Highlights from the Intersolar 2009 North America solar show in San Francisco, California that was held July 14-16 at the Moscone Center.
Michael Kanellos, Editor in Chief of Greentech Media, gives a short tour of the conference asking the question, “what’s the solar panel of the future – silicon or thin film?” View the video after the break…
Many people are under the false impression that you have to be an environmentalist to have interest in installing solar. Paying the upfront cost to install a solar electric system is something only a “green” person would do. Well, that’s not true anymore. Here are 5 financial reasons to go solar now!
1. Utility rebates are decreasing as more people decide to install solar.
The California Solar Initiative (CSI) program will provide more than $3 billion in incentives for solar-energy projects in California. However, the amount of the incentive is scheduled to decrease in 10 steps over the duration of the program. 
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) are already in step 5 for residential projects, while Southern California Edison (SCE) recently dropped into step 4.
The difference between step 4 and 5 for an average size, 4 kW, solar electric system, is approximately $1,000 in your pocket. The longer you wait, the more rebate money you lose!
If you have limited space and need to get the most energy for your area, then you need the most efficient solar panels for your project. People always ask me, “which panels have the highest efficiency?” or, “which solar PV panels are the best?” The truth is that solar panel efficiency isn’t as important as you might think. For most homeowners, the better question to ask is, “which panels will give me the most electricity for the best price?” You can find out how much solar might cost for your home by using our free solar calculator. But you’re here to find out the most efficient solar panels, so let’s get on with it.
The most efficient solar panel in 2016 is the SunPower SPR-X22-360 with a 22.07% panel efficiency.
Below is a solar panel comparison chart comparing the solar panel efficiency of all other modules rated at 360 watts like the SPR-X22-360. The 360 watt rating means that in strict laboratory conditions, these solar panels produce the same output. However, because solar panels vary in size, some end up being more efficient compared to others – meaning they can produce the 360 watts using less space (area).
(Updated Sept. 26, 2016)
| Manufacturer | ID | Rating | Efficiency | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SunPower | SPR-X22-360 | 360 | 22.07% | 1 |
| LG Electronics | LG360N2C-B3 | 360 | 18.94% | 1 |
| Sunpreme | SNPM-GxB-360 | 360 | 18.55% | 1 |
| SunEdison | SE-H360-4 | 360 | 18.40% | 1 |
| First Solar | TS-360-R11-02 | 360 | 18.33% | 1 |
| Sunpreme | SNPM-GxB-360 SM | 360 | 18.28% | 1 |
| REC Solar | REC360PEM 72 | 360 | 17.94% | 1 |
| Topsun | TS-S360TA1 | 360 | 14.04% | 4 |
| Schuco USA | MPE 360 AL 01 | 360 | 6.29% | 5 |
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