Solar options when remodeling

Why not include some environmentally friendly elements in your home remodeling project? Solar panels can help you save energy and money. Some options for going solar include:

• Monocrystalline panels. They offer the highest efficiency, converting 20 percent of the sunshine they collect into usable energy. Each panel can generate 300-400 watts of power. In addition, they’re durable. Some provide up to 30-year warranties. Monocrystalline panels are often more costly upfront, however, because they’re expensive to manufacture.
• Polycrystalline panels. They’re less efficient than monocrystalline panels, each producing 250 watts of power. Their cost of manufacture is lower and is reflected in their price. Nearly as durable as monocrystallines, warranties are sometimes as long as 25 years.
• Amorphous (aka thin-film) solar panels offer only 7 percent efficiency, yet hold some advantages over the other two types. They’re lighter and more malleable than monocrystalline and polycrystalline, making them easier (and less expensive) to install. Additionally, they’re able to withstand intense heat in warmer climates and are better at generating energy on days lacking bright sunlight. These panels offer 10- to 20-year warranties.

• April 26, 2022
• Environment
• Pete Yang

About This Author

Pete Yang

Pete Yang is a senior vice president for Alpine Bank and the co-chair of Alpine's "Green Team." He's based in Aspen, where he handles commercial and consumer loans, with a particular focus on resort financing. He has a keen interest in protecting Colorado's unmatched mountain environment.

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