When shopping for solar panels, you need to consider a number of aspects to ensure that you get a product that suits your needs and performs well. Below are some key considerations:
1. Conversion efficiency
Importance: Conversion efficiency is an important indicator of solar panel performance, which represents the efficiency of solar panels in converting sunlight into electricity. The higher the conversion efficiency, the more electricity the same area of solar panel can generate.
Selection advice: Generally speaking, solar panels with a conversion efficiency of 17% to 20% or more are considered to be highly efficient. Monocrystalline silicon solar panels can have a conversion rate of 20 to 24 percent, while polycrystalline and amorphous silicon are generally below 15 percent. When budget allows, preference should be given to products with high conversion efficiency.
2. Material quality
Common materials: the common solar power panel materials on the market today are monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon and amorphous silicon.
Characteristics comparison:
Monocrystalline silicon: high conversion efficiency, long service life, is the choice of superior performance, but the price is relatively high.
Polycrystalline silicon: conversion efficiency is slightly lower than monocrystalline silicon, but the cost is relatively low, suitable for limited budget.
Amorphous silicon: suitable for flexible applications such as solar chargers, but may be slightly inferior to the first two in terms of conversion efficiency and stability.
Suggestions for selection: Choose the right material according to your needs and budget. At the same time, pay attention to the service life and weather resistance of the product, and choose solar panels with stable quality and good weather resistance.
3. Brand reputation
Importance: Brand reputation is a factor that should not be ignored when shopping for solar panels. Well-known brands usually have more stringent product testing and quality control systems, as well as better after-sales service.
Suggestion for selection: Choosing a brand with high visibility and good reputation in the market can reduce the risk of purchase and get more reliable product guarantee. You can learn about the features of different brands and make comparisons through internet search and word-of-mouth reviews.
4. Durability and reliability
Importance: Solar panels are usually installed outdoors and need to withstand various weather conditions. Therefore, it is especially important to choose products with durability and reliability.
Judgment basis:
Product Warranty: Understand the information provided by the manufacturer such as product warranty time and warranty policy to assess the durability of the product. This usually includes product warranty (usually 10 years) and performance warranty (25-30 years).
Workmanship details: Observe whether the appearance of the solar panel is flat, smooth, clean and free of obvious defects; check whether the welding effect of the cell is neat and free of leakage welding; observe whether the silicone part is evenly distributed and tightly penetrates deep into the backsheet and frame gaps.
5. Size and power
Importance: The size and power of solar panels directly affect the size of power generation. Generally speaking, larger and higher power generation panels can achieve higher power generation efficiency.
Selection advice: Choose the right size and power according to your actual needs and installation conditions. For example, a home roof installation may require consideration of the roof area and load-bearing capacity.
6. Low light performance
Importance: In low light conditions such as cloudy days or evening, the low light performance of solar panels will affect their power generation effect.
Test method: When possible, test the power generation performance of solar panels under low light conditions and choose products with superior low light performance.
7. Installation and Maintenance
Importance: Proper installation and regular maintenance can extend the service life of solar panels and improve their power generation efficiency.
Suggestion for selection: Choose a brand or installation team that provides quality installation services to ensure proper system operation. At the same time, understand the maintenance requirements and cycles of the product and perform regular maintenance.
8. Price and Value for Money
Importance: Price is one of the most important factors influencing purchasing decisions. However, when shopping for solar panels, you should not just look at the price and ignore its quality and performance.
Suggestion for selection: Choose power generation panels with good quality and high conversion efficiency within the right price range to maximize the cost-effectiveness. At the same time, consider the long-term benefits and environmental benefits of the product.
9. Environmental Performance
Importance: As environmental awareness increases, choosing solar panels with good environmental performance has become an important consideration.
Suggestion for selection: Choose solar panels that are made with environmental protection in mind during the manufacturing process and are easy to recycle and dispose of.
10. Understanding Energy Needs
Importance: Before shopping for solar panels, you need to know your energy needs in order to choose the right wattage and number of panels.
Suggestion: If you are not sure about your energy needs, you can consult a professional solar installer or energy consultant for accurate advice and options.
To summarize, when shopping for solar panels, you need to consider a number of aspects such as conversion efficiency, material quality, brand reputation, durability and reliability, size and power, low-light performance, installation and maintenance, price and cost-effectiveness, and environmental performance. By carefully comparing and evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of different products, choose the solar panel that best suits your needs.
