Learning from Worldwide Lighting Strategies

Solar panels can save you money on your electric bill every month, and cut down on the pollution created through power plants that create and provide that electricity. When you start shopping for solar panels, you may get overwhelmed with all the different features and details that are listed on the packaging, and may wonder why there is often such a price difference between them. Understanding these details can make it easier for you to choose the right solar panels for your home. Note the following.

1. Tolerance

When researching different solar panels brands, you may see a tolerance rating. This refers to the actual wattage that is offered from the panel during testing. To explain, a solar panel may say that it offers a certain number of watts, but after quality control testing, it's revealed that it only offers a lower number of watts when in actual use. The fewer watts it actually offers, the lower the tolerance rating. A higher tolerance rating may mean a higher price tag, but it also means a solar panel that offers the power it advertises.

2. Temperature co-efficiency

This notes the affect that exposure to sunlight and heat will have on the solar panel. The lower this number, the more durable the solar panel. Some low-quality solar panels will start to degrade over time because of heat and sun exposure, or may not function as efficiently due to heat exposure. These will have a high temperature co-efficiency number. These panels may be cheaper, but they may be a poor investment in the long run. They may also not provide the power you expect because of heat interfering with their efficient operation.

3. Conversion efficiency

This refers to how efficiently a solar panel converts sunlight into electrical power that is provided to your home. This too will affect how much power the solar panel actually provides, no matter the wattage it advertises. The higher the conversion efficiency, the more power you will get from your solar panel. It too may have a higher price tag but it can be the better investment over one with a lower conversion efficiency rating.

4. Size

Your solar panel will need to fit comfortably on your roof while still offering you the power you need for all the electronics in your home. In some cases you may want to invest in several panels so that they can be placed on your roof as needed. Be sure you've measured your roof before shopping for solar panels, taking into consideration any slopes, peaks, and so on.