Stop searching for the ‘best’ or ‘most efficient’ solar panels. Stop trying to compare brands. The solar panels don’t matter. Obviously they matter in terms of the solar pv system as a whole, but which panels you use, isn’t important. Let me explain.
1. All solar panels are warrantied for 20-25 years, which means the manufacturer guarantees the panels will still be producing at least 80% output 25 years from now. It’s the same for all brands. Don’t believe me? Ask the guy selling them. Read the rest of this entry »
Occasionally, people ask me how to choose the best solar pv system, or the best panels. Choosing the best solar system depends mainly on your energy needs, roof space, and budget. Most people really want to know how to choose the best solar value. For example, I was asked the following question on my “Help me help you” survey:
I got bid from 2 different installers. One was SunPower panels; the other Canadian Solar. The SunPower bid (for a 5.2 kw DC system) was $21,000 and the Canadian Solar bid was $14,000 – why so far apart?
Great question. There could be many explanations why there is such a gap in the price. Generally, SunPower’s superior efficiency allows for it/ necessitates that it price its solar panels higher. (They have to pay for the best engineers to get the best efficiency, right?) Each installer may be giving you the best deal he can with both brands of panels. What you should check on both proposals is not the DC system size (in this case 5.2 kw DC), but the kilowatt-hours output. Ask your installer(s) how much energy (in kwh) each system expects to produce in the first year. Read the rest of this entry »
Two great questions many people ask about solar panels are: “Which panels have the highest efficiency?” and, “Which solar PV panels are the best?”
This solar power panel comparison chart below compares the density and module efficiency of the most popular 200 W solar panels. All of the modules on this chart are label rated at 200 Watts, which means in strict laboratory conditions, they produce the same output. However, I have compared them based on their PTC ratings which is the rating given under realistic test conditions. Sanyo, SunPower, Canadian Solar, Suntech, Trina, Kyocera, Schuco, BP, Yingli and Sharp are common solar panel manufacturers used by installers in the US.
(Updated 12.11.2011)
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