How to Choose the Right Solar Panel for Your Home

 

Your choice of solar panel will impact energy production, performance, and cost savings. Considering factors beyond bottom-line cost ensures a lasting return on investment. Ellensburg Solar’s residential solar installers in Central Washington are here to help, providing essential information on how to choose the right solar panel for your home.

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Invest in Home Solar Panel Technology That Maximizes Output

 

These common types of solar panels offer distinct advantages and disadvantages:

 

• Monocrystalline solar panels – efficient and space-saving, ideal for compact spaces

• Polycrystalline solar panels – larger, budget-friendly, but less efficient than other styles

• Thin-film solar panels – flexible and lightweight, with a lower efficiency and shorter lifespan than other solar solutions

 

Ellensburg Solar installs only premium Talesun solar panels, which provide maximum power production even in the cloudiest weather. Talesun panels feature monocrystalline technology, including options with half-cut cells to minimize energy loss and improve low-light performance, as well as bifacial styles that capture sunlight on both sides for optimal power output.

 

Ensure a Long Solar Panel Warranty

 

Protect your investment by choosing quality solar panels with a warranty of at least 10-15 years and a reputation for withstanding severe weather conditions, including heavy winds, rain, hail, and snow. Our Talesun solar panels come with an industry-leading 25-year warranty, ensuring lasting use. We provide certified warranty service for all products we install, offering maintenance and upgrades to meet your needs.

 

Consider How Roof Orientation and Geography Impact Solar Panel Performance

 

Roof orientation is among the most significant factors impacting solar panel performance:

 

Solar panels for south-facing roofs

South-facing roofs offer maximum sun exposure and energy output, with southeast and southwest orientations experiencing only a slight reduction in performance.

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Solar panels for east and west-facing roofs

East and west-facing roofs offer moderate output, with strong morning and afternoon sunlight, respectively, producing about 20-30% less than south-facing installations overall.

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Installing solar on north-facing roofs

North-facing roofs receive the least sun exposure, experiencing a 40% or larger reduction in output compared to south-facing roofs.

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Roof angle

A roof angle equivalent to geographic latitude is optimal.

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Sunlight blockages

Trees and nearby structures can block sunlight, impacting panel performance.

 

Our experienced solar installers can help you overcome obstacles to maximize production, ensuring the best panel location and angle, including installation on multiple roof faces and addressing obstructions to ensure maximum sunlight exposure.

 

Understand the Impact of Central Washington Weather on Solar Power Production

 

Many of our customers are surprised to find that solar panel performance in Central Washington is quite good, with ample sunlight for efficient power production year-round, particularly on the eastern side, which receives slightly more exposure than the west. Cloud cover may reduce output, yet rain provides a natural cleaning effect. Snowfall may impact performance, but roof and panel sloping can facilitate the shedding of accumulations. Cold winters do not reduce panel performance, and longer spring and summer days produce ample electricity.

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Ensure Enough Solar Panels to Meet Your Home Energy Production Needs

 

Our local solar installation company provides comprehensive solar energy and site assessments to ensure lasting satisfaction with your solar investment. We’ll consider your energy production needs and savings goals, crafting custom-tailored solutions to meet your needs, including:

 

• Rooftop and ground solar installation

• On and off-grid home solar designs

• Net metering (energy buyback program) compliant designs

• Battery backup storage

 

Our project estimates include turnkey installation, from permitting and HOA approval through construction, final inspections, and instructions on solar panel system operation and care. Available solar incentives including federal tax incentives, local tax rebates, and utility rebates ensure a fast payback. Our customers typically break even on their investments within 4-8 years, on average, depending on the system design and site conditions.

 

Reduce Energy Costs and Boost Home Value with Premium Solar Panels

 

Determine how to choose the right solar panel for your home with help from Ellensburg Solar, Central Washington’s highest-rated solar installation company. Contact us at 509-929-2728 to schedule a solar power system design consultation in Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Grandview, Granger, Kennewick, Kittitas, Moxee, Naches, Pasco, Prosser, Richland, Selah, Sunnyside, Toppenish, Wapato, White Swan, Yakima, and Zillah today.