The best solar panels around would have to give you the best value for your money. You wouldn’t want to invest heavily on something that won’t give you back the benefits you were looking for. Many factors need to be considered in selecting the best kind of solar panel that would fit your needs.
The first on the list would be the efficiency by which the solar panel of your choice would generate your electrical requirements. Most commercially-available panels are typically in the range of 14-16% efficiency. This would be a good target to consider since those in the higher range would mean newer technologies, thus, higher prices. Those in the lower range would mean that you might not have enough juice generated for your needs. This energy efficiency is important in choosing the best panels for your electrical needs, as this would dictate the amount of electricity generated for your daily, weekly or monthly consumption.
Another consideration is the capacity for your system to store and regulate the electricity produced. This involves determining the power consumption of your lights and home appliances to determine the kind of panels you would want to install. Typical solar panel systems come with storage and electric conversion add-ons which can be bulky and take up a lot of space in your home. Consider the layout of these add-ons and the space you have reserved in your house for the installation. Newer technology in this field allows includes micro-inverters which can convert the Direct Current (DC) generated by the solar panels into Alternating Current (AC), which is used by household appliances.
Finally, the installation isn’t exactly rocket science, but it’s not also for every Tom, Dick and Harry. Find out which offer ease of installation. Installing these on the roof of your house may require the skills of trained professionals but there are a new crop of these devices that allow you to install them yourself with detailed guidance. Check to see if the manufacturer offers technical support and home guidance as this would also help you in installing and maintaining your panels.