Picking the Perfect Solar Panel

When it comes to going solar, one of the first choices you’ll need to make is how to choose the perfect solar panel. Not all panels are created equally, and everything from the material its made out of, to the inverter you choose, to the mounting system can all affect your system’s efficiency and cost. Keep reading to learn how to find the perfect panel for your particular home and lifestyle.

First, you’ll need to choose a material.

The first thing you’ll need to decide is which material you’ll want your panel to be made out of: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, or amorphous (like the blob).

A monocrystalline panel is going to cost you the most, but it will also be the most efficient - you pay for what you get, after all. Another thing to consider is that they are the most environmentally unfriendly during their production.

A polycrystalline panel is cheaper, but not as efficient as the monocrystallnie panel. However, they’re also the most environmentally friendly of all the panels.

A thin-film panel is the cheapest, but their life cycle is the shortest, and they’re larger than the other two panels. On the plus side, they’re also flexible and can be placed on curved areas.

Amorphous panels are a more efficient off shoot of thin-film panels. They are also smaller, but they do cost more.

Next, you’ll need to decide on an inverter.

If you’re searching for reliability, you’ll want to get a central inverter, the oldest type that is able to withstand the harshest conditions. They run in the $1500-$2400 range.

If you want the cheapest option, you’ll want a string inverter, which runs in the $1400-$2000 range. These inverters run the best on flat roofs. They’re a newer technology, meaning they’re less reliable.

If you have a shady home, get a power optimizer. These inverters are actually embedded into the solar cell, which enables them to keep the panels functioning during cloud cover. If your home is continuously cloudy, it won’t work, but if you have partial shade 6-8 hours a day, this is the ideal option. These are also the second most costly, running in the $2000+ range.

Get a microinverter to avoid the effects of panel failures. Usually, if one panel on a system breaks, the whole system becomes less efficient. However, with these inverters, the rest of your system will continue functioning normally. They are also the easiest to install and will last the longest. However, they cost the most, running in the $2300-$2500 range.

Finally, choose the perfect mounting system.

If you live in an area that doesn’t have a lot of wind, you’ll want a ballasted mount, which will not penetrate your roof at all, making them both more efficient and nicer to your roof. Because they aren’t installed into your roof, they’re also likely to be blown away, which is why you won’t want them in a windy climate. They are also the cheapest mounting system.

A mechanically-attached mount will do the best when you live somewhere with harsh weather, and they also take up much less space than a ballasted mount. Because they’re smaller, they won’t do as much damage to your roof in terms of their weight.

A hybrid mount is the best of both world - it’s attached to the roof while also having the angle of a ballasted mount. This means it will be easier to remove things like snow and debris and keep your panels clean.

Lastly, the fixed mount is a mount placed into the ground that allows you to move your panel throughout the day. If you are prone to shade, this mount is ideal, as you’ll be able to actually move your panel.

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