If you’re ready to get quotes on solar power, this article gives you all the information you need about solar panels.
We should first clarify that the information being shared in this article is related to photovoltaic solar panels. However, the correct phrasing is “photovoltaic solar panels” or “solar PV modules” instead of just “pv panels.
The key to installing a solar power system is choosing the right type of solar panel and the best installer. It’s important to match your home’s energy usage with the time of day when you’ll be using it the most. In this new era, it’s just as important for consumers to choose a panel brand that performs well and is installed by an accredited installer.
Because most salespeople won’t be able to help you choose the best solar panel brand, I’ve developed a thorough (and easy to follow) guide to help you learn how the best solar panels are made. Once you read my guide, you’ll know how to choose the best solar panel brand.
Here’s the list of 4 tips to buy solar panel:
When shopping around for the best value, one of the most important criteria is the type and brand of solar panels a supplier recommends.
Where should you buy solar panels? Here are some of the things you should consider before choosing the right solar panel.
1. Efficiency of Solar Panel Matters
Efficiency refers to the percentage of energy transmitted from the sun on a solar panel, and is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per watt. Solar cell efficiency ranges between 15% and 80%, but under typical conditions only around 15% of the energy in light is converted into electricity by traditional silicon-based solar panels.
Why would you want a solar panel with a high efficiency? Efficiency means that the same amount of electricity is produced from a smaller solar panel. This means that less roof space is taken up and solar panels can be installed on more roof space. This means you can save money in installation costs and the cost per watt.
2. Deciding Factor – Cost of Buying a Solar Panel
When deciding on the cost of solar panels, you need to consider the cost of electricity at a utility rate plus the cost of modules. This enables you to calculate a price for the solar power system and its effect on your monthly electric bill.
As a general rule, the less expensive something is, the worse it generally performs and the less reliable it tends to be. Sometimes you can get away with buying quality products on low prices as they might be on sale. In fact, a little negotiation can often be of benefit, as bargains are sometimes available.
3. Basics of PV Module Quality and Warranty
It’s difficult to gauge the quality of a solar panel, inverter and installation service when only a simple quote is provided. Salespeople often have an interest in selling their products and services.
You can start by reading customer reviews for a solar panel brand. By checking online reviews, you can get a better idea of which solar panels will perform best in your area, especially if you live in a sunny area or have a roof that gets lots of sun exposure. To get a better understanding try to search for reviews from customers who have had the panels installed for a few months at least.
Want to see how solar panels stack up against the competition?
You can start with:
- Comparing prices and specifications through a solar panel comparison table.
- Pay attention to solar panel brands recommended by others
- Warranty and quality standards can be used to determine quality
- The fine print can be time consuming, but long story short it’s worth it
4. Importance of Solar Panel Specifications
It’s important to note that solar panel specifications are a huge part of the decision process when it comes to selecting a solar system. Understanding these specifications can help you make an informed decision on which type of panel will best suit your needs.
The power usage thresholds help reveal how much electricity a solar panel will generate over its useful lifespan. The value you see on the product page is a good estimate of the panel’s daily performance. Panels do have different power tolerances, but it’s not a big deal if they are slightly different because they’ll all perform the same in most cases. It’s better to buy panels that are highly tolerant to temperature and voltage swings.
