Leasing can also be more cost-efficient since many solar companies will lease systems with no money down. If you decide to lease your system, ask the company what your options are if you sell your home. Many leases are for 5 years or more, so you want to be prepared.
Panels with lower-grade cells might be less expensive to purchase, but they’ll be less efficient and produce less energy. This means that in real terms, they’ll cost you more to operate than panels with high-quality cells.
Cells with a textured surface also have anti-reflective properties. When you’re shopping for solar panels, ask what steps have been taken to control reflection.
Check into any installer’s background to make sure they have experience and a positive reputation in the solar energy community. [6] X Research source
Your panels’ orientation also depends on how you’re using your solar energy. For example, if you’re powering your home with solar, you’ll get more value from energy collected later in the day. In the northern hemisphere, this might mean turning your panels slightly southwest. If you can’t have your solar panels facing south (or north in the southern hemisphere), face them west, since that’s the direction the sun sets. If those aren’t an option, orient them east, or north (or south in the southern hemisphere) if that’s your only option. [9] X Expert Source Guy GabaySolar Energy Contractor Expert Interview. 4 August 2020.
For example, if you live in Boulder, Colorado, which is at 40º N latitude, your panels would be most efficient if you set them facing geographic south at a 40º angle. If you’re putting your solar panels on a sloped roof, you’d include that angle as well. For example, if your roof had a 20º slope and you needed your panels to be at a 40º angle, you would put them at a 20º angle on your roof.
This can be a very expensive system, but the increased efficiency can be worth the initial cost, especially if you live in an area that doesn’t get extensive direct sunlight.
This is something you’ll probably have to do periodically, especially if you live near a wooded area. Pay attention to the growth so you can schedule trimmings. If the trees aren’t on your land, coordinate with the landowner and discuss the issue. They might be willing to work on the trees in exchange for some power.
For example, don’t run the clothes washer and the dishwasher at the same time. You might also turn off lights in rooms that you’re not using, or unplug electronics when they’re not in use.
Solar panel installation is an expensive and time-consuming process. You’ll maximize the efficiency of your panels if you set up backup batteries at the same time you get your panels installed.
If you have an extremely sloped roof, cleaning your panels yourself can be dangerous. Ask your installer to recommend a cleaner—they probably know some good local companies (they might even clean panels themselves). [17] X Research source
