How to Pick the Best Solar Panel
Written by Sarah Lozanova
A solar system is a big investment, and it’s essential to install durable and high-quality solar equipment. At Solar Plus, we know that picking the right solar panel for a project is crucial for generating clean energy for decades. Let’s explore some of the top considerations.
Solar Panel Efficiency
The solar panels we install today produce significantly more energy than the ones installed a dozen years ago. This means that you can generate more electricity from your roof than ever before. Solar panel efficiency is most critical when space is limited due to your roof or property size. Unfortunately, the most efficient solar panels also cost more. When space isn’t an issue, using one of the more efficient solar panels on the market is less crucial.
Power Performance
Over time, solar panels slowly lose their ability to take sunlight and convert it into electricity. The rate at which panels degrade over time is called the “degradation rate.” Because we design solar systems to last 30 years, the degradation rate is essential for long-term power production.
Solar panel manufacturers provide a power performance guarantee for a given length of time to ensure a certain level of power output. Many manufacturers guarantee 90 percent power production for the first ten years and 80 percent after 25 years. Some manufacturers set themselves apart from the competition by offering a higher power performance guarantee.
Solar Panel Warranties
In addition to a power performance guarantee, manufacturers offer a warranty from defects and equipment failure. The standard warranty is for ten years, but some higher-end manufacturers provide a 12, 15, 20, or even 25-year product warranty. The longer the warranty, the lower the investment risk.
Keep in mind that solar panel warranties rarely include labor, which varies between solar installers. Solar Plus offers a ten-year warranty on labor, which helps set ourselves apart.
Solar Panel Testing Data
Although warranties and power performance guarantees are good indicators of a quality solar panel, the Solar Plus team also reviews solar testing data for insights on solar panel durability. DNV GL Produces a Reliability Scorecard that ranks solar panel manufacturers with independent testing data.
Value
As with most purchases, higher quality solar panels with long warranties tend to be more expensive than less efficient panels with shorter product warranties. At Solar Plus, we are also dedicated to making solar energy affordable and available throughout Atlanta and beyond. We prioritize the most essential solar panel features to provide the greatest value.
We customize each solar installation to the client’s needs, goals, property limitations, and budget. Our objective is to understand each solar energy project so we can recommend the best solar panels and equipment for your home or business.
