Which Solar Panels
What You Should Look for When Choosing Solar Panels for Your Home
Solar Panel Costs
Despite the huge benefits of going solar, no discussion of making the switch is complete without addressing the cost hurdle. Solar panel costs vary widely based on numerous factors, not the least of which is how soon to expect a break-even point.
The break-even point for most residential solar energy systems is three to 10 years. Installing solar energy generally costs between £0.75 and £1.50 per watt, or between £6,600 and £11,400 for an average-sized 6 kWh system. After incentives, the average cost drops to between £4,600 and £8,000.
While choosing solar panels that fit your home’s needs and specifications, also consider the cost of the products you’re considering when making your solar-energy decisions.
Solar Panel Efficiency
A solar panel’s efficiency rating is stated as a percentage. The current industry average is around 18%. High-performance solar panels can produce efficiency ratings of over 22%, while budget products come in at approximately 16% efficiency. But that’s only part of the equation.
Long-term solar panel efficiency ratings measure the amount of degradation a panel experiences over time. Solar panels that cost less often degrade faster and to a greater extent than higher-quality but more costly panels.
Another consideration, especially for those living in warm climates, is a panel’s temperature coefficient rating. The rating measures energy efficiency lost as the temperature increases and is expressed in negative percentage numbers. A lower temperature coefficient rating depicts a solar panel that performs better in hot weather than a panel with a higher coefficient rating.
Temperature Coefficient
A panel’s coefficient rating measures its efficiency loss as temperature increases and is expressed in negative percentage numbers. A lower temperature coefficient rating depicts a solar panel that performs better in hot weather than a panel with a higher coefficient rating. Although panels with a low coefficient rating may be crucial in hot-weather locations, they can also show noticeable results in places that experience wild temperature swings.
Your Home Power Needs
Depending on your family’s energy use, you may need a system that generates more or less electrical power. Ensure that your system will generate enough electricity during the day and, if desired, enough power storage to get you through the night. Some solar users opt for systems large enough to generate just enough power to meet their needs, while others choose systems that allow them to live off the grid or even sell power back to their local energy provider.
Check Solar Panel Warranties
The typical product warranty for solar panels is 25 years. System components, such as batteries, inverters and other crucial parts, often have warranties that vary significantly between products and manufacturers. Pay attention to those warranties and the panels’ output warranty after 10 and 25 years, especially if you plan on staying in the same home for a long time. Keep an eye out for both performance warranty and manufacturer warranties.
SOLARWORLD ALL BLACK MONOSILICON SOLAR PANEL
Details
Offering optimum performance and reliability, SolarWorld’s Sunmodule Plus are an innovation in solar panel design. Their mono and polycrystalline products come in a variety of power densities, making them suitable for all applications – from residential rooftops to a large-scale facility.
Their Plus-sorting system allows you to get all the watts you pay for. Every single panel’s performance is analysed using solar simulators, so-called “flashers”. The panels are then graded in 5-watt steps, rendering the time-consuming process of sorting the panels on-site unnecessary. Only panels which have been tested within the specified rated power range are delivered to the customer.
SolarWorld Plus-sorting system guarantees the highest system efficiency
TUV Rheinland ‘Power Controlled’ inspection mark ensuring accuracy of measurements
German quality standards
PANASONIC HIT-N245 SJ25 HYBRID SOLAR PANEL
Details
The HIT solar cell is made of a thin monocrystalline silicon wafer surrounded by ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers. This product offers the industry’s leading performance and value, using state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques. The development of the HIT solar cell was supported in part by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
High efficiency: With Module efficiency of 19.4% and a cell conversion efficiency of 22%, the HIT-N245 ranks high on the level of efficiency in the market. With its very low temperature coefficient of only -0.29%/°C, the HIT solar cell offers better performance than conventional cells in normal operating conditions.
Water-drainage frame: drainage lines in the Module frame allow for constant discharging of accumulated water. As water is not allowed to dry on the module there are no drying stains, and any build-up of humidity inside the panel is effectively prevented. A welcome side-effect is that the water-drainage frames help to keep modules clean even in low-angle installations.
With the new HIT modules, Panasonic re-established its position among leading solar Module manufacturers. The first modules will be shipped from the company’s newly established global manufacturing hub in Malaysia. The HIT-N245 and HIT-N240 boast the highest quality and reliability: Panasonic employs strict materials selection and qualified manufacturing processes. A vertically integrated factory allows for exhaustive quality assessments at every step of production. The resulting modules are IEC certified by JET.
SUNTECH STP ALL BLACK MONOSILLICON SOLAR PANEL
Details
Suntech develops, manufactures, and delivers the world’s most reliable and cost-effective solar energy solutions. Founded in 2001, they have supplied over 8 GWs photovoltaic panels to more than a thousand customers worldwide. They aim to reach grid parity through pioneering research and development and customer focused innovations.
Suntech 270W All Black Monosilicon Module:
High module conversion efficiency –
Module efficiency of 16.6% acheived through advanced cell technology and manufacturing capabilities.
Positive tolerance –
Positive tolerances of up to 5% deliver higher output reliability.
Special 4 busbar design –
The 4 busbars and unique design of solar cell leads to greater reduction in electrode resistance.
Suntech current sorting process –
System output is maximised by reducing mismatch losses up to 2% with modules sorted and packages by ampage.
Extended wind and snow load tests –
Module certified to withstand extreme wind loads (3800 Pa) and snow loads (5400 Pa).
PID Resistant –
Advanced cell technology and quality materials lead to high resistance to PID.
LG MONO X SOLAR PANEL
Details
LG Electronics is a global leading company for electronics and is one of the World’s largest manufacturers of mobile phones, flat screen TVs, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. They currently employ over 91,000 people worldwide in 117 companies. As a future-oriented company, LG relies on the technology of renewable energies and is working to expand it. Their entire range of high quality solar PV products are currently manufactured in LG’s leading production site in South Korea.
The LG mark of excellence – Customers are assured of cutting-edge technology and reliability when they see the LG logo on every solar panel. The LG logo reflects the high standards that have guided LG for more than 50 years.
Reliable warranties – LG stands by its products with the strength of a global corporation and sterling warranty policies. Together with a 10 year product warranty, a 25 year linear performance warranty is offered.
100% EL test completed – All LG solar panels are tested at various stages of the production by electroluminescence inspection. The EL inspection detects cracks unseen by the naked eye.
Positive power tolerance – LG provides rigorous quality testing to solar PV modules to assure customers of the stated power outputs of all solar panels with a positive nominal tolerance starting at 0%.
Light & robust – With a weight of just 16.7kg, LG solar panels are proven to demonstrate outstanding durability against external pressure up to 5400 Pa.
Convenient installation – LG solar panels are carefully designed to help installers benefit from quick and easy installation throughout the carrying, grounding and connecting stages of the modules.
