Green energy is great, but at the end of the day, people just want cheaper utility bills. These days, though, they have no excuse not to go green. Solar energy is cheaper than other types of energy.
There’s just one big problem, though: solar panel installation is quite expensive. It can take years before solar panels recoup their cost in energy savings. For the average person, even with government subsidies, it’s simply beyond their budget.
That’s where 400w flexible solar panels come in. They’re relatively new and provide some unique advantages over your standard array. Let’s discuss the nine benefits of this type of system.
1. They’re Cheaper to Install
400w panels are the mid-level tier on the market. They aren’t as large as the typical, full-sized system most people install. They can’t power your big appliances, but that’s okay because they’re a smaller investment.
The average solar system can cost up to $18,000, subsidies aside. 400w systems, on the other hand, tap out at about $9,000.
To be clear, $9,000 is the upper threshold–the most expensive option. You can go much cheaper, as low as $5,000 in some cases. Despite cutting so much of the costs, you still may be eligible for government tax cuts.
2. They Handle Your Most-Used Devices
As we’ve said, 400w panels are not capable of supplying your fridge or HVAC unit. At first glance, this may seem like a disadvantage. After all, those are the portions of your home that guzzle the most energy.
However, think about the other parts of your house you use most frequently. Your televisions, computers, and smart devices. Add these things up, and you have a not-insignificant energy draw.
Conserving energy includes the smaller energy-drawing devices you own. You can still save a worthwhile amount of money by getting solar panels for these devices.
3. They’re Easier to Install
We aren’t just talking about your average 400w solar panels. We’re talking about flexible ones, naturally, that provides some unique benefits.
Say for example, the best sun position on your roof is at the arch. A flat solar panel would present more of a challenge to install there. A flexible one, however, can bend over the arch.
We could provide more examples, but you get the idea. Scenarios where it’s challenging to install a panel, may no longer be an issue.
4. They Can Cover More Area
A solar panel is only as good as its position. That is the primary disadvantage of these types of energy. Not only do you need strong sunlight, you need the panel to be facing it.
Flat panels must point towards the sun for maximum efficiency. Obviously, this can only happen during the brief spell when the sun shines at that angle. Luckily, flexible panels don’t have that issue.
A flexible panel can receive sunlight during more hours of the day. Instead of installing two panels on opposite planes of a roof, you can install one. You then bend it so it gets light for a longer duration.
5. They Are Less Prone to Damage
Perhaps the number two disadvantage of solar is that it’s fragile. Photovoltaic cells have glass coverings to admit as much light as possible. All it takes is one granule of hail to shatter a panel, rendering it inoperable.
Part of the issue is rigidity. Most solar system glass does not bend. Without the ability to bend, shock from an impact just breaks things.
Flexible panels may be somewhat more durable. When struck by an object, they move and oscillate. It disperses the shock through the panel evenly, reducing damage.
6. They Are Safer
Another issue with solar panels is getting the voltage right. Your typical array is high-voltage, enough to power those big appliances. With that increased power comes an increased chance of overvolting.
You can likely imagine the issues that result. There are more chances of shorts, surges, and equipment failure. Although unlikely in modern systems, it still presents a risk.
400w panels obviously produce much less energy and therefore are safer. You are more likely to undervolt than to overvolt.
7. They’re Easier to Scale
You could theoretically power an entire home with just 400w panels. You’d need a ton of roof real estate to do so, but it’s possible..
Suppose you initially purchased the 400w panels for cost savings. As time goes on, your finances improve. Now, you have the funds to purchase an entire array–and the roof space for it.
Thankfully, 400w panels allow you to scale. It’s easy to add more over time rather than replacing them.
8. Their Batteries Last Longer
Battery arrays are the best way to store solar energy for later. Unfortunately, we have to deal with lithium-ion batteries that have somewhat short lifespans. They need replacements more often than the panels themselves.
400w panels produce less energy and therefore fill the batteries less. The lithium-ion cells cycle fewer times, extending their lifespan. It may only be a few extra years, but that means less money you have to spend on battery replacements.
9. They’re a Feasible DIY Project
Most would recommend hiring a contractor to install your solar panels. These are expensive pieces of equipment that are incredibly delicate. They require a lot of expertise to install properly and efficiently.
400w flexible panels are cheaper, reducing your financial risk if they break. As we’ve mentioned, they’re also more durable. Flexibility likewise makes them more forgiving and less fussy with placement.
In other words, installing flexible panels may be an easier, more realistic DIY project.
Install 400w Flexible Solar Panels Today
400w flexible solar panels are an alternative to standard high-voltage solar system solutions. While they produce less power, this isn’t a disadvantage, strictly speaking. Their flexibility makes them more durable, easier to install, and easier to place.
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