It’s a question we get asked a lot and honestly, there’s no simple answer as there are many criteria by which a panel can be judged. Solar panels are the engine behind generating clean electricity for your business or community project, so choosing the right solar panel is a critical part of system design. Solar panel efficiency, brand, reliability, price, appearance and warranties can all be considered important, and our experienced team is always here to talk you through the major considerations.
The first consideration for many clients is the cost of solar panels. Here, the market neatly segments into two different categories:
At the more expensive end of the market are high-efficiency modules, which can reach conversion efficiencies of 24%+. These are technically more advanced products, and come with a cost premium. However, they are an excellent choice if you want the latest, most high tech product.
Our experts select the best by assessing across multiple criteria:
To choose a trusted product, we select from well-respected brands. The research organisation company Bloomberg New Energy Finance analyse the market each year, and produce a list of high quality modules. They assess bankability – which brands of solar panels are used in (large scale solar) projects that banks are investing in. If banks are willing to 'risk' their money on a product, it’s a good measure of quality as they will certainly have done their due diligence!
These are important considerations for us as a green business. We ensure all our modules are guaranteed conflict metals free. In general, we also restrict the souring of Chinese panels to those with sites certified in the Solar Stewardship Initiative Scheme.
Efficiency is more important in choosing the category of solar panel (cheap solar panels vs. high efficiency panels), as within each class there is less variation between similar modules. Cheap solar panels will give you the lowest system price, whereas high efficiency panels will maximise generation and income over the system lifetime.
We do our own research, comparing the performance of some panels at the same site. Data sheets don't usually tell you the yield of panels under low light conditions, nor what happens after 5 years (What happens is not the same as warranty).
Our solar panel installers are working with the products day in, day out. We rely on feedback from our installation teams about the products they are installing.
We constantly review the market for new products as technology and price change. We are currently installing Trina and JA, but also some German-made Meyer Burger, which are still available at very competitive prices (although not currently being made).
