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The 3 Most Important Factors Picking Solar Panels
Choosing the right solar panels for your home or business is a significant decision that can impact your energy savings and environmental footprint for decades. With numerous options available, it’s essential to focus on the most critical factors to ensure you make an informed choice. Here are the three most important factors to consider when picking solar panels:
Degradation Rate
Degradation rate refers to the reduction in power output of a solar panel over time. This is a critical factor because it affects the long-term efficiency and energy production of your solar system. Here are some key points to consider.
The degradation rate is usually referred to under manufacturer warranties, and all the top manufacturers have long-term warranties.
Average Degradation Rates: Most solar panels degrade at an average rate of 0.5% per year. High-quality panels may have lower degradation rates, around 0.3% per year, while others may degrade faster.
Efficiency
Efficiency refers to the ability of a solar panel to convert sunlight into usable electricity. Higher efficiency panels produce more electricity from the same amount of sunlight, making them ideal for homes with limited roof space or high energy needs. Here are some key points to consider.
If you have limited roof space, higher efficiency panels can maximize your energy production.
Long-Term Savings: While high-efficiency panels may have a higher upfront cost, they can provide greater long-term savings by generating more electricity over their lifespan.
Durability and Warranty
Durability and warranty are crucial factors that determine the longevity and reliability of your solar panels. Investing in durable panels with strong warranties ensures that your system will perform well for many years.
It can be difficult deciding which solar panels to choose, but that’s exactly how Your Solar Advocate helps. We know the best panels and the best values and educate customers how warranties work. Bottom line is you can’t pick a bad solar panel because comparing them is like splitting hairs, they are all well made.
These are The Top Brand Solar Panels in The Market
Qcells Solar Panels
Known for their high-quality and reliable solar panels, Qcells has been consistently ranked as one of the top manufacturers. They offer a range of products suitable for residential, commercial, and utility-scale installations.
Affordability Qcells panels are priced lower than most comparable brands, and are considered a good value for the price.
Performance Qcells panels have power outputs of up to 405 watts per panel, and are known for their above-average efficiency ratings. Their Q.ANTUM technology also helps them perform well in low light conditions, such as at night or on cloudy days.
Durability Qcells panels are known for their durability and resilience to intense winds. They also come with a 25-year product and workmanship warranty, and a 25-year linear power output warranty that guarantees the panels will maintain at least 86% of their rated power output for the first 25 years.
Sustainability Qcells panels are made using recycled materials, and the company has a program for recycling old panels at the end of their life.
Aesthetics Qcells panels have a sleek black finish that may blend well with your roof
Panasonic Solar Panels
Panasonic is renowned for its high-efficiency panels and strong warranties. They have a reputation for producing durable and long-lasting solar panels, making them a popular choice for many homeowners
Panasonic panel efficiency ranges from 19.2% to 22.2%.
The efficiency of your Panasonic solar panels will vary depending on the specific model you choose for your system. While most solar panels fall in the 14% to 18% range, Panasonic panel efficiency ranges from 19.2% to 22.2%. For comparison, the most efficient panel on the EnergySage Marketplace is SunPower, at 22.8% efficiency, putting Panasonic panels among the best solar panels available when it comes to efficiency.
Panasonic offers a 25-year warranty, guaranteeing that their panels will still produce at least 86% to 92% of their original output by the end of the warranty term, depending on the product series.
For many homeowners, the final decision around the solar power equipment they choose rests on cost. The total price you’ll pay for a solar energy system with Panasonic panels will vary depending on the other equipment used in the installation and the characteristics of your roof.
REC Group Solar Panels
REC Group is praised for its panels’ performance in harsh climates and their overall durability. They offer a good balance of efficiency, cost, and reliability.
REC Group solar panels compete with the best of the best at a fraction of the price. The European company boasts the top temperature coefficient, offers the same degradation rates as the industry’s best power warranty, and produces one of the most efficient solar panels on EnergySage. But it costs about 25% less per watt than SunPower.
The performance per penny is hard to beat
Our analysis of hundreds of solar quotes and solar panel models shows that REC Group offers the most value on the market. It has the cheapest cost per watt compared to its peers, yet it boasts the best temperature coefficient, one of the best power warranties, and is one of the most efficient brands on EnergySage.
It has one of the best degradation rates on the market
REC Group promises one of the lowest degradation rates available, meaning you’ll maintain higher outputs throughout your system’s 25-year useful life. The more solar energy your system produces, the more valuable your investment becomes.
Jinko Solar Panels
JinkoSolar is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of solar panels and develops solar projects across the globe. The company was founded in 2006 and primarily manufactures its solar panels in China and Malaysia. However, JinkoSolar recently opened a solar panel manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, Florida, where they manufacture the aptly named “Eagle” series of American-made solar panels.
JinkoSolar panels–and the Eagle series in particular–are increasingly popular in quotes to solar shoppers comparing their options on the EnergySage Marketplace.
LG Solar Panels
LG: Quality LG panels are praised for their construction quality, detail, and finish. They also undergo Electroluminescence (EL) inspections to detect imperfections that are not visible to the naked eye.
Efficiency LG panels can range from 18.4% to 22.1% efficiency, which is ideal for many home solar systems. The Mono X Plus line is less efficient at 16.8–17.4%, while the NeON 2 panels are more efficient at 18.6–19.5%.
Warranties LG’s reputation and warranties are considered an advantage, and some say they are likely to be honored in the future.
LG: LG offers robust performance and reliability, with a strong warranty program.
SunPower
As of August 11, 2024, SunPower, a solar panel manufacturer and installer, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which allows the company to restructure while continuing to operate. SunPower is trying to sell its assets, pay back creditors, and reduce customer uncertainty. The company’s bankruptcy filings say that SunPower faced a liquidity crisis after a drop in demand for residential solar and a series of financial reports that made it hard to get new financing.
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