Introduction
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using their photovoltaic cells, and certain factors are important to consider when you want to buy a solar panel. In the comparison of solar panel brands, the most important factors are the size of solar panels, material, durability, cost, cell type, design, and warranty. Before purchasing a solar panel, compare different panels of different brands in terms of prices, specifications, material, performance, and durability, and then go with what suits your needs. In this article, we will compare different solar panel brands. We will also explore the factors to consider when purchasing solar panels. let’s start the comparison of solar panel brands.
Solar panels are helping us in the electricity generation from solar light. Before that, we got the energy to power our devices, vehicles, and homes from the water. That energy was expensive as the primary source of this energy production was water, and in the manufacturing process of electricity, a huge amount of water was consumed. It was a sign of danger for humans, the environment, and ecological habitats. That energy was expensive and nonrenewable. That’s where solar panels came in. Solar energy is renewable, clean, cheap in cost, has lower carbon footprints, and is easily generated table. Everyone with solar panels can generate electricity for his home needs, and no need to consult with any utility company that sells you electricity at a very high cost. So solar panels reduce your electricity bills by up to 50% if you use directly generated energy in the daytime and 100% if you store the excessive energy in the daytime to use at night. You can use a battery for that purpose.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Solar Panel Brands
Efficiency
How much solar energy a solar panel can convert to electrical energy is known as the efficiency of this panel. If the efficiency rate is high, the solar energy to electrical energy conversion ratio is also high, as if the panel’s efficiency is 30%, the conversion rate is also 30%. Solar panels’ type, manufacturing process, and the material used are the key factors affecting the panel’s efficiency. Monocrystalline solar panels are considered to have higher efficiency than polycrystalline panels.
Price
The price of solar panels is not equal. It may vary depending on the brand, panel’s material, efficiency rate, size, and style. A solar panel with a high-efficiency rate will be more expensive, but it also generates more electricity. Similarly, larger solar panels have higher costs but generate more power than small ones.
Warranty
A warranty is necessary to buy a product defectless. Similarly, the manufacturers of solar panels also provide you with a warranty that is generally 25 years or more. At that time, if you find any defect in the product or suffer from any other problems related to the product, you can consult with the manufacturer. He will resolve your issue or may replace your solar panel. Companies also provide performance warranties, meaning they claim that the solar panels you buy will generate electricity for a certain time. For example, a solar panel with a 25-year performance warranty might guarantee that it will generate 80% of its rated output after 25 years.
Reputation
Another factor is the reputation of a solar brand. Brand reputation gives an idea to the customer about the brand’s product quality. To check a brand’s reputation, you can research, read reviews of the customers about that brand’s products, check ratings, talk with solar panel installers, and so on.
The location of your home
Similarly, in choosing a solar panel brand, your home location matters a lot because it determines how much solar energy your home receives that can be converted to electricity. If your home’s location is sunny, you can generate more electricity with fewer solar panels because, in sunny areas, the sun shines more often and for longer periods. You can also use a solar panel calculator to help you understand how much energy you need to power your house. Using this calculator, you can also estimate how much energy you can produce.
Top 5 Solar Panels Brands
SunPower
- SunPower is the most efficient solar panel brand on the market.
- Their panels have an efficiency of up to 22.8%, significantly higher than the average efficiency of 16%, and also have a warranty of 25 years, but Sunpower’s solar panels are very expensive.
REC
- REC is a Norwegian solar panel manufacturer known for its high-quality panels.
- Their panels have an efficiency of up to 21.6% and come with a 25-year warranty.
- REC panels are also relatively affordable, making them a good option for budget-minded homeowners.
Panasonic
- Panasonic is a Japanese electronics company known for its high-quality products.
- Their solar panels have an efficiency of up to 21.5% and come with a 25-year warranty.
- Panasonic panels are also very reliable and have a good reputation.
Q CELL Solar
Q CELLS is a South Korean solar panel manufacturer known for its innovative technology with an efficiency rate of 21.2% and a warranty of 25 years. These panels are affordable and a good choice for small homeowners as they can buy them easily, even on a tight budget.
Canadian Solar
- Canadian Solar is a Canadian solar panel manufacturer known for its affordable panels.
- Their panels have an efficiency of up to 18.8% and come with a 25-year warranty.
- Canadian Solar panels are also very reliable and have a good reputation.
FAQs
Which brand is best for solar panels?
We can’t put a definitive answer to this question because every brand’s solar panels have their specifications, advantages, and disadvantages. They may vary in material, size, style, durability, and cost. So the best brand is one that fulfills your needs and requirements. However, based on the research, reviews, and rating, some of the most widely recognized and reputable solar panel brands on the market are SunPower, REC, Panasonic, Q CELLS, Silfab, Canadian Solar, JinkoSolar, and Trina Solar.
How do you compare solar systems?
There are several factors that you can use to compare solar systems, such as The size and capacity of the system, The type and efficiency of the panels, The type and quality of the inverter, The cost and payback period of the system, and The warranty and performance guarantee of the system. You can also use solar calculators or comparison websites to compare different solar systems.
Which is better, Jinko or JA Solar?
Both, Jinko and JA Solar are leading brands in China. Both companies provide various residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications. Both brands’ efficiency ratios, product quality, reliability, and durability, are almost identical. Both provide good customer support as well. So there is no big difference, but according to some research, Jinko has a little edge on the JA brand solar panels.
Are Jinko solar panels good?
Jinko Solar has been working since 2006, producing many high-efficiency and durable solar panels. It is working in more than 100 countries and own several international certifications. It offers a range of monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels with efficiencies ranging from 15% to 22%. It also offers a 10-year product warranty and a 25-year linear performance warranty for its panels.
Conclusion
Solar panels are excellent for clean, renewable, and cheap energy; out of multiple brands that manufacture solar panels, the best brand for you is the one that fulfills your needs. In the comparison of solar panel brands, compare their prices, reviews, ratings, etc. Also, before buying a solar panel, consider factors like your budget, home location, roof size, energy requirements, and more, then choose a solar panel that fulfills them. No matter which brands you choose, you can be sure you are investing in a high-quality product that will save you money on your energy bills for years.
