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Solar Panel Information and Comparison Details
Tips for Choosing the Best Solar Panels
Solar panels cost anywhere from just under a hundred dollars, up to thousands per panel. When selecting the best solar panels for your solar power system, there are a number of factors worth considering. Don’t base a purchase decision on solar panel cost alone – the following are a few tips for choosing the best solar modules for your situation.
Solar Panel Cost
The cost of a solar panel is determined in part by the size (in Watts), the physical size, the brand, quality of materials, the durability / longevity (or warranty period) and any certifications the solar panel might have. Choosing a solar panel on price alone is not wize, as it may not fit the area you wish to install it, may not have the necessary certifications or provide the best performance to help ensure economic payback of the power produced, or a solid warranty.
How Many Solar Panels are Needed To Power A Home?
The appropriate sizing of a solar power system to supply all a home’s electricity needs is one of the most common questions people considering buying solar panels ask. Solar Assist offers a number of tools and ways to help you determine the best sized system for your house and circumstances.
Three Tiers Of Solar Panel Quality
In addition to cost, when choosing the best solar panel for you, it is important to consider both how it is manufactured and what materials are used. There are three tiers of manufacturer quality and Solar Assist only supplies solar panels for it’s STANDARD and PREMIUM Panel range from the first two tiers (tier one and tier two).
Tier One
Includes the top 2 percent of solar PV manufacturers. They are vertically integrated, which means they control each stage of the manufacturing process. These companies invest heavily in research and development, use advanced robotic processes and have been manufacturing solar panels for over 5 years. Additionally, producers use the best grade of silicon to produce solar cells – the higher the silicon grade, the longer the solar cell will last and the better it will perform. Tier one manufacturers produce some of the best performing solar panels.
Tier Two
Includes companies who invest less in research and development, are reliant on both robotic and manual work on production lines and have often been in solar panel manufacture for 2 – 5 years. Tier two manufacturers produce good panels at good prices.
Tier Three
Encompasses over 90% of new solar PV manufacturers. These companies assemble panels only, they usually don’t manufacture their own cells and don’t invest in research and development. They use human production lines for manual soldering of solar cells, which often isn’t the best approach as quality can vary operator to operator and day to day.
Cost Vs. Value – Other Factors
As not all panels and module manufacturers are equal, there are a variety of other factors that should influence your purchase decision rather than focusing solely on cost.
Tolerance
This is the range a panel will either exceed or not meet its rated power. For example, a solar module may have a ‘nameplate’ wattage of 200 watts; but due to quality control issues, may in reality only be 195 watts. A positive tolerance rating means the panel will not only generate 200 watts, but perhaps more under standard testing conditions.
Temperature Co-efficiency
The temperature co-efficient rating is important to determine what the impact heat has on a solar panel’s operation. The lower the percentage per degree Celsius, the better.
Conversion Efficiency
The efficiency of how a solar panel converts light into electrical energy will determine how much power your system generates.
Embodied Energy
Another important aspect to look at is the embodied energy of the solar panel – that is how energy intensive the production of the panel was and how quickly it will have paid itself back by producing more energy.
Durability / Longevity / Warranty
The durability or longevity of a solar panel is important for a number of reasons – it can be an indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in its products. Reputable solar panels will have an extensive warranty a period. Solar Assist key panels; PREMIUM feature a complete. 30 year warranty period.
However, an important point to remember about warranty is that it will only be honored for as long as the company operates. It’s another reason to select a well known brand of solar panel rather than an obscure low-cost brand that may disappear overnight. Most likely, you’re not be able to buy panels directly from the manufacturer, so your selection of a retailer is very important. Solar Assist direct sells its panels to the public and can also offer it’s panels with an Insurance Company backed warranty, so in the unlikely event that we go ‘out of business’, our panel warranty is still honored for up to 30 years on our Premium panels.
