Solar panels have been used for a long time. They have evolved from being just a simple way of generating electricity into something that is also aesthetically pleasing and practical. When it comes to deciding on solar panels for your home, there are several options that you have.
Although the most common form of a solar panel looks like roof tiles, there are various other options to choose from.
Solar Tiles and Solar Shingles
According to a report, over 3 percent of US electricity comes from solar energy in solar photovoltaic (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP).
The most common form of solar panels would be solar tiles and shingles. Several individual solar cells are arranged like roof tiles or slates on a roof to generate electricity from sunlight.
The main benefit of this type of solar panel is that it can be used on any flat roof and does not need to be placed on a south-facing roof.
However, these tiles and shingles do require professional installation. They also differ from the conventional tiles because they don’t get damaged when exposed to the intense UV rays during the hot summer days causing them to lose their efficiency over time.
Solar Roof Panels
If you’re planning on installing solar panels and want them to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible, then this is the best option that you can go for. When appropriately installed by a professional, these roof tiles look just like standard roofing tiles with one difference – they are transparent to let sunlight through.
Unlike the other form of solar panels, these are usually fixed somewhere on the ridge or pediment of a roof and do not need any support because the existing structure of your roof supports them.
However, their installation is more complex than the other types because many parts need to be aligned perfectly to work.
Solar Sheeting
If you don’t like the plan of having solar panels that look like roofing tiles, then this is one option that has gained popularity recently.
These are fragile sheets of semi-transparent plastic or glass with integrated photovoltaic cells printed onto them. It is the type of solar panels that can be placed on flat roofs or even on walls.
They are lightweight and easy to install, so they do not need any complicated engineering work as the roof tiles, resulting in lower installation costs than other forms of solar panels. They also come in vibrant colors and styles, giving homeowners more options for picking them.
Wind and Solar Hybrid Panels
If you want a well-rounded and economical way of generating electricity and using renewable sources simultaneously, then this is an option that you can consider.
These hybrid panels generate wind and solar energy, which will work well regardless of the type of weather.
In addition to that, the cost of production for these panels is not much different from wind or solar energy on its own, which means that you do not have to spend too much.
How to Choose the Right Option?
When choosing the right type of solar panels, there are some things that you will need to consider.
If you want one that is aesthetically pleasing and blends in with your house’s design, then go for the roof tiles or shingles because they look like regular roof tiles.
If you don’t mind having something on your roof, you will be able to reduce the installation cost by getting roof panels.
If you want something less permanent, consider going for the panel sheets because they are easy to remove and install.
However, if you want one entirely free of any visible parts after installation, go for the hybrid panels, which generate both wind and solar energy. Also Read – The Best Lighting Upgrades for Your Home
How to Maximize Your Return on Investment?
After deciding on the type of solar panel you want, it’s time to think about the installation.
Even when these panels produce electricity efficiently when installed correctly, you will still need to ensure that your roof is well-positioned to receive as much sunlight as possible.
Also, you should think about making your house as energy efficient as possible before installing any kind of solar panels on it. That’s because every kilowatt-hour saved by using energy efficiently is equivalent to a kilowatt-hour generated by solar panels.
The installation of solar panels will also be more cost-efficient if you invest in a building that is well insulated and has features such as double or triple glazing because this means you will not need to rely on the solar panels as much, which will reduce your return on investment.
In conclusion, there are various options when it comes to picking a form of solar panels. However, each panel has its advantages and disadvantages over the other types depending on your needs. Do your research before you make a final decision because when it comes to solar panels, it is better to be safe than sorry.