Determine What Type of Solar Panels You Should Get

Looking for a more efficient, and environmentally friendly, way to power your home? Solar panels are an awesome option. You’ve probably seen homes and buildings with these sleek contraptions on the roof and wondered if they might be right for you.

Let’s talk about what your solar panel needs would look like, should you decide they’re something you’re interested in. And we’ll also talk about the different types of solar panels that are available and which one you should get.

Determining Solar Panel Needs

Okay, so you’re ready to harness the power of the sun! Let’s do this! But first, it’s kind of important to figure out what your needs are, exactly. We can’t just jump in full throttle quite yet. So let’s get that figured out.

Assessing Your Energy Consumption

When you’re figuring out what you need, the first thing to do is to see what your current energy consumption looks like. You can figure this out pretty easily by simply looking at your electric bill. The average U.K. household consumes 3,509 kWh per year.

Here are some things to look at:

•  Look at Past Bills: Take the last year’s worth of electricity bills to see what your kWh usage is.
• Identify Peak Months: Notice any variations in the amount of electricity consumed during different seasons or months.

Now, why does any of this matter? Well, these insights can give you a clear starting point for the capacity of the solar system you’ll require to meet your energy needs.

Understanding Sunlight Exposure

The next thing you can do is notice the amount of sunlight your home receives—that’s kind of important when you’re trying to use the sun for power. Because this will vary by location, season, and local weather patterns, everyone will experience something different.

• Peak Sun Hours: The key metric for solar energy is peak sun hours—the average number of hours when sunlight is strong enough to be considered optimal for solar energy production.
• Solar Maps: Check online solar insolation maps for your area’s average peak sun hours.

Your solar panels are going to rely on the available sunlight, so factoring in these details is important.

Evaluating Roof Space and Condition

Finally, the last thing to take a look at is the size and state of your roof. These factors will determine what type of solar panels you can install.

Here are some things to look at:

• Measure Available Space: Calculate the area of your roof that is suitable for solar panels
• Roof Orientation and Tilt: North-facing roofs in the Northern Hemisphere get less sunlight. A south-facing orientation is ideal.
• Structural Integrity: You’re not going to want to throw on a heavy load on top of an already weak roof, right? So, it’s important to make sure your roof can support the added weight of the panels. You may need to consult a professional for this.

Types of Solar Panels and Features

Okay, now that we’ve taken into consideration all of the factors that go into solar panels, let’s talk about the different types that are available. From the best value to the most efficient solar panels, there are so many options that offer unique benefits suitable for all kinds of needs and environments. 

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

First up are the monocrystalline solar panels. These are known for their high efficiency and super sleek design. They’re created from a single, pure silicon crystal. This gives them their uniform, dark color. If you’re looking for a combination of high performance and aesthetic appeal, these are for you.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

If you’ve ever seen panels with a blue, speckled look, you’re looking at polycrystalline solar panels. These panels are made from multiple silicon fragments that have been melted together. They’re typically a lower price point while still offering a good performance.

Thin-Film Solar Panels

After determining the amount of weight your roof can handle, and realising it might not be as much as you hoped, you should check out the thin-film solar panels. These guys are lightweight and flexible. They’re made by layering photovoltaic material on a substrate. While they can be less efficient, they do offer unique installation possibilities on surfaces where traditional panels might not work.

Conclusion

Who knew there were so many options out there! If you’ve done your homework and determined that your roof is a great option for these powerful energisers, that’s great! Now you can start working with a professional solar installer to help you really hone in on which type of panel will work best for you. Good luck!