Size and Watts
The size of the solar panel in Watts will directly affect the cost, as solar panels are usually priced (and compared) in dollars per Watt. Watts are related to the output of each panel; meaning a 100Watt panel under ideal conditions will generate 100 Watts of electricity each hour and a 200 Watt panel will generate 200 Watts each hour. Therefore expect to pay double the price for the 200 Watt panel, compared to the cost of a 100 Watt panel.
The output of a panel also affects the physical size of the panel, meaning the 200Watt panel will be larger in size to the 100 Watt panel. The type of solar cells used in its production also determines the size of the solar panel. They key issue to consider is that your system sizing is enough to power your appliances, and that the solar panels will physically fit in the area you wish to install them.
Your north–west facing roof space is very valuable solar power real estate, so you’ll need to consider this carefully your future plans. If you believe at some stage you will wish to add on more panels, you need to ensure you’ll have the space to do so, otherwise you may find you’ll need to replace existing panels well before the end of their serviceable life.
Which solar panel type best suits your needs:
Monocrystalline Premium
Monocrystalline
Polycrystalline
Amorphous Thin Film
Many customers are initially uncertain which solar panel type best suits their individual needs. While there are numerous brands on the market, there are essentially just four types of technologies involved in making a solar panels: Monocrystalline Premium, Monocrystalline, Poly-Crystalline and Thin Film Amorphous.
The following descriptions set out the relative advantages or disadvantages of each of these four types
Monocrystalline Premium (SAE Multiplas)
Highest power to size ratio, with efficiency within the range of up to 240 Watts per m2
Outstanding performance in cooler conditions, best choice for all seasons
Most expensive option, compensated by increased power generation
Latest technology, with over 50 years of technological development
Excellent life span / longevity. Usually comes with a 30yr warranty
Best option if you have limited space on your roof
Mono-crystalline
Good power to size ratio, with efficiency within the range of 135-170 Watts per m2
All-round good performer
Some leading units now have over 18% conversion efficiency
Usually come with a 15-25yr warranty
Polycrystalline
Ideal for medium sized roofs
Amorphous Thin Film
Lowest efficiency at 60-70 Watts/m2
Expected lifespan is less than Crystalline panels
Optimal efficiency in hot weather, less effective in cooler conditions
3-6 month breaking in period where long term output is exceeded
Requires 2-3 times more panels and surface area for same output as Crystalline
Ideal for example, for inland Australia, where conditions are hot and vacant space is available
Solar Panel Shopping Checklist
In summary, these are the major points you should bear in mind when buying solar panels aside from cost:
Consider how the module is manufactured and the materials used
Research how the panels perform in real world situations – including positive tolerance, temperature co-efficient rating and efficiency
Compare the warranty details of the solar panels you are considering
Obtain expected daily power production output in a written estimate
Solar Panel Shopping Checklist
In summary, these are the major points you should bear in mind when buying solar panels aside from cost:
Consider how the module is manufactured and the materials used
Research how the panels perform in real world situations – including positive tolerance, temperature co-efficient rating and efficiency
Compare the warranty details of the solar panels you are considering
Obtain expected daily power production output in a written estimate
Solar Panel Information and Comparison Details
New technology, but old wisdom applies
Shopping for a solar power system and choosing a solar installer can be an exciting time for many people, but as with any investment, you’ll need to be careful who you deal with.
Like in any industry, the solar power sector has its share of unscrupulous parties who have little interest in the technology, environmental benefits and your needs. They are only chasing your money – and they’ll be ruthless in doing so. Basically, the old saying “if a deal sounds too good to be true, it most likely is” applies very much to purchasing a solar power system.
Avoid Becoming a Solar Horror Story
We’ve been in the solar power industry for some years and during that time, we’ve heard countless horror stories from customers regarding some vendors and solar installers; everything from leaking roofs after installations have been performed to householders going into debt for decades.
As a public service, we’ve decided to publish some of the common tricks, traps, cons and scams so you can avoid them.
As a public service, we’ve decided to publish some of the common tricks, traps, cons and scams so you can avoid them.
Solar Assist firmly believes our industry needs to adhere to the highest ethical standards – it ensures protection for the consumer and a more level playing field for those of us involved in the solar sector.
