A lot hinges on the type of solar panels you choose to install. High-quality panels from a reputable manufacturer can last decades and save you a great deal on electricity costs over the years. On the other hand, panels from manufacturers who prioritize initial cost over long-term performance can leave you with an underperforming system that won&#;t stand up to the test of time. Learning how to choose the best solar panels is an important step in creating a long-lasting, money-saving solar system. First, you&#;ll need to narrow down your aesthetic, budgetary, and energy production goals. Then, you can filter through all the options and end up with the perfect solar panels.
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We want to help you make the choice that&#;s right for you and your goals. That&#;s why we&#;ve assembled a list of six things you should consider when selecting your solar panels.
How to Choose the Best Solar Panels - Top 6 Considerations
1. Comparing Solar Panel Types - Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline
There are two main types of solar panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Which one you choose will impact the overall look of your system, its cost, how much electricity it will produce, and how much space your system will cover.
Monocrystalline panels have an overall darker tint to the cells and are typically the more efficient option. Panels with a higher efficiency mean you can produce more electricity with fewer panels, so your overall system takes up less space. However, for all their advantages, monocrystalline panels are often the more expensive option.
Polycrystalline panels have a bluer tint and are typically less efficient than monocrystalline, meaning you&#;d need a few more panels to generate the same amount of electricity. However, they do often come at a lower price, and despite the additional panels you&#;ll need, will likely be the cheaper option. For a more in depth breakdown of cost, check out our complete guide about how much solar panels cost.
2. Panel Color: The Back Sheet and Frame
Another way you can control the look and price of your solar system is through the selection of backsheet and frame color.
Each panel is composed of several silicon cells that are placed on a back sheet. This back sheet shows through the gaps between the cells and creates a grid-type design. Some manufacturers offer solar panels with black back sheets instead of the typical white.
Black back sheets create a more uniform-looking panel that blends into darker roofs. However, black holds heat, so black back sheets may get hotter than traditional panels, which could slightly reduce the panels&#; efficiency.
There are also two options when it comes to the color of the metal frame around the borders of the panels: black and silver. Black frame panels can be more aesthetically appealing but will cost more. Aside from that, both black- and silver-frame panels should perform identically.
3. Determining the Right Solar Panel Size for Your Home or Business
Solar panels come in two different sizes: 60-cell and 72-cell. The size refers to the number of cells (the small, crystalline silicon wafer) on the solar panel. On average, 72-cell panels are about a foot longer than 60-cell panels.
Their larger size makes 72-cell panels better suited for large, wide-open spaces like commercial roofs and ground-mount systems. 60-cell panels are typically better suited to fit in tighter spaces, like on the dormer of a home&#;s roof. However, this isn&#;t a hard and fast rule and will vary from location to location.
Overall, 72-cell panels tend to be more economical, as they generate more electricity per panel than an otherwise identical 60-cell panel.
4. Panel Production: Output Rating and Efficiency
Both the panel&#;s output rating and efficiency will impact how much power it can produce.
The output rating is the three-digit number in the solar panel&#;s name. It represents how many watts of electricity the panel will generate under ideal conditions.
Most panels have a wattage between 250 watts to 400 watts, with a few panels exceeding the 400-watt mark. A higher wattage means more electricity generated per panel, but it will likely mean a higher price tag. Though you&#;ll need fewer panels to reach your generation goals, it likely won&#;t offset the price increase.
However, wattage isn&#;t the only thing to look for. You should also consider the panel&#;s efficiency, which is the percentage of electricity it produces from the energy it receives from the sun.
The more efficient a solar panel is, the more kilowatt-hours of electricity it will produce per watt of power capacity. This is especially important if you&#;re concerned about the amount of space your solar system takes up.
For example, let&#;s compare two 300-watt solar panels: one that&#;s 21% efficient and another that&#;s 17% efficient. Both will produce 300 watts of power under ideal conditions. However, the one that has a higher efficiency will be physically smaller and take up less space than the one that is less efficient. So if you have high electric bills and a small amount of space to install your solar system, you&#;ll want to look for efficient panels.
5. What Kind of Solar Panel Warranty Will You Be Getting?
An important indication of overall panel quality is a robust warranty from the manufacturer. Many high-quality solar panels are guaranteed for 25 to 30 years and can continue working even after their warranty expires.
Purchasing solar panels that will last is essential to the long-term success of your system. The longer your solar panels generate electricity, the more money you save. Purchasing panels backed by a comprehensive warranty will help guarantee their success.
