Solar panels and inverters are two crucial components of a solar panel system. Choosing the appropriate ones can significantly impact your system’s efficiency and efficacy. Here are some recommendations on how to select the right solar panels and inverters for your system:
Decide your goals with solar.
There are many reasons why people use solar panels and inverters, and deciding your goals with solar can help you choose the best solar panels for your needs. Some people are happy to save 50% on electricity bills. Some people only need a cheap system as they intend to live there for a short time. Others want the best solar energy system to eliminate their energy bills completely.
Reducing energy costs:
One of the main reasons people use solar panels and inverters is to reduce their energy costs. Solar panels can help you save money on your monthly electricity bills by generating electricity from the sun.
Increasing energy independence:
Solar panels and inverters can also help you increase your energy independence. Instead of relying on the grid for electricity, you can generate your electricity using solar panels and store it using an inverter.
Protecting the environment:
Solar panels and inverters can also be a way to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment. Solar energy is a clean, renewable energy source that does not produce greenhouse gases or other air pollutants.
Increasing the value of your home:
Solar panel cost may be something that people see as unnecessary. For people who are conscious of the market value of their homes, installing solar panels and inverters can also increase the value of your home. Many buyers are interested in homes with solar energy systems, so having solar panels and inverters can make your home more attractive to buyers.
By considering your goals for using solar panels and inverters, you can choose a system that meets your needs and helps you achieve your desired outcomes.
Set your budget like you do when shopping for a new car
When choosing a solar panel brand, there are several factors to consider beyond just price. However, keeping an eye on costs is essential, especially if you have a limited budget. And just because a solar panel or inverter is more expensive, doesn’t always mean it’s better for you!
Here are some steps you can follow in choosing your solar panels and inverters based on price:
Determine your budget
Before you start shopping, you must know how much you can spend on solar panels and inverters. This will help you narrow your options and focus on products within your price range. While it is possible to recoup the costs when you’re generating solar power, you don’t want to rely on this.
Research different brands and models
Many other solar cell and inverter brands and models are available, and prices can vary significantly. Do your research and compare prices for different brands and models to understand what is available in your price range.
Consider solar panel efficiency and durability
While it’s important to stay within your budget, it’s also essential to consider the efficiency and durability of the products you are considering. More efficient solar cells cost more upfront, but they may also save you more money in the long run by generating more electricity and lasting longer.
Seek out discounts and incentives
Many cities and localities offer incentives for solar installations, such as tax credits or rebates. These incentives can help offset solar panels cost, so research what is available in your area.
Get quotes from multiple vendors
Once you have an idea of the solar panels and inverters you are interested in, get quotes from numerous vendors to compare prices and see which one offers the best deal.
The key to choosing solar panels and inverters based on price is to do your research, consider the efficiency and durability of the products, and seek out discounts and incentives. Following these steps, you can find the solar panels and inverters that best meet your budget and electrical energy needs.
Find out your electricity usage in kWh across different seasons
You can use a few different methods to calculate your electricity usage in kWh throughout different seasons:
Examine your energy bills
Your monthly electricity statement should show your kWh usage breakdown. To see how your usage changes with the seasons, you can compare it between different months.
Use a smart metre:
If your home has a smart metre, you can use the online portal or app offered by your utility company to see your real-time power usage in kWh. This allows you to track your consumption over time and uncover patterns or areas for improvement.
Use an energy monitor:
An energy monitor is a device you may install to track your electricity usage in real-time. Some energy monitors allow you to examine your usage statistics online or via an app, which can help you observe how your usage varies throughout the year.
Conduct a home energy audit
A home energy audit is a thorough examination of your home’s energy consumption, including an assessment of your electricity usage. An energy auditor can give you a report that breaks down your electricity consumption by season and recommendations for methods to cut your consumption.
Using one or more of these methods, you can find your electricity usage in kWh across different seasons and identify opportunities to save energy and reduce your electricity bills.