Beware of Fast Talking Sales People
Just like shopping for a new car, be wary of over-exuberance on a sales person’s part. In some instances, this may be just genuine passion bubbling over, but in most other cases, the sales persons don’t understand what they are selling; instead focusing on hype to get you to sign on the dotted line – and boost their commission.
If a question hasn’t been answered properly or has been deflected, pursue a satisfactory response. In some cases, you may be better off just walking away and finding a company that will answer your questions – the first time.
High Pressure Tactics
Every company uses terms like “deal ending soon”, “hurry before stocks run out” – it’s just the accepted language of marketing. However, some companies may state the offer they are touting is ending the same day – even when that isn’t noted on any of their literature or web site.
Ethical sales people will not place you under this type of pressure given the size of the investment if this is an initial enquiry and they’ve established you’re not overly familiar with solar power concepts or are confused.
Demand time to think things over and research or at least be clear on the cooling off period if you decide to sign on the dotted line. Better still, if you come under this sort of pressure, see it as an indication of what the company is like and avoid them altogether.
Home Assessments
In years gone by, a home assessment could be a very desirable thing. However, not only has solar technology evolved, so have assessment methods thanks to powerful tools such as Google Earth that can zoom in on your rooftop. While a home assessment still has its place in some situations, at times the representative visiting your home may have been directed to “sell, sell, sell”. His or her only goal may be to leave your house with a signed order. Your needs will be considered secondary, or perhaps not at all.
You might want to reconsider if you want that type of person walking in the front door of your home.
Ignoring Simple Energy Efficiency Solutions to Reduce Costs
A company genuinely committed to solar power is in business to make money, however they will often offer suggestions as to how you can decrease the cost of acquiring a system.
For example, if you still use inefficient lighting, an ethical company will point out that spending a hundred dollars on switching to compact fluorescent or LED’s could save you thousands of dollars on extra solar panels needed to power the energy inefficient lights. On the other hand, an unethical company will see this as a good opportunity for the sale of a larger system.
A system with a 4kW Inverter is not always a 4kW System
In order to make a system appear more powerful, some companies may focus on promoting inverter size. A system with a 4kW rated solar inverter but with only 1.5kW of solar panels is a 1.5kW system. The larger inverter will not boost the amount of electricity generated compared to a smaller, suitably sized inverter.
While having a larger inverter can be of benefit as you may be able to add more panels at a later date, this leads on to another very important point.
System Upgrades and “Upgradeable Systems”
Another important reason to use quality, well known components is in case you wish to upgrade your system in the future as it can be difficult to mix and match solar panels.
If you buy a system package with a larger inverter for purposes of upgrading at a later date, you need to be certain the company that manufactured those panels will still be around at that point – and producing the same panels.
Even if they are, if the panels are of low quality, the original solar modules may degrade more over period compared to a good quality panel. As a single degraded solar panel can affect the performance of an entire system; your upgraded system may not perform to its full potential.
Compare Solar Panels, Inverters and Everything else
Package deals are a great way to save cash, but not all packages are created equal. For example, a company might use top quality solar panels, but skimp on the inverter, cabling and mounting system quality in the hope that the panel brand name will dazzle you and you’ll ignore the other components.
Cobbled together packages should be avoided as “compatible” does not necessarily mean optimal. Mixing good quality panels with poor quality solar inverters, or even using quality solar modules and inverters; but skimping on wiring quality will have an effect on a system’s performance and possibly, safety.
Designing an optimum rooftop solar power system is no simple task. Everything must be taken into consideration; including:
Panel voltage output
Panel quality
Wiring quality
Switch gear durability
Inverter quality
Operating temperature ranges
String arrangements
Strength of mounting solution
Resistance/Resilience to weather
Optimum positioning to eliminate panels getting dirty
Inverter and panel matching
Optimum inverter auto switching
Ascertaining that a system package is ready for our clients is a time intensive task. Two qualified engineers run a fine tooth comb over each Energy Matters kit before it is approved for sale to our customers.
