Residential solar panels harness the power of the sun to produce clean, green energy for your home. They are a great option for many homeowners, especially those who want to lower their energy costs and reduce their environmental footprint.

There are many factors to consider before purchasing and installing a solar system, including cost, efficiency, aesthetics and maintenance. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice for your home.

Cost

The cost of residential solar panels varies depending on the size of the system, panel type and energy needs. The installation of the solar panels is the largest component, and can range from $15,000 to $25,000.

Installing a home solar panel system is an investment, but it’s also an opportunity for homeowners to save money on their electricity bills, potentially eliminating them entirely. A solar power system may pay for itself in as little as five years and is like an insurance policy against rising electric rates.

When shopping for a solar company, get quotes from three to five companies that compete on your behalf, suggests Vikram Aggarwal, CEO of the online marketplace EnergySage. The company compiles solar companies customer reviews, certifications, Better Business Bureau profiles and other information to help you make an informed choice.

There are three main types of solar panels available for homes: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film PV cells. The most efficient and popular are monocrystalline, while polycrystalline and thin-film are less efficient but cheaper.

Efficiency

There are several factors that affect the efficiency of residential solar panels. These include panel type, construction, and the climate in which you live.

The most efficient residential solar options are monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels. These types of panels have the highest energy efficiency ratings and are less expensive than thin-film panels.

These panels also require less space to install. However, their power production is lower than crystalline options.

Another factor that can affect the efficiency of your solar panels is nearby shade from trees and tall buildings. If your home has a lot of nearby shade, you may need to install more panels than you would with a system that gets direct sunlight all day long.

When researching the cost of residential solar panels, be sure to compare installation estimates from different companies. This is the same process you would use when buying any major in-home product.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics have become a major consideration for homeowners who are on the fence about installing solar. They want to make sure that the installation looks great and makes their home feel more comfortable and welcoming.

In this regard, it is important to note that there are a number of different types of residential solar panels available on the market. These include monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels.

These panels are designed to be efficient and generate a lot of energy. They also come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to match any roof.

The most popular types of residential solar panels are monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Both are black in color and look very sleek and modern.

Another option is thin-film solar panels. These panels are a little less common than poly and monocrystalline, but they have several benefits. They are greener and cheaper to produce. They are also more energy efficient and have an aesthetic that homeowners enjoy.

Maintenance

As with any equipment, solar panels require routine maintenance. This can include cleaning, inspections and repairs.

Most homeowners hire a professional to do this work for them, as it's safer. You can also ask your panel manufacturer for a warranty that covers these expenses.

This type of maintenance is designed to help you identify existing issues and prevent them from affecting the system's performance. It can reduce downtime, cost of spare parts and the need for system repair.

Typically, this maintenance is performed on a fixed schedule and includes activities such as inspecting, cleaning, washing, and replacing.

It's important to choose a maintenance management platform that can organize, automate and streamline your department's operations. Cloud-based solutions like MaintainX CMMS allow you to manage your organization's assets, create work orders, and monitor maintenance activities in real-time.