7 Tips to Stump a Solar Sales representative

Tip 1: Why the number of a cell matter in the Solar Panel

The solar panel system is the answer to a majority of the financial and environmental challenges. It can save the user hot cash over its life span. The government offers tax credit and incentives to make it more attractive, but it can only serve its purpose according to your energy needs. Therefore, it is important to understand what exactly you need from the solar panel system. One such critical decision is made you want to stay off-grid or grid-connected. This dominates almost all the decisions you make along the way, such as how many cells you need in your solar system. A majority of the off-grid charge controllers are designed for 60-cell panels’ voltage. Many controllers are optimized for the 72-cell panel system, but they are not cost-effective rather expensive. It is important to understand that compatibility between controller and number of cell panel system is critical for your system performance. If the controller and number of cell panel systems are not compatible, it can fry the charge controller. The customer who prefers to stay off-grid prefers Midnite Solar Classic 150 Charge Controller with 60-cell panels and arranged into strings of 3 linked panels. Here the knowledge, skills, and expertise of your technician play a vital role. He/she should facilitate you to design solar panels fully complimenting your energy needs. Moreover, its cell count and controller should be compatible.
solar plate
how to save on electric bill

Tip 2: ROI and battery-based system

Another critical factor to consider while opting for a solar panel system is your expectation associated with your system. If you want ROI, that off-grid panel system is not right for you as it can offer you energy independence only. Moreover, if you want a cost-effective energy system, again off-grid panel system can prove to be considerably expensive as you need to replace the batteries after every 7 to 10 years. The user staying off-grid cannot take advantage of the net metering. The grid-tied system offers an attractive payback period. Moreover, energy is available 24/7, and excess produced is credited to your bill. On the other hand, the off-grid system offers freedom and total self-reliance. The user does not have to pay for the power lines. Therefore, both systems have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. The secret to success here is to understand your energy needs and demands.

Tip 2: ROI and battery-based system

 Another critical factor to consider while opting for a solar panel system is your expectation associated with your system. If you want ROI, that off-grid panel system is not right for you as it can offer you energy independence only. Moreover, if you want a cost-effective energy system, again off-grid panel system can prove to be considerably expensive as you need to replace the batteries after every 7 to 10 years. The user staying off-grid cannot take advantage of the net metering. The grid-tied system offers an attractive payback period. Moreover, energy is available 24/7, and excess produced is credited to your bill. On the other hand, the off-grid system offers freedom and total self-reliance. The user does not have to pay for the power lines. Therefore, both systems have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. The secret to success here is to understand your energy needs and demands. 

how to save on electric bill

Tip 3: Is the Solar system tracker important for the solar panel system?

Sun tracker can boost your solar system performance. Besides, installing a few more solar panels can be a more cost-effective alternative to a sun tracker. It can increase your system efficiency and won’t be a burden on your pocket. The tracker includes moving parts, which increases the maintenance cost of the system.  The additional solar panel will be stationary installed and won’t directly impact the system maintenance. Tracker is only recommended where you don’t have enough space shortage, and every single kilowatt matters. The decision to add on a tracker should be based on assessment. The dealer can convince you to use a tracker for his/her commission. Therefore, you need to understand the pros and cons thoroughly.

sun tracking
solar battery

Tip 4: Inverter and batteries placement of solar system

To avoid voltage drop, 24v and 48v battery-based inverters should be installed within 10′ of the battery bank. If the distance between the battery bank and inverter results in the voltage bleeds. Normally the solar panel system comes with 10′ long inverter cable. The skilled and talented solar tech will plan the system considering the 10′ rule. It is also recommended to double-check this when laying out the installation.

Tip 4: Inverter and batteries placement

To avoid voltage drop, 24v and 48v battery-based inverters should be installed within 10′ of the battery bank. If the distance between the battery bank and inverter results in the voltage bleeds. Normally the solar panel system comes with 10′ long inverter cable. The skilled and talented solar tech will plan the system considering the 10′ rule. It is also recommended to double-check this when laying out the installation.

solar battery

Tip 5: Do I need the most efficient panels out there?

Again it is vital to understand your energy needs and what you expect from your system. Don’t let the solar tech up sell you the solar panel system. Always buy the solar panel system keeping future needs in mind, but don’t be over-ambitious. Efficiency is a relative time, and the system, which is according to your need, can be considered the “most efficient” one. 

The selection of PV array depends on the surface area available for mounting it. Only using high-end modules make sense. For example, Solar World produces a higher wattage output for around the same space requirement as competitors, but it is expensive. 

solar panel efficiency
ground mounted solar panels

Tip 6: Why type of solar system matter

There are different solar panel systems available in the market, such as polycrystalline, thin-film, SIG, mono-crystalline, etc. The solar panel types matter as it determines its fundamental principle. For example, silicon-based semiconductors to convert the sun’s energy into electric power

Tip 6: Why type of solar panel matter

There are different solar panel systems available in the market, such as polycrystalline, thin-film, SIG, mono-crystalline, etc. The solar panel types matter as it determines its fundamental principle. For example, silicon-based semiconductors to convert the sun’s energy into electric power

ground mounted solar panels

Tip 7: Size of Off-grid Inverter

It is important to understand how much energy you need, which can be done using Solar Cost Calculator. It is an important step and needs particular attention. Emphasize on appliances which need a continuous supply of electricity such as well pump, outlets, fridge, etc. Some appliances with compressors or motors consume more energy when they are initially switched on. In such a case, a 4kW inverter minimum is recommended, and considers larger ones to handle excess surge current.

rooftop solar panel cost

Solar panel system involves high investment. It is a complicated decision and should be based on market research and need assessment. Understanding your energy needs is critical here. For example, if you can meet your energy needs with 60-cell panels, the 72-cell panel investment will be useless. Moreover, the solar panel cell count and charge controller and should be compatible. Choose the system based on your long-term goal, as going off-grid is more about energy independence than ROI. Other aspects that need focus are selecting an inverter, using a tracker, and the type of solar system matters. 

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