If you’re considering investing in solar PV, it’s essential to make sure that you get the best solar panels for you and your property. This includes picking the best manufacturer, type of panel and installer. Installing solar panels can be a considerable investment, so it’s important to put effort into getting it right.
Picking a solar panel manufacturer
There is a range of solar PV panel manufacturers around that deserve considering. Normally, picking a larger brand like Sharp, Yingli or Suntech Solar is a sensible idea. But that’s not to imply that other, smaller manufacturers aren’t worth checking out.
For all the brands you consider, do some online research, read customer reviews and find out about the warranties they offer. Above all, make sure that their panels comply with MCS regulations (most big brands do) so you’re elegible to earn through the Feed-in Tariff.
Selecting the best solar panels
There are a number of different types of solar PV panel available. These include monocrystalline, polycrystalline and multicrystalline. What end up being the best solar panels for you will depend on you and your property.
Work out the maximum weight and size they can be and your budget. Then you can select a photovoltaic panel type. For example, monocrystalline panels are fairly compact and reliable but rather costly. Thin film solar cells, on the other hand, are cheaper and take up less space.
Efficiency vs. profit
When you’re choosing your solar panels, you’ll have to decide on your priority: efficiency or profit. The most efficient panels are usually the most expensive. This means that although they’ll produce a good deal of electricity, it’ll take you longer to start getting a return on your investment than if you bought cheaper, less efficient panels.
You can calculate how long it’ll take a solar panel system to start generating revenue using these easy formulas:
= total yearly benefit
Solar panel costs (including purchase, setup and maintenance) รท total yearly benefit
= number of years before you start making a profit
It’s helpful to have a rough idea of the length of time you’re likely to be living in your home when you’re trying to find the best solar panels.
If it’s a fairly brief amount of time then you’ll most likely want to choose cheaper, less efficient photovoltaic panels. But if you have plans to stay in your house for a long period of time, you might prefer to select a more efficient, expensive system. This is because it’ll make you more money in the long run.
Finding a solar panel installer
A reliable installer can be invaluable when you’re looking for solar panels. They can assess the suitability of the place you want to fit your system and give you expert advice to help you pick the best solar panels for you. They can also help you calculate exactly what your solar panel earnings will be and when you’ll start making a profit.
It’s extremely important to check that the installers you find are MCS-accredited. Otherwise, your system will not qualify for the Feed-in Tariff. You should also read plenty of customer reviews to make sure that you get a credible and knowledgeable installer.
When you’ve done some research and are ready to find some solar panel installers, complete our online form. We’ll connect you with up to 4 local experts who should be able to help you get the best solar panels for you.