Installing solar panels in your home is one of the best investments you can make. Solar energy systems offer several benefits: they reduce your electricity bills, increase the value of your property, and lower your carbon footprint. However, with so many solar panel options, choosing the right system for your home can take time and effort.
This blog provides top tips to help you select the best solar panels for a residential setup. Whether you want to power your entire house or lower your bills, these guidelines will assist you in finding the ideal solar system for your needs and budget.
Assess Your Energy Needs
The first step is calculating your home's energy requirements. Determine the monthly electricity consumption by checking previous utility bills. This gives you an idea of the solar system capacity needed. As a rule of thumb, a 1 kW solar panel system can power about 10 LED lights used for 5 hours daily.
If you also want solar power backups, factor in essential appliances like refrigerators, fans, mobiles, and WiFi routers. Understanding your exact needs is vital for zeroing in on suitable solar panels. Our solar experts at Waaree can also help assess your usage and suggest the right system size.
Choose the Right Solar Panels
Solar panels transform sunlight into electric currents. Two main technologies are used in solar panels meant for residential buildings:
• Monocrystalline solar panels: Made of single silicon crystals, these have the highest efficiency rates of 15-22%. Due to their black color, these panels absorb more sunlight. Monocrystalline panels also have longer lifespans and degrade slower over 25+ years.
• Polycrystalline solar panels: Polycrystalline silicon cells make these panels. They come in blue colors and have a marginally lower efficiency of 13-17% versus monocrystalline panels. However, polycrystalline solar options are more affordable for the typical homeowner, with efficiency trade-offs.
When scouting residential solar panels, check their wattage ratings, physical size, and durability certifications. Contact solar consultants to determine if mono or poly panels are better suited for your site.
Evaluate Installation Setup
Figuring out the best solar panel placement is equally important. The following are the top aspects to review:
Rooftop Space and Structural Integrity: Measure your usable, shade-free roof area facing south, southeast, or southwest directions. Also, verify if the roof structure can handle the additional panel load without reinforcements.
Mounting System: Multiple mounting systems, like flush mounts, tilted poles, and elevated poles, are available. Choose per roof type, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Tilted mounts provide the most solar production.
Inverter Capacity: Inverters convert the DC power generated by solar systems into AC power for household use. When selecting inverters, consider expansion plans for adding more solar panels later.
Budget: Residential solar power systems incur upfront purchase and installation costs, but the ongoing savings are substantial. Monocrystalline panels fall on the pricier spectrum, while polycrystalline options better suit tight budgets. Also, factor in relevant permits, incentives, and operational costs over 20-25 years when estimating your solar investment budget.
Storage Batteries: Adding solar storage batteries allows you to save excess solar power in chargeable batteries for tapping during power outages or at night. Evaluate if battery backups align with your goals vs. just lowering electricity expenses.
Home Value Addition Potential
Multiple studies in India also validate that installing rooftop solar panels can increase property resale values. For instance, a survey across Bangalore, Chennai, and Ahmedabad by JMK Research found that 93% of residents felt solar power systems enhanced home selling potential. 85% of real estate developers concurred that eco-friendly features like solar panels enabled higher property uptake and pricing power. For a 3kW system, increased buyer willingness equals over ₹150,000 - enough to recover a major portion of solar power costs when selling. So, adopting residential solar solutions adds a tangible financial asset via long-term property value appreciation.
Choose the Right Installer
Once solar panels are selected, hiring a certified professional installer is paramount. The contractor handles critical jobs such as securing permits, managing panel wiring, advising on placement specifics, and performing post-installation maintenance.
When picking solar installers for your home, ask probing questions like:
Leading solar EPC Company Waaree has rigorous training and performance benchmarks for its nationwide solar installation partners. Leveraging such reliable solar specialists can mitigate project execution risks.
Conclusion
We at Waaree Solar hope these practical tips will assist you in deciding the best solar panel systems for residential buildings. With over 27 years of experience in solar manufacturing and EPC solutions, we aim to educate Indian households on the benefits of embracing rooftop solar. Our technical experts can recommend tailored solar systems per your individual requirements with end-to-end support. Investing in a quality solar solution from Waaree allows you to reap savings from Day 1 and cushion against rising electricity bills. Going solar also boosts your property's resale value. Contact our solar consultants today to plan your rooftop solar installation and take charge of your energy future. The time is ripe to switch to solar for a sustainable, brighter way of life.
