If you’re considering investing in solar PV, it’s really important to make sure that you get the best solar panels for you and your home. This includes selecting the right brand, type of panel and installer. Installing photovoltaic panels can be a big financial investment, so it’s worth putting in the effort to get it right.
Choosing a solar panel brand
There are a variety of solar PV panel brands around that are worth considering. Normally, choosing a larger manufacturer like Sharp, Yingli or Suntech Solar is a good move. However, that doesn’t mean that smaller brands aren’t worth checking out too.
For all the brands you come across, do some online research, read customer reviews and find out about the warranties they provide. Above all, ensure that their panels adhere to MCS regulations (most international brands do) so you can receive money through the Feed-in Tariff.
Picking the best solar panels
There are a number of different types of solar PV panel around. These include multicrystalline, monocrystalline and polycrystalline. What end up being the best solar panels for you depends on you and your home.
Work out the maximum size, weight and price your solar panels can be. Then you can select a solar panel type. For example, monocrystalline panels take up less space, are very efficient but rather pricey. Thin film solar cells, on the other hand, take up more space but are more affordable.
Efficiency vs. profit
When you’re choosing your photovoltaic panels, you’ll need to decide what’s more important to you: efficiency or profit. The most efficient photovoltaic panels are usually the most expensive. This means that although they’ll produce more electricity than other types, it’ll take you longer to start getting a return on your investment than if you purchased less expensive, less efficient panels.
You can calculate how long it’ll take a solar panel system to start making you money using these simple formulas:
Feed-in Tariff yearly income + export tariff yearly income + annual energy bill savings
= total yearly benefit
Solar panel costs (including purchase, setup and maintenance) ÷ total yearly benefit
= number of years before you start making a profit
It’s useful to have an approximate idea of the length of time you’re likely to be living in your property when you’re looking for the best solar panels for you.
If it’s a relatively brief amount of time then you probably should select more affordable, less efficient solar panels. But if you’re planning to remain in your home for a long time, you may wish to go for a more efficient and expensive system. This is because it’ll generate more income in the long run.
Finding a solar panel installer
A reputable installer can be a great help when you’re browsing for solar panels. They can advise you on the best place to fit your system and help you choose the best solar panels for you. They can also help you work out exactly how much money you could earn from your solar panels and when you can start doing it.
It’s crucial to ensure that the installers you find are MCS-accredited. Otherwise, your system will not be eligible for the Feed-in Tariff. It’s also a good idea to look at plenty of customer reviews to make sure that you get a trustworthy and experienced installer.
Once you’ve done some research and need a solar panel installer, fill in our online form. We’ll put you in touch with up to 4 local professionals who will help you get the best solar panels for you.