Solar is a long-term investment and you want to make sure you get a quality system. Panels are the main components of your solar power system and it is important to choose the best brand that will fit your needs. When you start comparing solar panels, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of brands and models. So how to compare solar panels?
Warranty
Panels come with two warranties: the performance warranty and the product (or manufacturer) warranty.
Set by the industry standards, performance warranty is 25 years and covers the natural degradation of the solar cells. The product warranty is the warranty that really matters. The product warranty covers any product default and should be a minimum of 10 years.
Read more about warranties here.
Efficiency
The solar panels efficiency measures its ability to convert sunlight into electricity. The most efficient solar panels on the market have an efficiency rating as high as 22%. It means that they convert 22% of the sunlight into electricity. Most of the panels range between 14% and 17%.
The efficiency rating is a good indicator of the panels’ quality but unless you don’t have a large roof space and as long as it is over 15%, you should’ worry too much about it.
Power tolerance
Power tolerance rating measures the plus/minus tolerance. For example, a 300W panel with a +/- 5% power tolerance rating has an actual wattage comprised between 285W and 315W. Quality panels use a positive tolerance only grading which guarantee that a 300W panel, for example, will never be less than 300W.
Temperature coefficient
Just as any other electronic equipment, solar panels don’t perform as well in extreme heat. The temperature coefficient measures how much panels underperform when the temperature rises by 1 degree Celsius above 25 degrees Celsius. Most of the temperature coefficients range between -0.2 and -0.5. The closer this figure is to zero, the better the panel will perform as the temperature increases.
More information here.
Tier 1
Solar panels rank in 3 categories or 3 tiers. Tier 1 panels are the best category of panels, including the big brands with a good reputation and quality. Tier 1 panels ensure that the company has been around for long enough (5 years at least) to be trustful and produce quality panels. Tier 1 manufacturers control each stage of the process and invest in research and development.
When purchasing a solar power system this factor should be your key consideration as it proves the quality of the components.
At Energis, we focus on bringing customers top-quality products and services. We only work with the most respected manufacturers and Tier 1 panels and experienced CEC Approved Installers. With over 9 years in the industry, Energis has demonstrated its commitment to industry best practice and is a CEC Approved Solar Retailer. This ensures the best possible standard of solar PV installation.
Check out our work here.
If you are considering commercial or residential solar, call Energis on 1300 782 217 or at sales@energis.com.au, one of our solar consultants will talk you through the best option and give you a free quote.