Grey Market / Counterfeit Products
It’s not all that common, but in some cases in order to save money a company will obtain components on the grey market. This is where the component is genuine, but hasn’t come through the proper supply channels. In these situations, if something goes wrong with the component, the manufacturer may not honor the warranty.
In extreme cases, counterfeit or cheaper “no-name” products will be used. This can not only prove more costly as the equipment won’t be eligible for rebates, but the equipment may not perform as well as established brands and present fire/electrocution hazards through shoddy workmanship. Look for proper certifications. The ‘CE Mark’ from Europe alone is worthless in Australia for solar panels as it’s a self-certification. In the case of solar panels, the safety standard IEC61730 apply, the panel must be classified as Class A modules as well as complying with either IEC61215 or IEC61646, depending on the module technology.
Low / Poor Quality Components
While most panels will perform as rated in perfect conditions, poor quality panel performance will drop off dramatically in marginal conditions. “No name” panels may also use poor quality sealants that will do the job for the first couple of years, but then after that degrade to a point moisture enters the panel – and there is no easy fix for that situation.
An item often not closely scrutinized in a solar power system package is the inverter. An inverter is the device than converts DC electricity from the panels into AC electricity suitable for use in your home. Sometimes a package might have top brand solar panels, but may skimp on the inverter quality in order to maintain an attractive price point. A low quality inverter will be inefficient and may have a shorter lifespan. Being an expensive item to replace, be sure a good quality inverter is included in your solar power system.
A good place for consumers to start when offered a package is to ask for the brand name for each component and then to research the brand history on the Internet.
Extra Costs
A low advertised price mightn’t be just due to low quality components. While it’s not unusual for prices to vary based on the type of structure upon which a solar power system is placed; these extras should be clear.
These could include:
Tile roof
Build frame on flat metal roof
Split array
Horizontal fixing of array
Lifting and access equipment
Cost of moving inverter
Cathedral ceilings
Travel charges
Fine-print extras can add thousands onto the final cost of a solar power system; so be very sure to read over quotes and contracts carefully before committing to purchase.
Certification of Components and Pre-certification Installation
In order to claim rebates, all systems must contain certified components – that is, components certified. Some solar companies have been known to jump the gun; installing components that are yet to be certified, but supposedly will be “soon”. This means the customer has a system that cannot be switched on until such time the certification comes through – a risky business.
Component Substitution
A trick some companies will use is to offer you a respected brand name at a good price; then once the contract is signed and sealed, a mysterious “shortage” may occur – meaning you’ll need to wait much longer or accept another inferior brand. A discount or cash back may be thrown in to lure you into accepting the lesser quality component. While in some cases there is a genuine shortage, in others it is a tactic to increase profit margins as margins can be very slim on leading brand products.
Warranty Issues
Many solar panel and related component manufacturers have been established around the world in the last couple of years. While the warranty the new companies may offer can be the same duration as the more recognized brands; the warranty will be of little value if the company disappears. Solar manufacturers disappear often; sometimes to re-emerge under another name, but without assuming the responsibility associated with its previous products.
Buy-back Guarantees
Some companies were known in the past to offer a buy back guarantee if the system does not perform adequately – it’s very different to a warranty that will replace the defective components or fix any installation issue – and often an inferior one.
For example, under a buy back guarantee, if a system should fail after a few years and a consumer asks for the money back, the buyback price is unlikely to include the value of the rebate. This means that if the system should be removed from the building, then the home owner is in breach of rebate conditions and may have to hand any rebate back to the Government.
Few people will want a few thousand dollars back and then have to pay even more back to the government – and the companies offering these sorts of buy back guarantees know that.
Inflated Performance Claims
The performance of a solar power system may be exaggerated. For example, a system of a specific size may provide 50% of the average household’s needs in one part of the country, but it won’t in another due to prevailing climate and irradiance levels.
A good company will perform a series of calculations to give you a fairly accurate estimate of how much electricity you can expect to generate from an array before even thinking about presenting you with a contract.