Most manufacturers offer two kinds of warranties: performance and product warranties. The performance warranty assures that the panel will be capable of producing a specified percentage of power during the warranty period despite degradation. The production warranty protects your panels from material or workmanship issues.
6. Overall Quality and Brand Considerations - What Makes a Good Solar Panel?
You want the highest quality solar panels at the best price. However, there are a few important factors to consider when evaluating the quality of a specific solar panel.
To get a true measure of a solar panel&#;s quality, you&#;ll want to look at its guarantee, the manufacturer's reputation, customer reviews, and the panel&#;s technical specifications for efficiency, temperature coefficient, and power tolerance.
Another way to measure a solar panel brand, though imperfect, is by looking at what &#;tier&#; the solar panel manufacturer falls under. When researching different brands, you&#;ll likely come across lists that separate manufacturers into tier one, and even tier two and three, though there is no formal definition for tiers two and three.
Most assume tier-one solar panel manufacturers tend to be the stronger brands. However, this isn&#;t necessarily the case. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance Corporation (BNEF), the tier system for solar panel manufacturers refers to how bankable a solar company is. While it&#;s fair to reason that a bankable company must have quality products, there are plenty of companies out there that do not meet the tier-one specifications but offer great, high-quality panels.
Overall Quality
Quality is a comprehensive measure that encompasses several aspects of a solar panel, including:
- Efficiency: Higher efficiency panels convert more sunlight into electricity, which is especially important in limited space scenarios.
- Durability: Look for panels that can withstand environmental conditions like high winds, snow loads, and temperature fluctuations. Standards such as IEC can be indicators of durability.
- Performance in Different Climates: This section addresses how the performance of solar panels can vary in warm climates and the importance of temperature coefficients.
Brand Reputation
The manufacturer's reputation can be a strong indicator of panel quality. Consider the following:
- History and Experience: Brands with a long history in the industry and a track record of innovation and reliability are often preferable.
- Financial Stability: A financially stable company is more likely to honor warranties and be around to service any future claims.
- Customer Reviews and Industry Ratings: Feedback from real users and ratings from industry organizations can provide insight into the brand's reputation and customer satisfaction.
Another way to measure a solar panel brand, though imperfect, is by looking at what &#;tier&#; the solar panel manufacturer falls under. When researching different brands, you&#;ll likely come across lists that separate manufacturers into tier one, and even tier two and three, though there is no formal definition for tiers two and three.
Most assume tier-one solar panel manufacturers tend to be the stronger brands. However, this isn&#;t necessarily the case. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance Corporation (BNEF), the tier system for solar panel manufacturers refers to how bankable a solar company is. While it&#;s fair to reason that a bankable company must have quality products, there are plenty of companies out there that do not meet the tier-one specifications but offer great, high-quality panels.
Choosing the Best Solar Panel for Your Home or Business
While some manufacturers on our list are objectively the &#;best&#; in terms of efficiency, warranty, or price, the panels that are right for you will depend on your specific situation.
You should go with the panel that offers the best value, balancing price with performance and quality. It&#;s about getting a system you&#;re happy with that&#;s cost-effective and has the best ROI.
Here are a few factors to consider:
- Assessing Electricity Use: Guide readers on how to assess overall electricity use
- Assessing Roof Characteristics: Roof characteristics are used to choose the optimal solar panel setup.
- Cost vs. Efficiency: Discuss how to balance the cost of solar panels with their efficiency to get the best value for your investment.
What are the Best Solar Panels on the Market in ?
There are many solar panel brands, but only a handful have risen to the top for our team at Paradise Energy.
With 15 years of experience installing solar for thousands of customers, we've gained valuable insight and experience with many panel manufacturers. We use that insight to select the brands that we can confidentially offer our customers. Our top three brands are:
Each of these brands was carefully chosen based on specific performance metrics such as customer service, company standing, and product specifications, including performance, aesthetics, warranties, and pricing.
Axitec
QCells
SEG Solar
Performance Warranty
25 or 30-year linear (85 - 87.5%)
25-year linear (86%)
25 or 30-year (84.8%)
Product Warranty
15 or 30 years
12 - 25 years
15 years
Pricing
$$
$$$
$$
Module Efficiency (%)
19.78 - 21.51%
20.6 - 22.7%
21.48 - 22.53%
Headquarter Location
Germany
South Korea
United States
Manufacturing Location
Asia & Europe
Asia & United States
Asia & United States
Manufacturing Tier
Tier 2
Tier 1
Tier 1
Wrapping Up: Choosing the Best Solar Panels in
There&#;s no one-size-fits-all answer to which solar panels are the best. That answer changes based on a variety of factors, like your budget, how much electricity you&#;d like to generate, the space you have to install the system, and what aesthetic concerns you have.
