Know Your Home Solar Panel Options
In order to compare solar companies and choose the right home solar panel, you should know your needs and budget. There are many different types of panels out there that can meet those criteria! You might also want to take into account the net metering programs available. This will help estimate how much power your household would use with a solar installation in place; as well as any potential costs or benefits we may experience when it comes time for such a big investment.”
Understand the power of the sun in your region
As a homeowner, you may be looking to compare solar quotes from top rated local solar companies.
Each company you compare will offer a different quote based on their own products and services. It’s important to understand the amount of sun hours your region receives in order to accurately compare quotes. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has created a map depicting how much power you can potentially generate per meter each day.
Here is a breakdown of how much power you can produce in 5.6 sun hours:
– California’s Central Valley: 816 watts
– Alaska: 125 watts
– New York City: 280 watts
– Northern Florida: 431 watts
For those homeowners who are interested in solar for their home, solar companies will offer a range of quotes based on their own products and services. If you are interested in comparing solar companies’ quotes, it’s helpful to understand your capacity for solar energy as described above.
Sun hours vary by region and affect how much power homeowners can generate from the sun each day.
Don't be fooled by inflated solar quotes
Solar is a good way to save money on your utility bills and help the environment too. But, be sure to ask your installer about the growth rate of the quotes. Some companies may inflate this number in order to make their offer look more appealing. Installers who quote a growth rate of around 4 percent are being more honest and accurate with their predictions. This will help you compare apples to apples when deciding which company is right for you.
How Efficient Are Your Panels?
When you compare solar companies’ quotes, make sure to compare the efficiency rating of each system. The higher the rating, the more power your system will produce. That means you’ll save more on your electricity bills, and you’ll recoup your investment in the system sooner.
There is no catch, solar panels do generate more power in hot weather than cold weather. The effect varies depending on your specific region and climate, but if you live in Texas or Florida, it’s not uncommon for solar panels to produce up to 40% more electricity in the summer than winter.
The inverse is true for colder climates, like Colorado and New York. As shown in the graph below, there’s a 10-15% difference between peak production and low production months.
As you can see in the infographic, the amount of electricity your solar panels produce varies depending on a few factors. As a rule of thumb, expect 15-25% less production in winter months compared to summer months. During winter, solar panels work at an angle that’s more perpendicular to the sun’s rays, which reduces their efficiency. Winter solar production is typically 10-20% lower than summer production.
If you are about to install solar panels on your home or business, it may be helpful to consult a professional installer who can take into account the specific conditions of your roof.
How much can you save with solar? Find out with our solar savings calculator.
Solar Panel Warranties
When it comes to solar panel warranties, there is a lot of variation in the terms and periods offered. It’s important to be aware of the different warranties available so that you can make the best decision for your needs.
Some of the best warranties are offered by manufacturers, who often offer 25-year warranties on their modules. Inverter warranties usually last for 10-12 years, while workmanship warranties usually last for 10 years.
Since inverters can be a costly part of a solar system to replace, it’s a good idea to look for inverters that offer a 12 year warranty, or an extended warranty option. Individual component warranties can also help you maintain your solar rebate program eligibility.
Longer warranties are beneficial to the consumer when the company is confident in their product. Therefore, a longer warranty can be a sign of high quality. In addition, a longer warranty will generally lower the total cost of energy produced by the system when compared over its lifetime to systems with shorter warranties.
Inverter and module manufacturers have a vested interest in offering long warranties. They typically do so because the underlying technology has matured, and they are confident that their product will perform as promised for a longer period of time than it did when they first introduced their products to market.
Solar panel manufacturers offer private label module warranties on solar panels that are exclusive to end users (such as installers, local distributors and commercial customers). These warranties usually range from 5 to 10 years. Solar panel warranty terms will vary depending on the provider and the type of product.
Purchasing a solar power system can provide numerous benefits for homeowners, businesses, and non-profits in Florida: lower energy costs, improve system resiliency to power outages, secure savings to help meet upcoming loan requirements, and provide environmental benefits.
