Solar panels are a great way to save money on your energy bill. They also help you green your home and reduce the environmental impact of your energy use.
Installing solar panels is easy and relatively inexpensive. But you should do your homework and make sure to choose a qualified solar installer.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which generate electricity when sunlight strikes them. They work by creating an electric field using two layers of silicon, each of which has been treated with phosphorus to create a negative charge and boron to create a positive charge.
These elements are then joined together to form a circuit that pushes electrons through a series of conductors. When the circuit is complete, the electrons flow through wiring and into your home to power electronics and appliances.
There are two types of PV cells — monocrystalline and polycrystalline — which come in different sizes, efficiencies, and costs. Mono cell panels are typically larger and more expensive than polycells, but they have higher power outputs.
Installation
The installation of solar panels is one of the key steps that make it possible to generate your own power, year-round. This process involves mounting, wiring, and connecting solar panels to microinverters, batteries, and your home’s meter.
To begin, the installer needs to design a system that will fit your roof. This includes determining how much sunlight your property receives on a daily basis, which types of panels you want to use, and the amount of electrical demand in your home.
Once this is done, the solar company will then order the components necessary for your system’s operation. This may include racking, inverters, and batteries.
Once these are all installed, your new system will be inspected and approved by your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). This step can take one to six weeks on average, but it’s well worth the wait.
Maintenance
Solar panels are a great way to generate renewable energy. However, they need to be properly maintained and cleaned to get the most out of them.
They aren’t indestructible, and they are also susceptible to storm damage. This is why it’s important to monitor your system’s production and pay attention when there’s a drop in performance.
A good maintenance checklist will help you keep track of your system’s upkeep. This will allow you to catch problems early and avoid an expensive repair bill.
The first thing you need to do is to monitor your panel’s power output. Typically, a prolonged drop in energy production signals a need for maintenance.
Warranty
The warranty that comes with solar panels is a critical part of the investment. It protects you against unexpected repairs and replacements in case of faulty panels, equipment or workmanship.
Most solar panel product warranties last for 10 to 25 years. Several premium solar panel manufacturers offer longer protection, such as 15-, 20-, and even 25-year product warranties.
In the same vein, performance warranties guarantee that your solar panel produces a certain amount of energy. This means if your panel is designed to produce 8,000 kWh per year, but only produces 7,500 kWh, you should be reimbursed for the loss of production.
The performance warranty is typically a linear guarantee, where the guaranteed production decreases by a fixed rate over time. For example, Mission Solar guarantees that their panels will not lose more than 0.7% of their production every year.