Earth Protect Blog

Deciding to use solar power as an alternative energy source can be both a great decision for your budget and the environment. There are a number of distinct advantages that come with switching over to a source of electricity that isn’t fueled by nasty power plants.

The biggest benefits you’ll find are that you’ll save money, you’ll be able to have electricity anywhere you want and you won’t have to deal with the noise that accompanies generators or wind turbines.

If you’re set on making the switch to solar energy, then there are a few things that you should know beforehand. This advice can help you save time, money and a decent amount of frustration when switching to solar energy.

Do a Price Comparison on Solar Panels
The price of solar panels can vary widely depending on where you acquire them and what type of material they’re built with. That’s why it’s a good idea to have an idea of what the going price of solar panels are in your area before purchasing anything.

For example, larger second generation solar panels are built with large silicon crystal wafers. These wafers are what drive the cost of this type of solar panel sky high because they’re difficult to grow. Third generation solar panels are made up of thin-film modules. These are typically much cheaper to buy in bulk, and they’re cheaper to replace. The only issue is that silicon wafer solar cells tend to convert solar energy into electricity at a higher rate than thin-film cells.

Shop Around And Ask Questions
As with any major purchase, it’s always advisable to shop around and ask questions. This will help prevent one or two pushy sales people from pushing you into a sale when you’re not ready for one.

It’s also wholly advisable to ask as many questions as you can. Take a notepad, write down information, answers and every statistic you can get. If you’re doing your solar panel setup by yourself, then it’s important to have a thorough understanding of what makes one solar panel different from the next. It’s also important to know the best type of setup for your situation.

Here are 5 must ask questions:

• Do you only work with manufacturers with local warranties?
• Can I expand my solar system should my needs increase?
• Are the components you use eleigible for the government rebates?
• How long will it take for the system to pay for itself?
• Can you explain the feed in tariff?

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