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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Residential Solar Panels

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Solar panels have become increasingly popular as more homeowners seek sustainable, cost-effective energy solutions. Their benefits include significant reductions in electricity bills, increased property value, and lower environmental impact. They also offer greater energy independence by allowing homeowners to generate electricity and protect themselves from rising utility costs.

 

In this blog, we will explore the essential considerations when choosing the right solar panels, from panel type to installation costs.


How Residential Solar Panels Can Save You Money on Energy Bills


Residential solar panels can reduce your energy bills by allowing you to generate your own electricity. Once installed, these panels harness sunlight to produce power, which can offset or even eliminate your reliance on the grid. This means you will use less electricity from your utility company, leading to lower monthly energy costs.

 

In addition, many homeowners find that their solar energy system produces more electricity than they need. This enables them to sell the excess back to the grid through net metering programs. This can further decrease their electricity bills and result in credits from their utility provider. Over time, the savings on their energy bills can accumulate, making solar panels a cost-effective investment.


Essential Factors To Consider When Selecting Solar Panels


Below are key considerations when choosing the right solar panels for your home:


Type of Panel

The type of panels affects your solar energy system's overall efficiency, cost, and aesthetic impact. Here are some of the most popular residential solar panels:


Monocrystalline: This is made from a single, continuous crystal structure, making it highly efficient and ideal for maximizing energy output in limited space.


Polycrystalline: This is a good option for those who want to balance performance and affordability and have sufficient roof space for installation.


● Bifacial: This captures sunlight on both the front and rear sides, allowing it to generate more electricity by utilizing reflected light.


● Thin-film: This is created by depositing photovoltaic materials onto a substrate, resulting in a lightweight and flexible panel.


● Flexible: This is made with lightweight, bendable materials, enabling it to be installed on curved or irregular surfaces.


Panel Efficiency

Panel efficiency refers to how well a panel converts sunlight into electricity. Higher-efficiency residential solar panels can generate more power per square foot, which is particularly important if you have limited space for installation.


Durability and Warranty

Durability ensures that your panels will withstand environmental conditions such as wind, rain, and hail over their lifespan. Meanwhile, a robust warranty provides peace of mind by guaranteeing that the solar panels will perform at a specified level for a certain period. Most installations have a 10- to 25-year warranty covering product defects and performance degradation.


Panel Aesthetics

Solar panels come in different colors and designs, and their appearance can influence your house's curb appeal. For example, monocrystalline panels typically have a uniform, black look, which many find sleek and unobtrusive. Polycrystalline panels, on the other hand, have a blue, speckled appearance. Choosing systems that complement your home's design can enhance visual appeal and overall satisfaction.


Certifications and Standards

Look for solar panels certified by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL). These regulatory bodies verify that the panels have undergone rigorous testing and adhere to global standards, providing assurance of their reliability and efficiency.


Material and Installation Costs

Different panel types have varying costs, with monocrystalline panels being the most expensive and thin-film panels often being less costly. Installation costs can also differ based on the complexity of the setup and the local labor market. It's important to evaluate material and installation costs to determine the overall financial feasibility of a solar panel system.


Save Big on Energy — Go Solar With Riverstone Electric Today!

By choosing to go solar with Riverstone Electric, you can start saving big on your bills while investing in a more sustainable future. Our team will guide you through the process, ensuring you select the best solar panels for your home and maximize your energy savings.

 

Call us at (403) 648-9011 to schedule your consultation!

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