Top Tips for Solar Power Shopping in 2024: Save Money and Maximize Efficiency

Solar energy continues to take the world by storm. The number of solar installations worldwide has surged dramatically, with global solar capacity increasing by over 20% in 2023 alone. Countries leading the solar revolution are China, the United States and India [1]. Only in the U.S., solar energy now powers more than 18 million homes, a significant leap from previous years.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the increasing number of solar systems can be attributed mainly to the reduction of 70% in the price during the last 5 years [2]. However, lower price should not be the only criterion to consider when looking for the best option to power your house.

In fact, thorough research prior to buying solar panels is necessary for your satisfaction and return of the investment. You should start from seemingly the most trivial questions, such as “How many sunny days does my area get?” They will prepare you to answer more technical parameters the solar system should have to be the most suitable for your requirements.

How to Assess Your Home’s Solar Potential: Understanding Sunny Days and Solar Efficiency

Before getting into the specifics of solar panel installation, it is important to assess your home’s solar potential. One of the key factors to consider is the amount of sunlight your location receives throughout the year, often measured in “peak sunlight hours”—the hours when sunlight is strong enough to generate electricity effectively. You can find useful solar maps with data you need online.

Detailed information for the U.S. is on the website of the Google Project Sunroof or Global Solar Atlas. For Europe you can find precise GIS maps on the official website of the European Union. With the rise of solar energy in emerging markets like India and parts of Africa, similar resources are becoming accessible, in case you don’t find enough information in the Global Solar Atlas. 

The general rule (in the northern hemisphere) is to install solar panels on the southern part of the roof to achieve the highest efficiency. But that does not mean you cannot harvest enough energy even from western or eastern position. 

You just have to take into account the reduced amount of direct sunlight on the panels throughout the day, which will reflect in how much energy the installation can approximately generate per year.

Top tips for solar panel shopping in 2024

When on the quest after the best solar installation, the amount of information available on the internet can be overwhelming, especially if you do not have any previous experience with solar power.

Here are some important questions to start with:

1. How much sun does your house get based on your location?
2. How much space do you have for solar panels and what material is the most suitable for you?

1. Where would you like to mount the system and how?
2. How much electricity does your household use?
3. Do you use energy efficiently?
4. What is the potential of your house for saving energy when switching to solar?

This set of questions should help you narrow down the search and get a clearer idea about the right solar system for your house.

Continue reading to learn more in detail why they matter.

Tip #1: Best solar panels for your home: choosing the right material and size for your space

The largest number of solar panels are made of crystalline silicon, which is sold either in the form of monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels. Both options offer some advantages. You should choose one according to your space availability and finance.

Monocrystalline panels are a more expensive choice, but they come with higher efficiency compared to polycrystalline panels.

Higher efficiency reflects in the space needed for their installation. For homeowners with limited roof space, opting for monocrystalline panels is ideal, as these high-efficiency panels require less space to generate the same amount of energy. Learn more about choosing the best solar panels for small roofs. The downside of monocrystalline panels is reduced performance when shaded or dirty – something that affects polycrystalline panels less [3].

Thin film solar cells are becoming increasingly popular because they reduce the amount of material needed for their production – this lowers costs of their manufacture.

Among their advantages is flexibility and minimal effect of shading on efficiency. Although, overall efficiency and product life expectancy is lower than at crystalline panels. They are also space demanding as it takes more cells to provide a sufficient amount of energy.

You can learn more about this topic in our detailed guide: Best Solar Panels for your Home in 2024.

Tip #2 How to choose solar panel wattage?

The wattage of a solar panel directly impacts how much power it can generate, and most residential panels are rated between 300 to 450 watts. If your roof space is limited, higher wattage panels, such as those in the 400 to 450-watt range, are a practical choice. 

For example, a 400-watt panel can generate more electricity than a 300-watt panel, meaning you will need fewer panels to meet your energy needs.

On the other hand, if you have ample roof space and want to keep costs down, panels in the 300 to 350-watt range might be more suitable. While these panels produce less power individually, you can install more of them to achieve the same overall energy output. 

For instance, to generate 4 kW of power, you could use ten 400-watt panels or about thirteen 300-watt panels, depending on your roof size and budget.

Choosing the right wattage depends on your specific energy needs, the available space on your roof, and your budget. Higher wattage panels maximize efficiency in smaller spaces, while lower wattage panels offer a more cost-effective solution when space allows.

Tip #3 Affordable solar power installation tips: where and how to mount your solar panels

How fast will solar investment pay back depends on how you position the system. Your goal is to achieve unobstructed sun access throughout most of the day. Advanced systems even come with sensors that follow the sun as it makes its way in the sky during the day.

Nevertheless, most of us think of getting a static roof systems, but even these come with a set of prerequisites to take into account:

• Is your roof in a good structural shape and has roofing that will last for a minimum 25 years?
  Make sure you have your roof assessed prior installation. It would cost you more, if you had to change roofing a couple years after putting solar panels on.
• Are there trees around your house that might shade the roof when growing larger?
  Scan around your property for young trees that might grow large enough to decrease efficiency of your solar system. Keep this in mind even when planting new trees.
• Is your area exposed to extreme weather events?
  In the area with strong wind or hurricanes, make sure your mounting system is tested and approved for local weather specifically.
• How much snow does your area get?
  If you live in an area with long winters and heavy snowfall, it might be more suitable to get a system on a stand, where you can position the panel according to the conditions. In the summer, you can tilt your panel in 45 degrees angle, while in the winter more vertically for snow to not cover it. Vertical angle will also accumulate sunshine reflected from the snow on the ground.

