Consider a few critical factors when determining the right size of solar panels for your solar power system installation. Aside from the price tag, there are other factors to consider. In order to get the greatest return on your investment, you need to make the right purchase decision.
Make your solar panel purchase based on more than just price. These tips will help you choose the right modules for your installation.
What is the cost of solar panels?
Solar panels’ cost varies depending on a number of factors. In general, modules suitable for home grid connect system installations cost a few hundred dollars each with subsidies included.
Solar panel costs are influenced by the following factors:
– The capacity of the device (in Watts),
– Physical dimensions,
– A brand’s name,
– The quality of the materials,
– The durability or longevity of the product (or the warranty period)
– In addition, the solar panel should have any certifications it may have.
If you’re purchasing a complete system, the price will also depend on the number of panels included. Generally speaking, the more modules the system has, the less expensive it is per unit.
On the other hand, choosing solar panels solely on the basis of price is not wise. It is possible that what you choose won’t fit the area where you want to install it, or that the brand/model you select won’t qualify for government rebates.
The power produced may not be economically available because the modules do not provide the best performance. A well-established company may not provide a solid warranty.
Cost vs. value of solar panels – other factors to consider
It is important to note that all module manufacturers are not the same. Your purchase decision should not be solely based on cost, but on a variety of other factors as well.
Tolerance of solar panels
During this range, the power output of a panel will either exceed or fall short of its rated power. The ‘nameplate’ wattage of a solar module, for example, may be 200W. In ideal conditions, the output may only be 195W, however, due to quality control issues. Under standard testing conditions, a positive tolerance rating means the module will generate more than 200 watts.
The coefficient of temperature
In order to determine how heat impacts a solar panel’s performance after installation, the temperature co-efficient rating is important. Percentages per degree Celsius should be as low as possible.
The efficiency of conversion
Depending on how efficiently a solar panel converts light into electricity, your system will generate a certain amount of power. A higher conversion efficiency module provides better value for money if two solar panels cost the same, but one has a higher cost. Those are the claimed efficiencies, assuming they are accurate.
The resistance of PIDs
Potential-induced degradation is referred to as PID. This phenomenon, caused by stray currents triggered by certain climate conditions, can result in significant power loss. In good solar panels, PID will be minimal or nonexistent.
The resistance of LIDs
Light-induced degradation is also known as LID. Solar panels undergo this process within the first few months of installation. After a while, this stabilizes, but it can reduce the power produced by the module. There will be little or no LID on a good solar panel.
The energy embodied
A solar panel’s embodied energy is another important factor to consider. In other words, the panel was highly energy intensive to produce and will have paid for itself by producing more energy within a very short period of time. This aspect should be considered an environmental cost.
Durability / Longevity / Warranty
Solar panel warranties are important for a variety of reasons – they can be a measure of a company’s confidence in its products. The performance warranty on a reputable solar panel will last for 25 years.
A crucial point to remember about the warranty is that it will only be honored for as long as the company is in business. Rather than purchasing an obscure low-cost brand that may disappear overnight, choose a well-known brand.
In addition to choosing a manufacturer, you should also consider selecting an installer and retailer. You should choose an installation company that is a service agent for the solar panel manufacturer you choose. The turnaround time for resolving a problem will be much faster if you do run into a problem.
Size And Watts Capacity
Solar panels are usually priced and compared in dollars per watt, so their capacity in Watts will directly affect their cost. Each module’s output is measured in Watts. Under ideal conditions, a 100W panel will generate 100 watt-hours of electricity per hour when installed and operating. It is estimated that a 200W panel will produce 200 watt-hours of energy per hour. Consequently, you can expect to pay up to double the price for a 200W panel compared to a 100W module.
As a result, a 200W panel will be larger than a 100W panel due to its output. Solar panels are also sized according to the type of solar cells used in their production. In order to ensure that the system you choose will be able to power your appliances, you must also make sure that the solar panels will physically fit in the area where they will be installed. In order to ensure that the system you choose will be able to power your appliances, you must also make sure that the solar panels will physically fit in the area where they will be installed.
Solar power real estate on your northerly-facing roof is very valuable, so plan your future plans carefully. It is essential to ensure you have enough space to install more solar panels if you wish to do so at a later date. Your existing modules may need to be replaced well before they expire if you don’t do so. It is also becoming increasingly popular to install panels facing west.
The types of solar cells available
There are three main types of solar cells used in modules. Depending on the installation application, you’ll need to choose the right type.
With monocrystalline silicon, you can achieve high efficiency and a small footprint while still providing good heat tolerance.
Solar panels based on polycrystalline (or multi-crystalline) silicon cells have become the most popular option for residential installations. With recent improvements in polycrystalline panel technology, modules with similar size, efficiency, and heat tolerance can compete with many monocrystalline brands.
The least amount of silicon is used by amorphous (or thin-film) silicon. The efficiency of thin film panels is generally lower than that of other types of solar cells.
Shopping Guide for Solar Panels
To summarize, the following are the most important points you should keep in mind when purchasing solar panels:
Material and manufacturing methods should be considered when purchasing a module.
Do your research to ensure that the panels will work well in real-life scenarios. A positive tolerance, a temperature coefficient rating, a PID, and LID resistance and efficiency are all included in this category.
Check the warranty details of the solar panels you are considering.
Thanks for reading.