Types of Warranties
There are typically two types of warranties you can find when purchasing solar panels.
Product Warranty
The first type is the product warranty that guarantees that the panels will perform as advertised over a certain period of time. This type of warranty typically lasts for 10-25 years depending on the manufacturer and the product.
Performance Warranty
The second type of warranty is a performance warranty which guarantees that the system will deliver as much power as was originally projected over its lifetime. Performance warranties usually last 20 years or more. Warranties on parts such as inverters and racking can vary as well, depending on the manufacturer and what they are willing to cover. For example, certain inverter companies will cover the total cost to replace an inverter due to malfunction up to 25 years after installation.
Solar power systems are well known for their ability to provide substantial savings on utility bills and reduce negative environmental impacts. A solar energy system pays for itself by reducing monthly energy costs which ultimately leads to increased savings. After installation, the property owner begins to see immediate savings by not having to pay for energy from their utility. The system typically produces enough power that one day of sun is sufficient and enables the owner to avoid purchasing electricity during peak demand periods when prices are highest.
Inverters: The most important part of your solar system.
When it comes to choosing an inverter for your solar system, there are a few things to consider.
The first is the type of inverter. There are two main types of inverters – micro-inverters and string inverters.
Micro-inverters are installed on each solar module, while string inverters are installed once, at the beginning of the solar array.
Another thing to consider is whether you want module monitoring granularity. With micro-inverters, you can see how each individual module is performing. This can be useful if you have partial shade or roofs with many different angles. However, micro-inverters tend to be more expensive than power optimizers.
Power optimizers are less expensive than micro-inverters, but they do not provide information on individual modules. They only produce an aggregate reading of your solar array’s performance.
Finally, it’s important to choose inverters that are compatible with your local utility company’s requirements. Most inverters are compatible with code requirements, but you may need to have your system inspected if you live in a new area.
Once you’ve chosen an inverter, it’s time to design your solar system! You can either buy ready-made solar kits or get help from a knowledgeable solar contractor to guide you through the process.
Full-Service Offerings
Solar companies in Florida offer a variety of services, so it’s important to compare quotes and find the right one for you.
Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for solar:
- Look for a company that offers full-service design, procurement, installation, and troubleshooting. This way, you’ll have one point of contact if any issues arise.
- Make sure the company has a good track record and is licensed and insured.
- Compare prices and ask about references from past clients.
- Find out what kind of financial incentives are available in your area.
Know Where Your Panels Are Coming From
Here in Florida, we have some great local solar companies that can provide you with top-rated panels. So how do you choose among them?
One thing to consider is where the panels are manufactured. Are they from a reliable, well-known company? Or are they a cheap option that might not last as long?
Luckily, our local solar companies are pre-screened and only offer the best, most reliable products. So, you can be sure your panels will last a long time.
Ready to cut your electric bill and make a difference? Our experts can help you find the right solar company near you for your home, answering all of your questions along the way.
Compare solar companies that are bonded & insured
We believe that anyone who works on your property should be both bonded and insured. Insurance covers costly mishaps like worker accidents, while bonding protects you from contractors that might fall short of their promises. So, whether you’re just getting started with solar or you’re looking to switch to a new provider, be sure to ask for quotes that include both bonding and insurance.
NABCEP certification is a must
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, or NABCEP, sets the standards for renewable energy practices and professional credentialing. As the solar industry’s most widely acknowledged mark of excellence, NABCEP certification signifies an installer’s trustworthiness, reliability and adherence to accepted professional methodologies.
In other words, if you’re looking for a top-rated solar company in Florida, make sure they have NABCEP certification. It’s the best way to ensure you’re getting a quality installation that will meet all your energy needs.
Start Saving with Solar
Now that you understand the importance of getting a quality installation from a reputable solar company, it’s time to take the next step and get a free quote. Our experts are standing by to help you find the best provider for your home and answer all of your questions along the way. Don’t wait any longer – start saving on your electric bill today!
