Nowadays, the average repayment period for a photovoltaic installation is usually between 5-6 years. Nevertheless, it is a major investment and we recommend that you take the time to find out about all the different options available to you, weighing up the pros and cons of each one.
There is a wide range of brands and models on the market, and each solar panel has its own guarantees and characteristics.
Checking online forums, reading opinions, or taking a look at other people’s experiences and recommendations can help you decide which solar panels are most suitable for your needs.
My Green House are professionals in the sector and we have compiled this list of recommendations based on our extensive experience.
Our aim is to save you time and money, and to make your photovoltaic installation as efficient as possible.
What to consider before buying solar panels
1. Define your objectives
Installing a self-consumption system to save on your bills is one objective, and is quite different from disconnecting from the grid completely, or supplying energy to a totally isolated area.
Once you have defined your objectives, you will know whether or not you need batteries, and you will also have an idea of how many solar panels and what other components you need to buy.
2. Calculate the size of the installation correctly
Before choosing solar panels, you first need to know the energy needs of your home or business. We’re talking here about the kW you consume (this information is provided on your electricity bills).
Thanks to this, you will be able to calculate how many panels you will require and exactly how much you will need to invest.
However, the number of panels you install doesn’t only depend on how much energy you need; you also have to consider the space you have available for the installation.
The best thing to do is to consult a professional company like MGH. We will be very happy to carry out a detailed study of the available space, your energy consumption, and the system’s production curve.
3. Think about the future
Most solar installation components have a long lifetime, and solar panels themselves are the best example, as their average lifespan is 25 years.
At the same time, when planning your solar energy system, you should assess whether your home or business’s energy consumption will increase in the near future.
Our professional recommendation is always to think about the possible future expansion of your photovoltaic system.
4. Assess the area where the panels are to be installed
Solar panels should always be installed on clean surfaces, with the optimal orientation and tilt, always avoiding shade as much as possible.
Choosing the right location will affect the output of your solar panels, and so this factor is just as important as choosing which model you want.
5. Look for high-quality components
You can find solar panels on the market with varying power outputs, made of different materials, and offering different performance levels.
Monocrystalline panels, in principle, give the highest performance, although they are also more expensive.
However, before you buy solar panels, we recommend that you consult reliable performance studies and request information from professional companies.
If you are only guided by price and opt for low-cost or poor-quality solar panels, you could have problems caused by cell breakage from overheating (hot spots) or breakage of the tedlar (the solar backsheet).
Both hot spots and tedlar breakage can cause a domino effect. When one cell stops working, the panel reduces its energy production and all connected panels follow suit, affecting the overall performance of your installation.
Furthermore, the solar panel material must be strong enough to withstand heavy rain and hail, as well as high temperatures.
In this sense, we recommend that you look for recognised, certified brands that offer specific guarantees and a good after-sales service.
Now that you are aware of all the things you need to know before buying your solar panels, we encourage you to join this renewable, sustainable self-consumption solution.
As you know, here at My Green House we are experts in the sector and we will be happy to advise you throughout the whole process. Ask us for more information and a no-obligation quote.
