Home Improvement

Getting Solar Panels? – Here’s Everything You Need to Know

The solar power system has just recently entered the mainstream market, such that only a few people can tell you how it works. Rest assured that it promises significant advantages as soon as you get it up and running.

However, like with any other energy source, your solar power system will require maintenance regularly, and even repair as necessary. In this case, for your solar panel servicing needs, make sure to get in touch only with reputable and reliable solar power electricians. Licensed and certified solar power electricians are in the best position to help you because they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and training necessary to address your concerns from the installation process, until the necessary maintenance and repairs.

In line with this, below are the things that you need to know when it comes to having solar panels installed and maintained in your household.

Consider the Condition of Your Roof

One of the first things that you need to consider before you delve into having solar panels installed on your roof is to think about whether it will be able to support panels. For instance, if your roof is covered in shade for the most part of the day all year long, then perhaps, getting solar panels installed will not work in your favour. It is also important to ensure that your roof is in a structurally good shape to support the additional weight of the panels. But don’t give your hopes up because if you cannot install solar panels on your roof, there are other options that you can consider such as looking into a shared or community solar.

Solar Power Technologies

  • Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Technology

Solar PV is the technology behind the solar panels installed on the rooftops of households and businesses. With PV technology, electricity is produced directly from the energy of the sun through arrays of PV cells. The typical lifespan of these cells ranges anywhere between 20 and 40 years.

  • Thermal Solar Technology

On the other hand, with thermal solar technology, the energy of the sun is first converted into heat. It is from the heat generated that electricity is produced. However, solar thermal is quite rare for households, which is why it may prove to be quite difficult for you to find a qualified solar power electrician that can help with the installation process.

Lease or Buy?

As a homeowner, you have the option of leasing or buying the solar power system that you entail to use. For this, you need to run a cost-benefit analysis based on your energy usage. For sure, buying a solar power system proves to be more expensive when it comes to upfront costs, but it proves to be more cost-effective in the long run.

You will be able to reap the full benefits of your solar panel system and significantly reduce your power bill in the years to come if you match it with a sustainable energy plan like those offered by Gexa Energy.

On the other hand, leasing will allow you to access cheaper electricity even without having to make a lucrative down payment. Perhaps the only drawback is that when you go with this option, the company you get into a contract with still owns the system that you are using and you still need to pay them a certain rate for the electricity that you are using.

There are several things that you need to consider when it comes to having solar panels installed on your roof. Nevertheless, you will surely find sufficient resources to help you make the big decision to switch off-grid and rely on the sun’s power to provide for your energy needs. All that it needs is a little extra effort to perform diligent research and soon enough you will be on your way to reaping the benefits that a solar power system can provide.

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Clare Louise