Since these panels have to be installed on the roof, some people feel that they might take up a lot of space, or that it may be an eyesore. However, the number of panels required will vary, as this will depend on the amount of solar power that is required by the particular house or establishment.
Moreover, the weather and the sunny periods that the roof is exposed to will have an impact as well. If the weather conditions in your area are generally quite good, and there is a lot of sun most of the time you will require less panels than someone who does not have these natural advantages.
The number of hours the sun shines in your area should be examined and calculated. An online solar calculator can be a help here.
So, after having calculated the number of hours that your roof is exposed to the sun's rays on average every day, you can take this figure and work out other important data. The next step is to calculate the electrical energy you use. Take a look at some of your electricity bills, and then convert them to watts per day. Afterwards, divide these by the number of sunny hours.
The result you get will give you a guideline as to how many watts you will need per hour. These numbers will be useful as they will guide you to make a well informed decision. You will be better able to decide which type of panels you should choose, as well as the amount of power you need.
Be sure to check the various types of panels that are available for sale, including their manufacturers, warranties and reputation. It is also a good idea to check what other buyers have to say about them, especially if they reside in your area and are exposed to the same weather conditions as you.
The type of panels you choose should also be governed by their respective ratings. This has an effect on their power levels. The number of panels you need can then be calculated more accurately. You should make some simple calculations based on the level of consumption and the solar power that you calculated earlier. One should seriously consider investing in such a system because apart from saving money in the long-run, the environment will also be benefiting. By taking into account the above tips, you will be better able to choose the panels most suitable for your case.
