Solar Panels For Residential Projects
Once you have decided to install solar panels for residential setup, it becomes quickly apparent that there are many, many steps involved in choosing what elements will go into your new energy system. The complexity can quickly become overwhelming and it is easy to get bogged down in the nitty-gritty of what solar panel systems you will want to install on your roof. However, there is no need for the process of choosing solar panels for residential installation to become a hassle of numerous, fragmented details. There are several basic parts of a solar installation and the ways in which they work properly together. Armed with a few basic principles, it becomes easy to make decisions and move forward with your new solar energy system. Once you understand the basic workings of solar energy, you can then ask a solar expect-pointed questions in order to get the answers you need to get the best residential solar power systems for your needs.
Types of solar panels
Obviously, when considering solar energy for residential use for your home or property, it is useful to know the various basic types of solar panels. At their most basic solar panels come in crystalline or non-crystalline types. Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline panels are the most common types. And as far as solar panels for residential installations go, they are likely the only variations on panels that you will encounter. There is also hybrid and AllBlack panels but these are typically too expensive or simply not very useful in most climates. The two types of crystalline panels differ in their production methods and are useful in different situations.
Monocrystalline: These panels are the most efficient of the crystalline panels. Due to the production processes used in their creation, all of the silicon crystals in the panel face the same direction. This means that when the sun strikes the panel, all of the crystals are employed in generating energy. However, the purity of the crystals and the intricacy of the production process results in a more costly panel. If you have limited roof space but has a lot of money to burn for your home solar power systems, then these panels are typically top of the line energy producers.
- Polycrystalline: It is tempting to label this type of solar panel as simply the lesser of the two. However, the polycrystalline production process has its own benefits. The most obvious benefit is of course the price tag. Polycrystalline panels are not as refined and are thus easier to produce, resulting in lower costs to make and purchase. A second benefit to polycrystalline panels becomes apparent when they are installed in areas of the world where overcast weather is more common. The production process of polycrystalline panels results in more random alignment of the silicon crystals, which means that at any given time the panel is only using a portion of its surface area. However, when the sun rays are diffused through clouds, this results in less directional sun rays, which polycrystalline panels can pick up solar energy better than monocrystalline.
Solar Installation
Once you have chosen the type of panel, it is time now to install them. The hiring of a professional solar panel installation contractor is highly advised as the complexities of solar panels for residential installation involve many sensitive areas such as the wiring in your home. The big question that you will be asking is, “How much are residential solar panels cost me?” Solar energy costs have been dropping steadily and it is now more affordable than ever to install solar panels for residential use. Combine that with the numerous solar incentives available and you end up in approximately in $ 10,000 range for a new solar energy system. This price may vary considerably based on your areas’ solar energy policies and on the size of your system. A small system may cost as little as $ 4,000. A good solar energy contractor will be able to help you size and price your system to fit your energy needs.
