Basics on Solar Energy Systems

There are three major types of solar home energy systems:

1) Solar water heating systems
2) PV (photovoltaic) solar systems, for electricity production and...  
3) Solar space heating systems

We may also consider:
4) Solar home space cooling (a presently rather secondary solution, mainly due to its high initial investment).


Warranties

Electric PV Solar panels have a lifetime of at least 20 years to 25 years. Present panels involve a wide range of guarantees given by manufacturers.

Solar Hot Water and Solar space heating warranties range from 3 to 10 years in most manufacturers, but you may find wider warranties (till 20 years) for the collectors.

For details on the different types of panels and their uses, see:
Types of solar panels
Best solar panel type for the different residential uses


Solar Energy & Manufacturers

See a wide list of manufacturers at Manufacturers & Solar Energy


Sizes, Location & Orientation

See for detailed information:
Sizing Solar Systems
Solar Systems Orientation and Location


Solar Electricity and Net Metering

See for detailed information:
Solar and Wind Electricity Systems and Net Metering


Prices and Market

Solar panels are mainly standard and their prices are very similar at the manufacturer level. But there are some differences.

See tips:
Market and Prices of Solar Hot Water Systems and Solar Space Heating
Market and Prices of Solar PV Electricity


Buying

See:
Quotes and buying process
What to ask to solar installers and suppliers


Payback & solar systems

See:
Payback: Solar systems




Back to top Basics of Solar Enegy
Return to Energy-Savings Home Page