It can be difficult to determine who makes the best solar panel, especially given the number of companies that have emerged in recent years.
This article will discuss the most important factors to consider when evaluating the quality of solar panel panels. We also share the latest findings from third-party review websites.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Many criteria can be used to assess the quality of solar panel panels.
- Efficiency and yield
- Warranty
- Durability
- Aesthetics
- Sustainability
EFFICIENCY & YIELD
Efficiency is the power produced when sunlight is absorbed in its peak. For example, silicon is the most efficient material if a solar panel is rated at monocrystalline.
Other materials can also play a role in the outcome, such as the panel’s conductive metallic foundation, the type and size of the glass used to cover the panel’s front, and interconnects between cells. A panel with a copper-backed foundation is more at risk than one with thin lines of metal ribbon in its cell’s front.
Standard efficiency solar panels have 15% to 20% efficiency. Trina Solar and JinkoSolar are the largest global producers of standard efficiency panels. Mission Solar sells U.S.-made standard efficiency panels for solar.
High-efficiency commercially available solar panels are 18%-22%. SunPower and Silfab Solar make High-efficiency solar panels. SunPower panels can be rated up to 24%.
There are limitations to solar cells’ maximum efficiency. The efficiency of solar panels is affected by the location of solar radiation. This includes the roof pitch and azimuth (horizon angle). Also, the orientation your panels face. Temperature also has an impact. Other factors that can contribute to energy loss include the type and length of the cabling, voltage limits and inverter efficiency.
These performance measures directly impact the power output of your system per watt. You will get the best return on your investment for the life of your solar panels.
WARRANTY
It is important to know the expected life span of equipment and how long a company will guarantee its performance. These are the three things to consider when evaluating a manufacturer’s warranty on solar panels.
- Equipment: Find out about the warranty regarding performance and materials. You should also be aware of any other guarantees for the inverter, monitoring and other equipment.
- Contact the warranty company to learn more. Make sure you understand how to file a claim. Also, make sure you assess whether the company will make it easy to replace, repair or reimburse defective parts.
- Lifespan: The quality of a warranty is as good as its reputation. You could lose your coverage if your chosen solar company goes out of business. It would be best if you were certain that the manufacturer would still be available for your warranty term.
DURABILITY
Another indicator of a solar panel’s quality is its durability. Some reputable third-party organisations independently test solar panels. These ratings will help you determine how your panels will perform in extreme conditions like storms, hurricanes and hail.
Fraunhofer, an applied research organisation with world-renowned expertise in solar power technology, is Fraunhofer. They evaluate panels from nine leading PV manufacturers for their resistance to heat and humidity, thermal cycles, potential-induced degrading (PID), mechanical loading and exposure to UV light.
TUV is a worldwide leader in product safety validation, based in Germany. It conducts Sandstorm Testing to assess the extreme stresses of desert environments. DNV GL publishes an annual PV Module Reliability Scoring Card. This scorecard is based upon their Product Qualification Program, which includes independent laboratory testing of the reliability of solar panels across multiple manufacturers.
However, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the government’s primary lab for testing renewable energy.
Remember that your system’s ability to generate energy can be affected by rain, clouds, dirt, dust, and debris accumulation. If you have noticed a decrease in energy production, such as from severe weather events, over the last year or months, it could be a problem with your system.
If your system is not performing as it should contact your solar installer or your manufacturer of solar panels for assistance.