Have you ever considered upgrading your home roof to a more ‘green’ alternative? If you have but never took that next step, here are some facts and helpful tips to better understand solar panels and guide you in the right direction.
Let’s begin with how solar panels function and why the system is important. The solar panel is not only the most visible portion of the system but also the largest part of the system. It is essentially the core and where the magic happens – the conversion of sunlight into energy.
Roof Type
Before you diving into all the different kinds of panels, here are two things you should do:
- Make sure that your roof can properly support a solar panel. Check your roof to see if it covered in shade most of the day throughout the year. If it is, your roof may not have enough “solar window” to justify the costs of the installing panels
- Make sure your roof is in stable enough shape. Solar installations usually come with warranties for 20 to 25 years; so if your roof will require renovations within the next few years it will be easier to take care of the issue before making the solar panel transition.
Different Types of Solar Panels
There are different types of solar panels including: monocrystalline silicon, polucrystalline silicone, and thin-film solar panels. Here is how these types of solar panels differ from each other:
- Monocrystalline silicon solar panels are the most common type of panels. They have a very uniform look, are made of the highest grade silicon, are most efficient in energy, and last about 25 years or more.
- You can think of polycrystalline silicon solar panels as the ‘cousins’ of the monocrystalline silicon solar panels. Although polycrystalline is also made of crystalline silicon, the variant factor of this panel is a lower level of efficiency and purity. The polycrystalline silicon solar panel is also a more cost-effective option.
- Thin-film solar panels are the least efficient option for home solar panels. The panels display in a uniform fashion and oftentimes when homeowners choose a thin-film option, more units have to be installed in order to generate an adequate amount of solar energy.
Solar Panel Installation
Installation; the most crucial part of the process. Be sure to choose an experienced and qualified installation team when finally deciding to update your home. Solar panels require professional attention like correct measurements and such, so you would want a well-capable staff that is both properly licensed and insured.
For more information, call Bow Echo Construction at (239) 872-6882. Our team is willing and capable to help you with all of your home and renovation needs.
Sources:
https://evergreensolar.com/types/solar-panels-that-arent-ugly/
https://www.greenhomegnome.com/an-inside-look-at-solar-panels/
https://news.energysage.com/how-to-choose-the-best-solar-panel-for-you/
