How to get your ideal solar panels

There are plenty of reasons to consider solar panels for your home. Perhaps you’re fed up with your energy company and paying extortionate prices for gas and electricity.

Or maybe you’re looking for a way to become more eco-friendly, whilst saving money at the same time.

Whatever your motives you want to ensure getting the right system for your home. For instance, invest in too small a system and you’ll struggle to get as much electricity as you require.

Getting the right solar panels starts with you. It’s important to do a little research into the market and find out how much you’ll really save.

Then you want to choose a contractor who’ll do the best job and ask all the right questions when it comes to choosing your panels.

So let’s take a look at how to get the best solar panels for your home.

Do the research

Perhaps this seems an obvious place to start, but it’s incredible how many homeowners simply choose solar as a spur of the moment thing and have the system installed without actually doing any research.

Of course, to get some basic knowledge you do need to speak to professionals in the industry, or do extensive research. The Energy Saving Trust is a great place to start and even has a calculator whereby you can work out potential savings and earnings.

We also have plenty of articles and information detailing everything you need to know in our solar panel advice section at solar-panels.quotatis.co.uk

Don’t be afraid to do some research locally too. Perhaps your neighbours have recently had solar panels installed. There’s no harm in asking them how everything works and how the system has affected their lives. People are generally very happy to talk about what they’ve invested in, especially if they’re passionate about it.

Getting a solar survey

Ok, so you’ve done your research and decided solar panels are definitely the right investment for you. Now’s the time to sit down and find some solar panel companies in your area. Which?, the consumer watchdog, recommend speaking to at least four companies when it comes to getting quotes for the work, because this is a great way of finding the right price.

We speak to thousands of homeowners just like you who have had solar panels installed and it’s amazing how many bad traits there are to avoid. For instance, make sure the company visits your home to conduct a survey before quoting. There have been strange occasions where the solar panel company has used Google Earth!

You know you’ve found a decent company when your solar system is tailor made to your specifications. They’ll have a range of panels and inverters to customise your perfect system.

Also think about how much you want to spend and ultimately how much you want to save. High efficiency solar panels will cost slightly more, but you’ll enjoy a greater Return on Investment.

Unfortunately there are some companies who are tied to a specific brand or manufacturer and this won’t be best for you as your needs could be different to your neighbour’s or the Jones’s down the road.

Don’t forget as well; if one company is charging more than another, let them know. By speaking to the company you may unearth flaws or hidden advantages with either system. This is a great way to truly get a like-for-like quote.

Tom

I have been managing online projects since 1999 and I'm a experienced marketeer, who is well versed in international brand management, online business strategy and developing long term relationships. Through my academic and professional background I am a specialist in generating online loyalty towards brands. My experience has taught me that ultimately business is about relationships and people. For more information see my Google+ page.