It’s also important to note that a 1.5kW system will not produce that level of power under all conditions. Performance is impacted by issues such as heat and through the normal operation of the inverter when the DC electricity generated by the solar panels is converted to AC power suitable for use in your home. However, some inverters are better than others in terms of conversion efficiency, just the same as some panels are better than others in relation to heat tolerance.
Shade Tolerance Claims
No solar panel is truly shade tolerant. It only takes shade covering a small area of a panel to reduce its performance dramatically. It simply does not pay to install panels on an area of roof where they will be in the shade during peak sun hours. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise as you’ll just be wasting your money.
Fine Print Contracts
As with any contract, check the fine print. If the language in the contract is overly complex, gain legal counsel. If you do find you’ve been pressured into signing a contract with draconian clauses, all is not lost – seek legal advice as there are laws against what is termed an “unconscionable contract” and a cooling off period also applies.
Installation Timelines
Solar fever sweeps the nation in waves and during these times providers can become backlogged. While you can expect a wait of up to a few months for a solar installer to perform your installation in some circumstances, this is something you should be made aware of by the provider.
If this detail is not mentioned anywhere, ensure you get it in writing; otherwise you may be waiting for 6 months or more. Details should also include what the supplier will do if the installation isn’t completed by the appointed time by the solar installer.
Gimmicks, Gadgets and Bonuses
Everyone loves a bonus, but when too much emphasis is placed on a bonus rather than the core product, the solar power system itself, it’s cause for concern. Bear in mind that most gadgets and bonuses included with solar power packages have cost the vendor far less than the retail value they put upon them. Unless the bonus is directly related to the solar power system, you’ll be better off forsaking the bonus and negotiating a cheaper price on the system.
Be especially wary of offers of free appliances such as big screen TV’s. Plasma TV’s are often called “space heaters” for good reason and consume a lot of power. You’re buying a solar power system to save on emissions and electricity bills, so why eat into those savings by using appliances that you perhaps don’t really need and are very inefficient?
Collusion with Related Industries
Some solar companies have close ties with other industries, such as roof repair and roof restoration businesses, or it may be incorporated under their own business. There’s nothing wrong with that as such, but what can happen is that a householder calls in a roof repairer who then offers a fantastic deal on a solar power system using high pressure tactics. Alternatively, the roof repair company may just sow the seed and then pass on the householder details to a solar company for targeting.
Investing in a solar power system is a decision that should be made after serious thought, having been presented all the facts and after having had time for thorough research and comparing packages with different companies – you shouldn’t expect to call in a tradesman for roof repairs and have them sell a solar power package to you on the same day!
Beware of Cheap, Inferior Solar Panels
A 1kW budget system will not give the same performance as a 1kW standard or premium high output system
Cheaper panels are manufactured from inferior quality silicon, glues and materials which will lead to an earlier degradation of power output
There is also a danger if your panels are cheap, inferior items. There are many new panel manufacturers offering similar warranty periods but the risk is that the company may not be there for the duration
Inverters are similarly important. A cheap, low quality inverter will be noisy and have low efficiency. This is to be avoided as the lower the efficiency, the lower your system output will be and the less cash you will earn from your system. Low quality inverters will also need replacing much earlier
Finally, beware of kits or systems installed without consideration of the site. System design is vital for optimising the site conditions. Quick and cheap installations do not necessarily consider the shading and orientation of the panels. If shading is not optimised your system will not be performing to its full potential. Less output means a longer payback period and less cash in your pocket
Solar Panels with high efficiency mean that the required roof space can be smaller. For example a highly efficient panel will produce considerably more energy than a lower efficiency panel (which take up more space).
A High efficiency inverter means that your system will produce more energy. For example a premium or standard inverter will produce more energy than a budget inverter.
Solar Assist Warranty
The exclusive Solar Assist 30 year complete system and installation warranty is fully transferable, this industry leading extended warranty is above standard manufactures warranty.
Quality Made
American-made quality, reliability and durability. SolarWorld panels are widely recognized as the industry standard in quality – the result of the company’s commitment to research and development, quality materials and manufacturing excellence.
