Did you know that the average American household spends over $2,000 on utility bills? This bill usually includes gas and water, but the biggest culprit is electricity.
One of the best ways to save money on your electric bill is by using solar panels. Whether it is your primary or secondary source of electricity, a solar panel project can provide you with many benefits.
Want to learn more about how to install solar panels for energy efficiency? Here are some factors to consider before you proceed with solar panel installation.
Evaluate Your Home
You should inspect your home or have a solar panel company perform an evaluation to ensure it is a good fit for a solar power system. Some homes do not have a roof structure to support solar panels. If your roof needs a replacement, then it may be a good idea to invest in a new roof before placing solar panels on top of it.
Consider Backup Electricity
Most home solar panels perform best on a slanted roof that faces southward. In addition, you may need to remain on the grid if you live somewhere that does not have sunny weather most of the year.
If this is the case, you need to have backup batteries to store excess solar power on sunny days. You can also stay on the electric grid as a failsafe, which will kick in if you lose your solar power. Consider having one or two backup forms of power so you never lose electricity completely.
Decide the Type of Home Solar Panels
The type of solar panels you end up with on your home depends on factors like your desired energy efficiency, your roof type, and your budget. Two of the standard options for home solar panels are monocrystalline and polycrystalline.
Monocrystalline solar panels have superior performance but will end up costing you more in the long run. However, polycrystalline panels can be more cost-effective for budget-friendly consumers. Other types of solar panels, such as thin-film, are on the market, but they are not as popular of a choice.
Learn About Cost
Solar panels require a large initial investment before you start reaping the benefits of going off the grid. However, there are many ways to make this easier for potential customers.
For instance, companies in Texas like Blue Raven Solar may offer pricing plans or government rebates for installing home solar panels to save energy.
Begin Your Solar Panel Project With Confidence
You should not have to worry about whether a solar panel project is a good choice for your home. With this information, you can know the plan moving forward when you begin the solar panel installation process.
Would you like to learn more about how to improve your home? Check out our Home & Garden section for all of the tips and tricks you will need.
