Whether you’re just plain fed up with rising energy costs or are feeling inspired to reduce your carbon footprint, your decision to install a solar panel system on your home is a significant one. While solar panel installation requires an upfront financial expense, a bit of planning, and some labor, most solar energy users proudly report that the budget-friendly and eco-conscious installations are more than worth the investment.
The right solar energy system can drastically reduce or even eliminate your monthly energy bill entirely, given that the solar energy generated by the panels is typically enough to power the majority of your home’s appliances. Since solar panels generate clean energy, they help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change. What’s more, users can even receive federal and local tax credits and rebates for using solar energy.
Once you’re ready to become the proud owner of a solar panel system, you’ll need to purchase a solar panel kit that comes equipped with the tools necessary to set up your newest home addition.
If you aren’t sure which type is right for you, consider these solar panel options.
Monocrystalline panels
If you’re highly motivated to purchase a panel type that prioritizes efficiency, consider selecting a monocrystalline solar panel. Because of its high levels of silicon purity, monocrystalline panels manage to produce energy at the most significant volumes. Not to mention, these solar panel varieties last the longest. While the panels’ high light to energy conversion will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions once installed, their manufacturing produces more waste than other options.
Before you commit, be sure to check out the price tag. Monocrystalline panels tend to be more costly than other panel types, in light of the materials required to produce them.
Polycrystalline panels
If you’ve got a green thumb and are looking forward to showing the environment some love with your solar panel purchase, look no further than the polycrystalline panel option. While less high-powered than monocrystalline panels, polycrystalline solar panels boast a low-waste manufacturing process and are notably less expensive.
If your home is located in a climate where temperatures are not consistently high, these panels are well-suited for your roof. If your state’s climate is warm and sunny year-round, however, polycrystalline panels won’t be able to stand up to the heat.
Solar roof shingles
The newest solar option to hit the market, solar roof shingles, offers a more discrete and aesthetically pleasing alternative to large panels. While some installations can be pricy, their energy conversion power will make you an eco-friendly return on your investment in no time. Even better, solar roof shingles are appropriate for almost all climates and levels of sunshine.
Thin-film panels
If you’re nervous about the cost associated with solar panel installation, consider opting for a thin-film panel. Thin-film solar panels are composed of layers of materials rolled out as a film on the panel’s surface. While quite a bit cheaper than other panel options, thin-film panels are less efficient and degrade more quickly. As such, they require more surface area and aren’t recommended for smaller homes.
In conclusion
Once you get your hands on the right solar panels, your wallet, your houseguests, and the environment will thank you. After a few months of enjoying the benefits offered by solar panels, you just might feel like you’re walking on sunshine.