With the sheer amount of options available, this process can be overwhelming. Trying to determine the best combination of panel size, output rating, and efficiency is the most economical for your space, all while ensuring the panels are high quality and backed by extensive warranties takes experience. At Paradise Energy, we&#;ll maximize your budget and space with panels that suit your specific goals, whether that is budgetary, energy-related, aesthetically driven, or a combination of them all.
Want more information on 72 Cell PV Module? Feel free to contact us.
Additional reading:
Are solar electric fans worth it?If you're looking to switch to solar, you may wonder if you have enough space to install the panels. This is a valid concern - solar panels are pretty big! Most home solar panels are about 5.5 feet x 3 feet and weigh roughly 40 pounds each.
Most of the time, you won't see the size of solar panels expressed in feet. Instead, you'll see it's listed as the number of solar cells within a panel, with the most common solar panel sizes being 60-cell and 72-cell.
Let's take a closer look at the difference between these solar panel sizes and how to pick the right one for your home.
Calculate the costs and benefits of installing solar on your home
Key takeaways
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The number of cells within a panel dictates its size - 60-cell and 72-cell panels are the most common solar panel sizes.
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60-cell solar panels are the standard solar panel size for homes. They are usually 5.5 feet by 3 feet and weigh around 40 pounds.
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72- cell panels are bigger, measuring around 6.5 feet by 3 feet, weigh about 50 pounds, and are typically considered commercial solar panels.
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An average solar panel system requires between 15 to 19 solar panels and takes up 260 to 340 square feet of space.
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Solar panel efficiency, output, a good warranty, and a trusted brand are more important than focusing on solar panel size.
How to measure solar panel size
Residential solar panels usually hold 60 cells, while larger 72-cell panels are used for commercial installations.
When you look at a solar panel, you&#;ll see it&#;s made up of small squares. Those squares are called solar cells, and they're the part of the panels that turn sunlight into electricity.
You'll see the size of a solar panel described by how many cells it has. 60-cell panels are usually laid out in a 6 by 10 grid and are the most popular option for home solar installations. You&#;ll typically find that 60-cell solar panels have output ratings between 350 and 400 watts and efficiency ratings between 17% and 19%.
72-cell panels, on the other hand, are usually arranged in a 6-cell by 12-cell grid. Because 72-cell panels hold more cells, they are bigger and can produce more solar power, making them popular for commercial installations. 72-cell panel wattage usually sits around 415 to 450 watts, but they can get into the 460-watt range. Their efficiency ratings are typically between 18% and 21%.
Half-cut solar cells. You may see some solar panels that have 120 cells or 144 cells. These are made using half-cut solar cells, which maximize how much of the panels&#; surface can turn sunlight into electricity. Panels with 120 half-cut cells are effectively the same size as 60-cell panels. In contrast, 144-cell panels are similar to 72-cell panels.
Solar panel dimensions and weight
60-cell panels are generally around 65 inches x 39 inches. In comparison, 72-cell panels are a bit larger, at about 80 inches by 40 inches.
Many people want to know the physical size of solar panels, not just how many cells the hold. The average 60-cell solar panel is about 65 inches by 39 inches, or 5.4 feet by 3.25 feet, and weighs around 40 to 50 pounds. The actual dimensions will vary from panel to panel, so we&#;ve listed a few for some of the most popular 60-cell panels on the market:
60-cell panel brand
Dimensions
Weight
LONGi
64.96 x 39.02 x 1.57 inches
40.13 lbs
QCells
65.7 x 39.4 x 1.26 inches
41.45 lbs
Trina
65.3 × 39.1 × 0.236 inches
51.8 lbs
Jinko Solar
65.55 x 39.45 x 1.38 inches
41.9 lbs
72-cell panels are larger, about 80 inches by 40 inches and about 1.5 inches tall. This works out to just about 6.5 feet by 3 feet for 72 cell panels, give or take a few inches. 72-cell modules generally weigh around 50 pounds. Here are the dimensions for 72-cell panels offered by top brands:
Brand
Size 72 cell panel
Weight 72 cell panel
LONGi
82.44x 40.86 x 1.38 inches
51.80 kg
QCells
79.33 x 39.37 x 1.38 inches
52.71 lbs
Trina
77.2 x 39.1 x 1.57 inches
49.6 lbs
Jinko Solar
79.06 x 39.45 x 1.57 inches
49.6 lbs
Are solar panels too heavy for my roof? A solar photovoltaic system can add over 700 pounds to your roof! Most roofs can withstand solar panel weight. But, if you have an old roof, consider replacing it before installing solar. It may also be a good idea to hire a professional for an inspection if you have an older home.
