According to the US Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, solar power is more popular than ever. In 2008, the country had enough panels to create a mere 0.34 gigawatts of energy. Now, that figure has grown to 97.2 GW.
Perhaps you’re one of the many people who are curious about solar power and all of the benefits it has to offer. As you prepare to install panels on your home, prepare yourself to find the best person for the job. Here are five factors to consider when choosing solar services for houses in your area.
1. The Make-Up of the Panels
Residential solar cost often comes down to the type of panel you choose. You can typically select either poly crystalline or mono crystalline panels. The company you choose to install them will be able to tell you which type they use.
Poly crystalline panels are cheaper than mono crystalline, and they aren’t as efficient. However, if you have lots of space, they may work for your home — you will need more of them to get the power you need.
On the other hand, mono crystalline panels are more efficient, so you won’t need as many to keep your energy on. For their compactness and quality, though, you will pay more.
You can use this information to help you choose the right provider. If they don’t offer the panels you want, then you know to move onto another company.
2. The Brand’s Staying Power
On that note, you want to make sure the manufacturers of your solar panels have been in business for a while. That’s not because newer companies and models aren’t as reliable as established ones. Most have high-quality products to offer.
But a long-standing solar brand can give you peace of mind when it comes to your panels’ warranty. If the company has stayed in business for more than five years, you can feel confident that they will be in business should you need to fulfill your warranty, many of which last up to a quarter-century.
Again, your potential solar provider should be able to provide this information, as well as information about how long the panels tend to last.
3. Check the Contract
Not everyone can buy solar panels outright, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to pay for them. For example, you may be able to take out a green energy loan. This will allow you to pay for your solar panels over several years without little to no interest on your investment.
However, some other companies will lease out their panels or give you a power purchase agreement. In the case of the former, you pay a set amount each month for your power; the former has you paying for your power usage only. And in either case, you do not own the panels at the end of the day.
You need to be clear with potential solar providers if you do go with the latter option. Some might tack interest onto the lease, so read the contract very carefully.
Invest in Solar Services for Houses
These are the three major considerations to make when you’re ready to invest in solar services for houses. In the end, no matter what choices you make, your home will be powered in an Eco-friendly way. And you’ll save money, too.
If you need more property-related advice, don’t forget to check back with us for the latest.