Hey folks! I'm planning to build a small home on my land and I'm really interested in going solar for my energy needs. I'm looking for advice on the best solar panel options available. What should I consider when choosing?
3 Answers
I have tons of ideas! But it really depends on what you define as 'best.' For instance, I went with a few panels over 400W for their quality, but they're not the cheapest. I also found some 100W bifacial panels that have worked perfectly for charging my solar generators. If you’re on a tight budget, buying in bulk from suppliers like Signature Solar could be a good way to go. Just think about what your priorities are before deciding.
Before jumping into any purchases, it's super important to clarify your energy needs and goals. Are you looking to be completely off-grid, or do you just want solar as a backup? How much electricity do you think you'll use daily? The average home's use ranges from 25-30 KWh per day, but it can definitely vary based on appliances and usage. It's best to understand your specific situation first because that will dictate the type and size of the solar system you should get.
Starting from scratch gives you a lot of flexibility, which is great! But watch out for installers who might try to upsell you on expensive equipment that you don't really need. Since your home is small, you'll want to size the system right rather than get caught up in brand prestige. I worked with a company called Solarsme who helped me design a system that fit my usage perfectly. Definitely get a few quotes to compare options!