Determining who makes the best solar panels can be a tough matter. The proliferation of solar companies over recent years makes this process even more difficult. The most important part of determining the best solar company is evaluating the quality of solar panels.
What To Evaluate
- Warranty
- Efficiency and yield
- Aesthetics
- Durability
- Sustainability
Efficiency
The amount of power produced at peak daylight as sunlight is absorbed is regarded as efficient. For instance, if a solar panel is at 20% efficiency, then 20% of the sun’s energy that contacts the panel will convert as electricity. Yield is another term for solar panels and it represents:
- Spectral response
- High-temperature performance
- Shade performance
- The use of anti-reflective glass
One of the main signals of solar panel efficiency is the materials that solar panels are made of. Monocrystalline silicon happens to be the most efficient material. Other materials can also compete well. The conductive metal foundation of a panel also benefits solar panels as the type of glass used on the front of the panel converts energy faster. Thin lines of metal ribbon on the front of a cell communicate the increased risk of breakage of a panel.
Copper-back foundations make it harder to determine this. The majority of standard solar panels vary from an average of 15% to 20% efficiency. The largest manufacturers of standard efficiency panels in Tampa offer residential installation. Solar companies also provide quality installations that accent homes and buildings so that the panels do not stand out.
Companies communicate rates that coincide with your budget and ensure that non-renewable energy has a yearly increase in energy usage rates. Some solar companies go for $0 down with interest rates that are as low as .99% which will help clients save money immediately.
INVEST IN YOUR OWN ENERGY
One of the most recent and effective features of some solar companies is the ability to sell extra power. A client’s investment will provide the opportunity to make money back. Any excess electricity that one’s solar system creates can be fed back to the grid, and the company will pay the client.
Commercially available high-efficiency solar panels range from 18% to 22%. There are limits to the maximum potential efficiency of solar cells though. Roof pitch, solar radiation in different locations, horizon angle, the direction your panels face, and temperature affect solar panel efficiency.
Energy loss is also potentially associated with the type of cabling, voltage limits, and inverter efficiency. These measures have a direct affect on the amount of power your system is to produce per watt. Making sure you have the most updated energy efficiency information will help you gain the highest return on investment.
Warranty
The lifetime of equipment and the length of time a company will guarantee its performance are intertwined. Here are three considerations to help evaluate the manufacturer’s warranty:
- Equipment: The warranty coverage for materials and performance. Understand if there are different guarantees on the inverter, monitoring, and general equipment.
- Process: The warranty services provided. The required steps to file a claim and assess whether the company will make it easy for you to replace, repair, or get reimbursed for any defective parts must be thoroughly understood.
- Longevity: Understand the issuing company’s reputation. Solar companies that go out of business before the end of the term usually mean that your coverage will expire. Make sure you are familiar with the manufacturer’s company’s stability.
Durability
The durability of a solar panel is a major indication of a successful investment. Third-party organizations that are reputable usually test solar panels independently. Company ratings will give you insight into how well your solar panels will hold up in harsh and severe Floridian conditions. Time and again Tampa has been met with a multitude of storms and hurricanes.
Be sure to do your research before investing. Fraunhofer is an applied research organization. Their organization consists of expertise on world-renowned solar power technology. Fraunhofer analyzes panels from top PV manufacturers for resistance to harsh climates and thermal cycles. They also evaluate UV exposure and general wear and tear.
This will help potential clients in their process of determining which manufacturers and which specific panels will fit their needs. You can also research the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). NREL is the primary government-run lab for renewable energy testing. Rain, clouds, or an accumulation of debris, dirt, and dust can eventually affect your system’s energy generation over time. Make sure to note general and consistent inclement weather over the course of the recent months or the past year.
If your panels need a thorough cleaning, it actually may be due to reduced production of energy rather than any issue with the system. Get in contact with your solar installer or the solar panel manufacturer for guidance regarding the issues listed above if your system is underperforming and if none of the above factors are the cause, make sure to communicate these circumstances.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics are very important for most buyers because most buyers tend to be residential clients. Though commercial clients require panels in bulk, there are most residential buyers. Though aesthetics are considered a “soft” measure, the look and swatch of a solar panel are an important feature to most clients. The most common appearance of solar panels is a current trend. Clients have an inclination toward less visible panels. This includes black backing which is also referred to as black-on-black panels.
Sustainability
Solar panel quality is the most relevant factor of a manufacturer’s commitment to its client. They focus on the responsibility in their products, operations, and impact as energy converters. On the other hand, manufacturers also make sure that their solar panels have a minimal impact on the environment during the manufacturing process and at the end of a solar panel’s lifecycle.
Many energy organizations provide people with sustainability benchmarks in the solar PV supply chain. These organizations want to give their users accurate information before committing to a solar contractor so that their investment may provide a high ROI and the equipment is high-functioning.
A solar installer or solar contractor is a professional who maintains, installs, and repairs commercial and residential solar panels. Contractors have the important job of ensuring that the necessary equipment is grounded and safety standards are up to code. Solar contractors are required to be licensed by the State of Florida.
