{"id":20,"date":"2023-11-03T22:27:02","date_gmt":"2023-11-03T22:27:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/terrascope2027.wpenginepowered.com\/?page_id=20"},"modified":"2023-12-01T02:25:41","modified_gmt":"2023-12-01T02:25:41","slug":"step-2-estimation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/terrascope2027.mit.edu\/?page_id=20","title":{"rendered":"Step 2: Estimation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Step 2: Estimation<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Image: Unsplash. \u201cPhoto by Mediamodifier on Unsplash.\u201d Unsplash.com<\/em>, 2 July 2021, unsplash.com\/photos\/black-calculator-beside-black-pen-on-white-printer-paper-I3HPUolh5hA. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Calculate Your Estimated Costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Solar Energy<\/summary>\n
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Solar Energy<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Image: Unsplash. \u201cPhoto by Andreas G\u00fccklhorn on Unsplash.\u201d Unsplash.com<\/em>, 14 June 2017, unsplash.com\/photos\/photo-of-three-solar-panels-7razCd-RUGs. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about Solar Energy here<\/a> <\/mark>before calculating your costs!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How do I pick a Solar Company?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When picking a solar company that best fits a project\u2019s needs, it\u2019s important to make sure all the information is in hand. Reviewing websites, speaking with representatives, and knowing what questions to ask can ensure that information. It can be useful to ask about future maintenance support or schedules, any applicable warranties, cost breakdowns for the project, and the contractor\u2019s experience installing systems in the area or of that type. Additionally, asking for further information about the specific system being installed can be beneficial. This can help in gathering information about expected system lifespans, troubleshooting for common issues, and routine maintenance needs or considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Asking a wide range of questions and becoming well-informed on what a company offers can ease the energy transition and increase efficiency. It can also reduce any unwanted surprises, such as miscommunications about project goals, unexpected installation expenses, or lack of information from installers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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How do I know what type of Solar Panel to get?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are various types of solar panels available on the market; however, many are still in various stages of development, or they can only be used in specific conditions. For the purpose of this article, the most common and accessible types are discussed, which are two specific types of silicon solar cells.<\/em> Alternative cell types\u2013 such as thin-film, bifacial, or organic cells\u2013were considered, but discarded as a focus due to the fact that solar companies in Puerto Rico usually do not offer them. These cells would be difficult to obtain in the mountainous communities, which is our primary focus. Silicon solar cells, which are mostly discussed here, primarily come in monocrystalline and polycrystalline forms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monocrystalline<\/em> silicon solar panels are cut from a single crystal of silicon and have black cells1<\/sup>. They have high performance\u2013 able to reach efficiencies of over 20%\u2013and have a higher capacity than polycrystalline cells2<\/sup>. However, they can be more expensive to purchase and install than polycrystalline panels, with costs ranging roughly from $1-$1.50 per watt3<\/sup>. Manufacturing monocrystalline panels creates waste from leftover silicon, which can then be used to produce polycrystalline panels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polycrystalline<\/em> silicon solar panels are composed of many silicon crystal fragments and have blue cells1<\/sup>. They have slightly lower performance than monocrystalline panels, averaging around 15-17% efficiency2<\/sup>. These panels are often lower-cost, ranging roughly from $0.75-$1 per watt3<\/sup>. Most solar companies tend to offer polycrystalline panels for residential buyers, so they can be more accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When determining what kind of solar system is ideal for a project, it\u2019s important to clarify the difference between the two types of panels and understand the benefits and drawbacks of each. Polycrystalline panels may be more common and less expensive for traditional projects, but monocrystalline panels may be more cost-effective and realistic in situations where there is a need for higher electricity output, such as having limited roof space. Knowing about each panel type and consulting with a chosen company can assist in determining what kind of system is right for the given situation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n