Solar power technology has experienced incredible advancements in the last decade, and these have helped lower the cost of installation so that they are now affordable for most people. That’s why we are witnessing more and more people starting to invest in this green piece of equipment for their homes and businesses. If you are reading this article, you are likely one of those who are thinking about buying solar panels yourself. However, you need to consider plenty of things deciding on the right solar panel option for you and your home. 

Here is what to look for when planning to buy solar panels. 

Realistic Price Range

Quality technology costs money, so be wary about any quote you receive for solar panels, significantly less than other similar systems. The panels are likely to be of poor quality or come with substandard installation work. The experts at Firefly Energy explain that even though the cost for installation has reduced substantially in recent years, quality equipment and installation should not be that cheap. Sometimes, a longer period of time on your warranty also comes with a higher price tag, so compare all the components and balance the benefits before opening your wallet. Some small companies may also try to cut other important corners of the systems, so make sure you do your research.

Gathering multiple quotes will help you get a better idea about the price range for each specification which will help you to make the best decision. Don’t just make decisions purely based on prices, as other relevant components can also reduce the upfront costs. Some cheap solar systems can wind up costing you  more in the long run. 

Solar Panel Certifications

All solar panels on the market should have certificates, which indicate the types of testing that they have undergone. For example, TUV IEC 61215 proves that the solar panels have met their advertised specifications. Apart from this test, other certificates are often self-assessed, so they rely on the manufacturer and retailer’s honesty. Check these certificates for the sake of your family’s safety. Furthermore, if your solar panels have the potential to attract government rebates, you should look into these certificates before purchasing them. 

The Right Panel for Your Needs

There are two types of solar panel technology that are currently available: photovoltaic and thermal. While photovoltaic uses arrays of cells to turn sunlight to electricity, thermal uses sunlight to heat water. Photovoltaic panels are the more popular choice for homes, but if heating fuel is expensive relative to electricity where you live, the panels could break sooner.

Your type of roof also influences the type of panels that you can install. Although it’s no longer the case that you need highly efficient mono-crystalline solar panels, certain types of panels will work more efficiently than others with your roof’s shape. It’s important to bear in mind that inefficient panels will affect your ability to maximize the power output, as well as the ease of adding more panels at a later date. 

Get Recommendations from Friends and Family

There is no advice that is more useful than that of people who already have solar panels installed. You can make a list of questions and ask your friends, neighbors, or colleagues who have already had a system installed. They will share with you their experiences or warn you of any problems, especially if they are in the same area and experience the same weather conditions. 

Warranty Length 

Since solar panels are a long-term investment, it’s important to look into different manufacturers’ warranty lengths and pick the optimal one. If a reputable manufacturer offers a substantial warranty period for your solar panels (usually 25 years), it can provide valuable peace of mind. You can then expect your solar panels to last for a long time; long enough that they can generate the value to pay for themselves or even make you a profit when you sell power back to the grid. However, for a warranty to be honored, the company should still be operating, so don’t forget to check their reputation, history, and reviews, too.

Solar panels are no longer a luxury but are now perfect for anyone interested in saving money and the planet. Their price has come down, and their efficiency has gone up, so now is the best time to install them. Installing a solar power system in your home can be a very exciting experience, but you can also get carried away. It’s important to focus on the important aspects as the purchase will stay on your roof and provide you with power for a long time.