The solar panel market was worth a remarkable USD 131.0 billion in 2020 and is expected to rise to an even more astounding USD 176.2 billion by 2027. There is clearly no shortage of consumer demand, and the advantages of reducing energy bills and having a smaller carbon footprint are appealing to many people.
But, is going solar the right choice for you? After all, if you’re investing in a new home energy system, you’ll want to be sure it provides excellent value for money. The good news is you can look for several key aspects before making your decision.
Let’s dive in and find out what you need to consider before installing solar panels.
Table of Contents
1. Solar Panel Installation Cost
If you choose to lease your solar panels, there is no upfront cost or fee for installing the system. But, you won’t make the same savings as you will if you purchase solar panels. But, if you buy the system, you’ll either have to pay for it upfront or sign up for a financing plan.
You can consider which option is most suitable for your needs beforehand and check which payment plans different installers offer.
2. Solar Panels and Roof Direction
Most people consider if their roof gets plenty of sun before installing solar panels. While a solar power system is more effective if you have a south-facing roof that gets plenty of light, this factor is not as important as you might think. You can also get excellent results with solar panels on roofs that face in other directions.
3. Finding a Reputable Solar Panel Installer
It’s essential that an expert firm carries out your solar installation to ensure your panels are secure and operate effectively. You can ask a company how long they have been in business and if they offer a warranty for their work. It’s a good idea to ask for more info about a company’s installation process to ensure you are happy with their approach.
4. Solar Panel Maintenance
You may be worried that solar panels are difficult to maintain, but happily, this is not the case. It’s easy to remove light dirt and debris using your garden hose. You can do this from the safety of your driveway, avoiding the need to climb on your roof.
5. On-Grid or Off-Grid
When you go solar, you don’t have to receive all of your power from your panels. You can choose to receive a partial supply from the grid and the rest of the energy you need from your solar panels. Of course, if you want to eliminate your electricity bill altogether, then going off-grid is a great choice.
Decide If Going Solar Is Right For You
It’s unsurprising there is so much interest in going solar when these systems provide such fantastic benefits. But, it’s crucial to ask the right questions to ensure you receive the maximum benefit. Make sure there is a reliable solar panel installer available to carry out the work, and determine if you want to be on-grid, off-grid, or a mixture of the two.
Before long, you could be enjoying lower energy bills while also reducing your impact on the environment.
Before rushing off to install your new solar panels, be sure to check out more helpful posts in our Tech and Lifestyle sections.
