In an effort to reduce energy bills, both homeowners and businesses are looking to solar power as a viable alternative. One of the fastest ways to add this type of renewable energy to your system is by purchasing a DIY solar power kit. However, you should be thoroughly familiar with five things before you make such a purchase.

Dimension of the Solar Panels

The DIY solar power kit must indicate the exact measurements of the solar panels, because this will let you know if you have enough roof space for the solar module. Further, ensure that you know the solar panels’ weight, which is necessary information if you have roof tiles as they will factor in determining if your roof can support the solar panels. The dimension and weight are needed to determine if your roof is structurally stable for the added load.

Total Power Generation

Calculate how much power you consume in your home before installing a DIY solar power kit. Additionally, determine how many appliances you want to connect to the solar power system. Once you’ve come up with a figure, buy the appropriate DIY solar power kit. There are kits of different sizes available to meet your requirements; additionally, some kits can be interconnected if one is not enough.

Durability

Because they are outdoors, solar power panels are constantly exposed to harsh elements like hail, rain, snow and sun. Due to this exposure, the frame should be constructed of aluminum or another durable material, while the solar cells should be covered with tempered glass.

Long-Term Warranty

Be aware that it can take years to see a return on investment for a DIY solar power kit. As such, it’s advisable to take into consideration the length of a product’s warranty prior to purchase. It is recommended to get one with a 20- to 25-year warranty period on solar panels.

Installation and Maintenance

Select a DIY solar power kit that has easy installation. You can purchase kits that come with all the components you’ll need to start your own solar power system. Additionally, you should also consider one that will require only minimal maintenance over the years in service. The best choice is solar panels that require, at minimum, scrubbing once a year to have the panels work at maximum efficiency.

Anna Vera Williams helps others understand how to utilize solar energy to live cleaner and more eco-friendly lives.

For more information on solar power and how it can be used, please visit Do-it-Yourself Solar Power.

This article was originally published on Anna’s blog, at Five Things to Consider When Buying DIY Solar Power Kits.