Once you decide to install a solar energy system, the next step is deciding where to buy your home solar panels. While the purchase and installation of solar panels can be very expensive (a 2007 survey found the average installation to be as much as $27,000), there are actually a number of options to consider for any budget. There are many websites that can help to find the right solution for your home. They provide information; links and tips that will help you make educated decisions about how to go about incorporating solar energy into your lifestyle. Some accurate and helpful ones are Solar Power at Home, Improve Home Energy, and Home Solar Panels. Once you have an idea of where you fall in the solar spectrum, there are online solar stores such as Solar Home where you can shop and compare solar panels and systems.
While the Internet is a great asset for finding information on solar panels, it is not necessary. There are local solar organizations across the country, and local hardware stores and contractors can be very helpful as well. Some basic figures you should have when talking to someone about your solar project are the amount of electricity you use monthly, how many hours of direct sunlight your home receives and how much solar energy you want to use. Interestingly, it is actually more cost-effective to generate 80% of your electricity than 100%, due to times when there is little or no sun that throw off the regular cycle of energy storage. It is also helpful to be aware that most solar panels have a life expectancy of 20-40 years, and usually carry around a 25-year warranty.
Once you decide what kind of solar panels to buy, you can choose to hire a contractor to have them professionally installed or do it yourself. While a good contractor can be invaluable, a carefully planned and executed self-installation can save a lot of money, costing as little as $200 dollars. However, in order to qualify for tax credits and rebates, you will have to get your system officially inspected and approved.
Another more engaged money-saving technique is to build your own panels. There is a wealth of information available to those with a little time and DIY experience. Building your own home solar panels can reduce the cost from thousands to hundreds of dollars. For those who do not have the time or interest to build or install their own solar panels, a contractor with experience in gridded solar installation can help you decide where to buy your home solar panels. Another helpful option is Home Depot’s solar program. They have licensed solar professionals on staff who handle every aspect of the process for you, from helping you pick the right product to applications for rebates to the installation and certification.