Tip #4 Calculating solar power needs for your home: how much energy do you require?

Now we are getting to the core of the problem – how much energy do you actually need?

Have a look at your power bills over the course of a year and calculate your daily use of energy. Pay attention to seasonal fluctuations. During summer and winter, energy consumption typically increases as you strive to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Here is how to calculate your seasonal energy needs for a solar panel system. Perhaps the best strategy is to calculate the daily average for each month to have the most precise idea.

For example, if your home uses an average of 900 kWh per month, that translates to about 30 kWh per day. A 5-kilowatt solar system generates roughly 20 to 25 kWh per day, depending on your location, which means it could cover most of your daily energy needs.

Based on your actual energy needs, you can narrow down your focus on the size of the solar system required. The average size of a photovoltaic system in the U.S. is 5 kilowatts. A typical 5-kilowatt system might consist of 12 to 16 solar panels, depending on the wattage of each panel (300 to 400 watts per panel). If you need a larger system, say 8 kilowatts, you might need around 20 to 27 panels.

As of 2024, such a system costs between $9,000 to $12,000 after tax credits. The federal tax credit remains at 30%, and some states offer additional rebates that can further reduce your costs.

If you need more energy, larger systems of 6, 8, or even 10 kilowatts are available, potentially costing up to $20,000 or more, depending on the provider and additional features like battery storage. 

The final price might differ depending on the provider you select. Keep in mind that it is better to contact more providers in your area and get their bid for your house, as well as information about the quality of their product with the length of warranty they offer.

When it comes to such an important decision as long-term energy generation, you should avoid taking the cheapest product, as it often reflects the quality of the material. Pick the provider from the average price range.

Further reading: How Do I Find a Reputable Solar Power Company Near Me? 

Tip #5 Enhancing energy efficiency before solar installation: tips for lowering costs

Before you buy the solar system, make sure you use energy efficiently. Properly sealed and isolated houses save a significant amount of energy, which is otherwise disappearing into the thin air and pulling money from your back pocket without you noticing. By preventing unnecessary losses of energy, you may even need a smaller sized solar installation, and therefore, pay less for the system.

Here is what you can do to be ready:
#1 Begin with a home energy audit to identify where your home is losing energy. Many utility companies offer free or low-cost audits, or you can hire a professional for a detailed assessment.

#2 Improve insulation in your attic, walls, and floors can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 15%. Sealing gaps around windows, doors, and ducts also helps prevent energy waste.

#3 Installing a programmable or smart thermostat can cut energy use by 10 to 12% by adjusting temperatures based on your schedule.

#4 Switching to LED bulbs can slash lighting costs by up to 75% and reduce the need for frequent replacements.

Enhancing energy efficiency can lower your energy consumption, allowing for a smaller, more affordable solar system. For instance, a 20% reduction in energy use could decrease the size and cost of your solar installation significantly.

Check Greentumble’s list of tips on how to improve energy efficiency at home for more information.

Tip #6 How solar power can save you money: understanding the financial benefits

Solar systems do save money. How much depends on many different factors and it is not easy to provide a concrete number without knowing the cost of electricity in your area, your actual energy use or the number of peak sunlight hours your house gets.

However, based on the previous clues mentioned in this article, you should be able to get fairly close estimate, how much you will save with solar panels. Simply look at how much do you spend on electricity in a year. Then, multiply this number by 25 years (usual warranty time by majority of providers) and compare it to the price of getting solar panels.

Another option is to use a solar calculator. This tool will help you to get more precise information about the expected performance of solar projects in your area.

Tip #7: Understanding solar panel warranties and what they cover

Understanding your solar panel warranty is essential to protect your investment and avoid unexpected costs. Solar panels are designed to last 25 years or more, so a solid warranty is there to guarantee they perform efficiently throughout their lifespan.

Focus on two key components: the product warranty and the performance guarantee. The product warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, typically lasting 10 to 25 years. The performance guarantee ensures your panels will produce a certain percentage of their original power output over time, often guaranteeing 80 to 90% efficiency after 25 years.

Further reading: What Should I Look For in a Solar Panel Warranty?

Exploring solar battery storage: do you need to store solar power?

Pairing your solar panels with a battery storage system allows you to store excess energy generated during the day for use at night or during cloudy periods. This can be especially useful if your area experiences frequent power outages or if you want to maximize your energy independence.

Adding a battery to your solar system provides several advantages. First, it enables you to use stored energy when solar panels aren’t producing, such as during the night or on overcast days. Second, it can reduce your reliance on the grid, potentially lowering your electricity bills even further. Third, in the event of a power outage, a battery system can keep essential appliances running, providing peace of mind.

Popular solar batteries in 2024

In 2024, several solar batteries stand out for their performance and reliability. The Tesla Powerwall 2, with a storage capacity of 13.5 kWh, remains one of the most popular choices. The LG Chem RESU, available in capacities ranging from 9.8 kWh to 16 kWh, is another strong contender – offers flexibility depending on your energy needs. 

For those looking for a higher capacity option, the Sonnen ecoLinx, with up to 20 kWh of storage, provides advanced features like smart home integration.

Is solar battery storage a good investment?

Deciding whether to invest in battery storage depends on your specific situation. If you live in an area with high electricity rates, frequent outages, or limited net metering options, a battery could significantly enhance your solar system’s value.

However, the initial cost is substantial, with prices for a fully installed battery system ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 in 2024. If your primary goal is to increase energy savings, and your utility offers favorable net metering rates, you might find that a battery system doesn’t pay for itself as quickly. On the other hand, if energy independence and resilience are priorities, the investment in solar battery storage could be well worth it.