How to choose the best home solar panels for you

We’re thrilled that you’ve made the decision to install a home solar system! You’ll soon be joining many other homeowners across the country who enjoy the benefits of completely clean, free, renewable energy and you’ll be doing your part to make positive choices for the environment. 

A question many people ask is: what are the best home solar panels for me? As with many things there is no singular “best” home solar panel, and the answer depends on several factors that our team will discuss below. If you’d like to learn more about which home solar panels are best for you, our team will be happy to assist. 

Cost per watt

Your budget will be the biggest determining factor in which solar panels you choose, and panels come in many different sizes. Full-size panels are generally in the range of 275-400 watts, so to deduce the true cost, you can divide the total price of the panel by the number of watts it outputs. You may have the budget for full-size panels or you may want to go with a smaller option. We can work with all different budgets at Green House Solar. 

Efficiency

You obviously want your solar panels to be efficient because they’ll be powering your whole house with renewable energy. Check the efficiency ratings of the different brands you’re considering – between 15-22% is considered a good efficiency rating. 

Temperature Coefficient

Your solar panels will be subjected to all different types of weather conditions and varying temperatures, especially as our summers get hotter and our winters get more severe. Very hot temperatures can make your solar panels less efficient, so if you live in a place where it gets hot on a regular basis, we recommend asking your solar installer which panels are best suited for hot climates. 

Warranties

Home solar panels come with a workmanship warranty and a performance warranty. The workmanship warranty protects your panels against any manufacturer defects and other physical problems, while the performance warranty ensures your home solar system continues working above the efficiency rating for their entire lifespan. 

Company History 

When choosing a solar installer, we recommend selecting a company that has a long, successful history of installing home solar panels in your area. The company you choose will be with you every step of the way until your solar system is complete, so picking a company you feel comfortable with and that you trust is very important.

For more information about the various types of home solar panels, or if you have any questions about which ones are best for your home, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Is my home suited for solar panels-

If you’re a homeowner who is interested in solar panels for your house, our team at Green House Solar in NJ is here to help. Residential solar panels have skyrocketed in popularity over the last decade or so, partly due to the fact that many home solar systems are more affordable than in years past, and partly due to people wanting to take advantage of free, renewable energy to power their homes. 

You may be wondering if solar panels can be installed on your roof. While it’s true that the majority of roofs are suited for solar panels, we’ve outlined some of the most important aspects that can help you decide. Our team is also happy to inspect your property and give you a professional assessment.

What kind of roof do you have?

Roofs made from durable materials like concrete tile or asphalt shingle are best-suited for solar panels. Solar panels require a strong base to which they are attached, and most modern roofs are made from strong materials. However, other roofing materials like slate tile and wood shake can also support solar panels, but you’ll need to work with an expert solar installer who has experience working with these roofing materials. 

What condition is your roof in?

It’s easy to forget about maintaining your roof. Unlike plumbing and electrical systems, it’s common for homeowners to only pay attention to their roof if they notice a major problem, like visible cracks or storm damage. Considering that most solar panels have a life span of 35 years, your roof needs to be in its best condition before installation.

How much sunlight does your roof receive?

South-facing roofs are generally best for solar panels, but other factors including shading and roof angles also impact how much sunlight your roof receives. Solar panels don’t need full sun to generate electricity, and we recommend having your roof assessed by a professional. You can also check your roof’s suitability by using Project Sunroof from Google.

What is your local climate like?

Solar panels use both direct and indirect sunlight to generate energy, and solar panels are suitable in many different climates. Check with a local solar company to learn more about how your climate will impact the amount of energy your solar system can generate. 

If you’re considering installing a home solar system and would like more information, or if you have any questions about solar power, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. Discover why so many homeowners choose us as their trusted solar panel supplier.

Understanding how solar panels work

More and more homeowners and businesses are seeking to move away from non-renewable energy, and opt for clean energy options like solar panels that allow them to reduce their carbon footprint. While you’ve probably seen solar panels atop many roofs, do you know how they work? In this article, we’ll discuss what solar panels are made of, how they generate electricity, and how weather conditions affect the production of solar energy. 

Continue reading “Understanding how solar panels work”