Find out your roof type and any potential and existing roof issues
Before you install solar panels and inverters, it’s essential to know your roof type and any existing roof issues. This can include things like damage, wear and tear, structure, and which parts of your roof get the most sunlight, if any.
Inspect your roof
A visual inspection can help you identify the type of roof you have and any visible issues. Look for signs of damage, such as missing or broken shingles, leaks, or standing water.
Check your home’s construction documents
Your home’s construction documents, such as blueprints or building plans, may include information about the installed roof type. You can usually find these documents through your local building department or by contacting the builder or previous owner of your home.
Consult with a professional:
If you are unsure about the type of roof you have or if you suspect there may be issues with your roof, it’s a good idea to consult a professional roofing contractor. They can assess your roof and provide information about the type of roof you have and any issues that need to be addressed.
Find your electric meter type: 1,2 or 3 phase
To find out your meter type, you can follow these steps:
- Locate your electric meter: Your electric meter is typically located outside your home, near the main electrical panel. It is usually a box with a series of numbers and dials or a digital display.
- Identify the type of meter: There are three main types of electric meters: single-phase, two-phase, and three-phase. Single-phase meters are typically used for residential properties and have one set of numbers or dials. Two-phase meters have two sets of numbers or dials, and three-phase meters have three sets.
- Check the meter base: If you are still unsure about your meter type, you can check the meter base, which is the metal frame that holds the meter in place. Single-phase meters usually have a single-phase meter base, while two and three-phase meters have bases with multiple compartments.
- Contact your utility company: If you are still unable to determine your meter type, you can contact your utility company for assistance. They should be able to tell you what type of meter you have based on your account information.
Knowing your meter type is vital when installing solar panels and inverters since it might alter the size and kind of system you require. Single-phase meters are more frequent in residential settings, whereas two and three-phase meters are more prevalent in commercial or industrial situations. Understanding your meter type can help you choose the right solar panels and inverters for your home or company.
Consider any future property redevelopments or major purchases
Before buying solar panels, it’s a good idea to consider any future property redevelopments or significant purchases that could affect your energy needs. Here are some specific things to consider:
Future property redevelopment:
Your energy needs may change if you plan to renovate or add to your home. For example, if you are adding a new room or a pool, you may need more electricity to power these new features. Consider how any future property redevelopment could affect your energy needs when choosing your solar panels.
Buying an electric car:
If you are planning to purchase an electric car, your energy needs may increase significantly. Electric vehicles require a lot of electricity to charge, and you will need to consider how this will affect your solar panel system.
Major appliances:
If you are planning to purchase major appliances, such as a new refrigerator or washing machine, you should consider how these will affect your energy needs. These appliances can be energy-intensive, and you may need to increase the size of your solar panel system to accommodate them.
Considering these factors, you can ensure that your solar panel system is sufficient to meet your future energy needs. This can help you get the most value out of your solar panels and avoid the need for expensive upgrades in the future.
Talk to a Professional!
Talking to a professional solar installer will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.At Solar Galaxy, we sell all products and are happy to provide you with a solution based on your needs. We offer free consultations to help you work out exactly what you need.
- Basic Package – Eging/Astronergy/HT/ZN Shine Tier 1 Mono perc panels with a Solax/Solis/Solplanet/Growatt Inverter
- Value Package – Jinko/Longi/Trina/JA Solar Tier 1 mono perc panels and Goodwe/Sungrow/Huawei/GE Inverters
- Premium Package – Hyundai/Qcells/REC/Sunpower Tier 1 Shingled/N-Type Mono perc panels and Fimer/SMA/Fronius String Inverters or Solar Edge DC Optimiser and Inverters and Enphase Microinverters
Monitoring – All Solar Inverters come with free WIFI monitoring for Solar production only. You must consider investing in a smart meter to have full consumption monitoring of your home. This will allow you to make wiser decisions and save more money over the years. This will also give you and your solar installer information to invest in batteries in future as their prices come down.
Solar Edge and Enphase systems also come with panel-level monitoring but are not generally required unless your roof has major shading issues.
We strongly suggest doing your research well and making an informed decision when buying solar.
