to contact us.