Choose the Best Solar Panels– your Go-To Guide

It’s Easy to Choose the Best Solar Panels Once You Know This!

Thinking about installing solar? That’s a great idea, but don’t assume that the ideal solar installation for your property will look just like your neighbor’s. Every property is unique, and it is a good idea to take this into account when choosing locations and components for your new solar system.

Carefully considering your energy needs, aesthetic considerations, and site characteristics and matching these with the appropriate technology will help ensure your ultimate satisfaction with your installation.

Of course you’ll want to install the very best solar panels!

So let’s take a look at the different types of solar panel installation options (including types of panels and some appropriate locations to place them) to help you determine what might work best for your needs.

Best Solar Panels – Types

In this article, we will focus on solar for homes and small to medium-sized businesses.

If you know you want solar but are not sure of the details, your first decision will be between

• Solar Thermal – a solar water heater, and
• Solar Electric – photovoltaic or PV

While PV is more popular and often allows you to sell extra energy back to the grid, solar thermal is a more efficient technology and may be more cost effective.

Best Solar Panels – Solar Water Heaters

Installing a solar water heater is often a smart first foray into solar, especially if you need a lot of hot water.

There are two types of solar thermal collectors: flat plate collectors and evacuated tubes. Which is better is the subject of heated debate among many installers, although most prefer flat plate panels.

Best Solar Panels – PV

When it comes to PV collectors, there are even more options.  Here are the main ones, in an easy-to-use grid, so you can see at a glance the requirements, pros and cons of each option.

Best Solar Panels – Where to Locate them?

The type of panels that you choose depends largely on where you plan to put them. These are your main options:

On the roof:  This is the most popular option because the panels are out of the way and don’t take up any additional square footage. It’s important, though, that your roof is structurally sound enough to support the panels. It also should have sufficient exposure to sun. A south-facing roof is ideal in the northern hemisphere, but east- or west-facing roofs can work too.  Tip: If your home’s roof does not receive adequate sunlight, you might also consider installing panels on a nearby garage or outbuilding.

On the ground: Solar panels can also be mounted on racks secured in the ground. Ground mount panels are especially useful when there are a lot of tall trees immediately surrounding a home.

As a canopy: The drawback of ground-mounted panels is the subsequent loss of yard space. By elevating the panels, you can make them do double duty as the roof of a carport, canopy or covered walkway. Tip: Some homeowners even enclose the space to make a handy shed or playhouse!

Now that you know all the options, you can easily choose the very best solar panels for you – and know that you’re helping the planet too by using renewable energy instead of fossil fuels!

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This is a Guest Post from Ryan McNeill, the President of REC Washington DC, one of the Mid-Atlantic’s largest residential solar energy companies – committed to installing quality, American-made solar panels and energy products for homeowners.

More information? Of course!  Should you lease or buy solar panels? The small print – what the solar leasing companies don’t tell you.  Did you know you’re already using solar power!