Solar Power: The Ultimate Guide to Solar Power Energy and Lower Bills: (Off Grid Solar Power Systems, Home Solar Power System) - Mark Prentice, James Bickel (2016)

Book 1. 20 Hacks to Build Your Own Affordable Solar Power System

Chapter 7. Important Tips You Need to Know

When it comes to solar power systems it can be an exciting experience but it can also be a completely new experience. From the time energy was introduced, it has always been a useful commodity that we purchase from some elusive supplier. So, it is easy to be distracted when learning about solar systems. Here are a few basic tips to keep in mind that will help you to keep your focus on the more important issues concerning your new system.

Always Check the Warranty

On average, solar systems are guaranteed for about 25 years. However, make sure of what the warranty covers. In some systems, it only covers the panels themselves. Odds are the inverter, batteries, and other components of the system will be covered for less time. This means when calculating the overall cost of the system, you’ll need to calculate repurchasing replacement parts for those parts not covered under the full 25 years.

Be Realistic

You get what you pay for. If you find a solar system that is considerably less than similar systems, chances are you’re going to get poorer quality materials or you’ll be purchasing from a company that either has no reputation or a poor track record when it comes to solar systems. It pays to do your homework; sometimes paying more will pay off in the end.

Certifications

If you’re planning on taking advantage of government rebates, look for solar power systems that carry certifications on their panels. This gives evidence that the system has been tested and has met very specific guidelines set out by the government. Be cautious. Some companies will try to bypass this by offering their own certifications. Make sure the certifications you get are those accepted by the agency offering the rebate.

Maintenance

Once your system is installed and in working order, it is important that you do regular maintenance checks to make sure that it continues to run at optimum efficiency. This is relatively easy to do since solar systems have no moving parts that need replacing. However, panels need to be examined and cleaned on a regular basis. In colder climates, snow and ice will need to be removed during the winter months and trimming trees in the area can keep the panels from being blocked from the sun.