Pros and cons of 60-cell and 72-cell solar panels
Here&#;s a brief breakdown of the pros and cons of each panel size.
Panel
Pros
Cons
60-cell
More compact, can fit on smaller roof segments, harder to damage
Less output per panel (on average), installation requires more panels
72-cell
More output per panel, cheaper cost per watt
Larger size means it doesn't fit well on smaller roof segments, heavier and harder to install
How many solar panels do you need?
&#;How many solar panels do I need to power my home?&#;; the age-old question with absolutely no easy answer. Based on the U.S.'s average energy consumption and sunlight, a residential solar system needs between 15 and 19 solar panels, which will require around 260 to 340 square feet of roof space.
The actual number of solar panels your specific home needs will depend on various factors like:
The amount of energy you use: The more solar panels you have on your roof, the more power they will produce. If your electricity usage is higher than your neighbor, your solar systems will vary in size because you will need more panels to cover your extra energy use.
Sunlight available: If you live in sunny Arizona, your solar panel system can produce more power than panels on a roof in Illinois.
Panel output: Solar panels with higher power ratings, or wattages, can produce more electricity. Using high-wattage panels, you can install fewer panels to meet your energy usage and eliminate your utility bill.
When you work with a solar installer to find the perfect number of panels to provide solar energy for your home.
How big are portable solar panels?
Once solar panels are installed on your roof, you don&#;t have to think much about their size anymore.
But, with portable off-grid panels, solar panel size is one of the most important things to consider. Your RV might only have a small amount of roof space, or you might want something you can carry around and set up outside your campsite!
Because portable solar panels are made for travel, they tend to be smaller and have about 40 cells as opposed to 60. 200-watt portable panels are around 5 feet by 2 feet.
You could also opt for flexible solar panels, which also measure about 5 feet by 2 feet. But flexible panels can bend and are much thinner than crystalline panels, so they&#;re easier for storage.
The flexible panel sold by Renogy, a popular portable solar brand, has 72 cells, but they&#;re smaller than the ones used in typical commercial panels. The panel is also substantially lighter, weighing just 10.8 pounds!
Folding solar panel kits are also an option for portable use. Foldable panels can be small enough to fit in your backpack, or large enough to power your RV - there's a wide range of options out there.
Factors that are more important than solar panel size
There are many factors that you should consider before the size of your solar panels, like solar panel efficiency and solar panel warranties.
Solar panel efficiency
Solar panel efficiency is the percentage of light that strikes the surface of a panel that is converted into usable electricity. Modern solar panels have efficiencies that range from around 17% up to 22.8% in some premium models.
Highly efficient panels take up less space, which will allow you to fit more panels on your roof.
Solar panel warranties
There are two types of warranties that cover solar panels.
The first is the product warranty. This is the period during which you can ask the manufacturer to replace the solar panel should any problem arise. Nowadays, a product warranty of 12 years is standard, but more brands are starting to offer product warranties of 25 years.
The second type of warranty is a performance guarantee. Most mainstream panels have a 25-year production warranty, guaranteeing the panel will produce a certain level of output at every stage of the panel&#;s life. From the date your panels are installed up until the 25-year mark, the minimum guaranteed output of your panels will gradually decrease.
You can expect an output of close to 100% for year one, gradually down to between 80 and 92 percent for year 25. This loss in output is technically known as solar panel degradation. Some solar panel manufacturers, such as Canadian Solar, even offer a 30-year performance warranty on certain panel models.
Find out if solar panels are worth it for your home
How to find the best solar panel size
The easiest way for homeowners to figure out the best solar panel size for their needs is to work with a dedicated solar installer. Solar installers will size your system based on your energy needs, coupled with your available roof space and the sunlight in your area. They can recommend a system size that can fit on your roof and reduce or eliminate your electric bill.
For portable panels that will be drilled into an RV or need to fit on a boat, measuring where these panels can fit is important. But for a residential solar array, rest assured that your installer will get the right-sized panels for your space and energy requirements. You can find an installer in your area through the SolarReviews savings calculator to get one step closer to adding renewable energy to your roof.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website 72 Cell Photovoltaic Panel.
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