Solar Panels: A Bright Idea!

Solar panels are a bright idea! They can save money on electricity, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and help collect energy from this big ball of nuclear fusion that I like to call "the sun." The sun produces ridiculous amounts of free energy. And buying made sense because both the federal government and state of Utah offered significant tax credits for installing them. Because of tax incentives, lots of companies are competing for your solar bucks, so how do you decide which to go with? Here are some factors we considered before we made our decision.

• Durability. Over time, all solar cells lose their power to collect and transmit power, but some last significantly longer than others. I was impressed with the 30-year record of SunPower cells (see photo above). These are sturdy, efficient, well-engineered chips with a solid copper backing, which transmit even if they get bent. I saw how lesser-made solar cells can shatter with only minimal impact. If one section fails, will the whole go out like a string of Christmas lights? (see photo below). This is vital.

 

• Efficiency of panels and wiring. Solar panels are not all created equal. After shopping with three solar companies, we decided to go with panels by SunPower, the most efficient panels on the market. Over the first 25 years, these panels will produce over 70 percent more power than convention panels! Quality matters. When you're deciding where to spend your solar bucks, check the following sites: http://us.sunpower.com/home-solar/solar-cell-technology-solutions/
  http://us.sunpower.com/solar-panels-technology/facts. Some systems require greater number of panels to get the same output of electricity. Chips of competitors have busbars and wiring on the front (see below), which decrease efficiency and tend to oxidize, etch, and pit in the sunlight.

• Strength of company. How long has it been in business? The company we chose has been in business about 30 years and has 450 patents.
• Warranty and maintenance. Learn what parts of the system are being covered and under what conditions. Our panels are guaranteed for an industry-best of 25 years, and the inverter for 10 years. Our company helps maintain the panels by washing them each year for no extra charge.
• Quality of installation and willingness to throw in extras. Our company does its own installations and handles construction permits and rebate paperwork. We requested installation of power outlets for a garage door opener and for an electric car charge station. The company was willing to negotiate.