How to Choose the Right Solar Panel System for Your Victorian Home 

Solar energy is increasingly becoming an attractive renewable option for homeowners in the US and beyond, evidenced by a whopping 30% jump in purchases between 2020-2021. These photovoltaic systems transform sunlight into electricity via semiconductor technology – proving that clean living doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.  

But is solar the best choice for your Victorian home? Granted, investing in renewable energy has immense potential to save you money, but it can also be quite costly. Before deciding, do yourself a favor and conduct thorough research on all available options and consider the estimated expenses of transitioning to solar power.  

With so many things to think about, it can be overwhelming. But don’t fret – we’re here to help you. Read below for a rundown of factors guiding your journey toward the perfect solar panel for your specific needs and circumstances. 

Cost of Solar Panel 

This is likely the first consideration for most people when evaluating Victorian solar panels. The cost of a solar panel is affected by several factors, including the size (in Watts), physical size, brand, materials selection, durability (or warranty duration), and any certifications the solar panel may have. 

Neither the costliest nor the least-priced panel may be the best option. Choose a high-quality, practical, durable system rather than one based only on pricing. Since solar panels have an average lifespan of more than 30 years, choosing a plan that will function at its peak for an extended period is critical. 

Be sure to conduct your research to discover the ideal Victorian solar panels for your requirements and avoid relying just on price to make your choice. You can also check for rebates on your Victorian solar panel and, if you qualify for one, lower the initial costs. 

Quality of Solar Panels 

Selecting high-quality panels is crucial for the best production and performance from solar energy. A durable 25-year guarantee is usually a reliable sign of the manufacturer’s faith in their goods.  

However, it may also suggest that the company avoids accountability for potential issues. Therefore, while appearing advantageous at first glance due to its low cost, this could cost you more in the long term if they compromise on quality to keep prices down. 

It’s critical to keep up with routine maintenance and upkeep to extend the lifespan and guarantee optimal performance of your solar panels. Maintenance often includes: 

• Regular panel cleaning 

• Replacing broken components as necessary 
• Monitoring performance indicators like shade or snow covering 

Overall, your Victorian solar panels may provide dependable and durable electricity for many years with the correct maintenance and care. 

Energy Efficiency 

The amount of light converted into electrical energy by a solar panel determines how much electricity your system will produce. A more efficient system is better (but more expensive).  

Purchasing the most extensive and effective solar panel is not always the best option since you risk paying more than necessary to meet your energy demands. You should evaluate your needs and choose the panel that best meets them. This implies that you shouldn’t undervalue your requirements but shouldn’t exaggerate them. 

Roof Suitability  

It’s vital to assess if your roof is strong enough to sustain the solar system’s weight when considering installing panels. For example, a 4kW system usually consists of 16 250W panels, weighing a combined total of about 618 pounds. 

Moreover, consider if your roof is large enough to support panels. When deciding the roof space available, remember you’ll need at least 11 inches of clearance around your solar panels. For instance, at least 29 m2 of roof space is necessary for a 4kW system with 16 panels. 

Panel Durability 

While selecting the finest solar panel for your house, it’s critical to consider durability for various reasons. Solar panels often come with a 25-year guarantee (as long as the company is operational). If the maker does not give a more extended warranty period, you may suspect their product is of poor quality, and they do not wish to accept blame. 

Use caution to prevent being fooled by an enticing price, as you may rue it later. Naturally, maintaining your solar panels will increase their lifespan. Fortunately, they are easy to maintain and don’t require much upkeep. 

Solar Panel Size 

Size is an essential factor when selecting the ide size is an essential factor. More extensive panels can generate more power and be easier to install, but they can also come with a higher price tag. It’s essential to balance size and cost to get the most out of your solar panel. 

It is essential to accurately determine the wattage of your solar panel, as misjudging can be costly. A 4kW system is usually suitable for a typical household. In perfect conditions, each 200-watt panel will generate an impressive 200 Watt-hours per hour and 100 Watt-hours from every 100-watt module, respectively – ensuring you get the correct number could save you money. 

Solar Cell Types 

Several solar panel types and efficiency are available. Although their names may appear perplexing, it is essential to know them so you are not off-topic if your supplier mentions them.  

Monocrystalline silicon has a tiny physical footprint, excellent efficiency, and good heat tolerance qualities. Polycrystalline (or multi-crystalline) silicon cell-based solar panels are currently the most popular alternative for home installations.  

Additionally, amorphous (or thin-film) silicon cells are less effective and consume the least silicon. Crystalline panels will be more compact than amorphous ones for equivalent power. 

Maintenance 

To extend the life of your system, it’s critical to do the proper solar panel maintenance. Thankfully, solar panels don’t need much care throughout their 25–30 year lifespan. 

Get routine inspections for your panels from your installer or another qualified service provider. If you attempt to perform this independently and damage your panels, your warranty may be void. 

You can help yourself by keeping your panels tidy at all times. This involves removing any leaves and branches from your solar panel system and washing them with a garden hose – do not sponge or touch them. 

Bottom Line 

Investing in solar panels is a wise decision for any Victorian homeowner who wants to lower their energy bills and get more control over their energy use. Therefore, don’t allow your concerns about high expenses to prevent you from reaping the many perks of solar energy. 

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