Best Solar Panels
Which solar panels are the best?
Solar panels have become part of the planet’s world and energy revolution. Solar energy allows us to be energy independent and save money by breaking free from power companies. By using this renewable energy source, we are also helping the planet and ensuring that we are relying on an inexhaustible source of energy.
Progress in technology has made possible that even if there are cloudy days, we can store enough power to continue using it in our daily tasks.
But in order to take advantage of the solar energy, we must use solar panels and, to get the maximum efficiency when collecting the energy from the sun, we have to choose the right solar panels, as there is no one-size-fits-all.
What to look for in a solar panel?
There are hundreds of different brands and models of solar panels on the market. So, in order to make the right decision, you have to pay attention and consider a few things. Here’s what to look for:
Solar Panel Size
Obviously, one of the most important elements to look at and take into account is the size of the panels.
I always recommend it to do a detailed assessment on how we want to place the panels before any installation. This will help to find out what space is available and what space we want to occupy with them, as well as the efficiency and type of panel required.
Type of Solar Panel
Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline Solar Panels?
- Monocrystralline: Monocrystalline panels are still the most expensive option but also the most effective for generating electricity from solar energy. Its efficiency ranges from 18% to 22%.
- Polycrystalline: Polycrystalline cells are characterized by a high quality-price ratio: their efficiency ranges from 14 to 18%, thanks to which they effectively convert energy.
How do I differentiate Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Solar Panels?
| Panel Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Monocrystalline | • High efficiency • Space efficient • Have a long lifespan • More efficient in warm weather | • Higher Cost • Less sustainable |
| Polycrystalline | • Easier production • Lower cost | • Efficiency of panels • Lower space-efficiency |
If you have a lot of space for solar panels you could save money upfront by installing low-efficiency, low-cost polycrystalline panels. However, roofs with limited space might have to look into installing high-efficiency, monocrystalline solar panels.
It’s always best to consult a Solar expert who can advise you.
Nominal Voltage
For isolated solar installations with batteries, the panels are 36 cells (12 V) or 72 cells (24V). If we want to use the module in a small isolated installation that feeds a battery (monoblock for example) we will need 12V panels, while if our installation is a little larger and has a larger accumulation system (two monoblock batteries) we will need 24V panels.
Nominal voltage is not usually found on the product data sheet. They usually put the voltage at maximum power. The nominal voltage is the closest to the maximum power being the standard (12-24-48 Volts).
Power of Solar Panels
Solar panels differ from one to another according to their maximum working power Wp (peak watt) which means the maximum power it can reach.
How to choose the right power for your solar panel?
- First, you must calculate the power that your appliances consume. Multiply the power in watts (W) of your appliance per the time (hours) of use over one day. Example: A 50 Watt television turned on for 3 hours a day consumes 50 x 3 = 150 Wattheure (WH) a day. If you have several equipments, repeat the operation and add the total (WH).
- Once we know exactly our consumption, we need to know the power necessary to satisfy this consumption. For this we need to take into account some factors such as:
- The power generated by the solar panel
- Solar Panel efficiency
- Number of hours of sun
- Once we have this data, we can use the following formula to determine the real power generated per hour, for each photovoltaic panel:
(Solar Panel Power * System Efficiency * Hours of solar exposure) / 1000 = KWh Generated per Day
Efficiency of Solar Panels
We call efficiency to the power that the panel is capable of producing 1 square meter of photovoltaic solar panel when it receives an irradiation of 1000 W / m2.
For example, If in the technical data sheet of a 245W photovoltaic solar panel we see that it has an efficiency of 15%, it means that for every 1000W / m2 of irradiation that 1 square meter of panel receives, it will produce 150 W of power.
Nowadays it is quite common to extol the quality of the higher efficiency solar panels, and many times, the higher efficiency solar panels are considerably more expensive.
In my opinion, if we don’t have space problems, it doesn’t make much sense to pay a higher price for more efficient solar modules. On the other hand, if we have a very “fair” roof, we can install more efficient solar panels to optimise the installation as much as possible.
Best solar panels on the market
Canadian Solar Inc. is a Canadian and Chinese company dedicated to the manufacture of solar energy products. It manufactures solar modules and photovoltaic solar energy systems.
The company, founded in 2001, is already one of the five largest producers of solar panels in the world in terms of global production, both for large solar orchard areas and for residential and industrial photovoltaic self-consumption installations.
Its products include both modules, inverters and complete kits with all the necessary systems for the production of solar energy.
BiHiKu6 Mono
- Bifacial High Power Dual Cell
- Power: 560~585 W
- Efficiency: up to 21.0 %
- Dimensions: 2450 × 1135 × 35 mm
- Performance Warranty: 30 years
BiHiKu5 Poly/Mono
- Bifacial High Power Dual Cell
- Power: 430 W ~ 475 W/465 W ~ 490W
- Efficiency: up to 20.1 %/up to 20.7 %
- Dimensions: 2260 × 1048 × 32 mm
- Performance Warranty: 30 years
BiHiKu Poly/Mono
- Bifacial High Power Dual Cell
- Power: 390 W ~ 415 W/420 W ~ 445 W
- Efficiency: up to 19.25%/up to 18.52%
- Dimensions: 2132 × 1048 × 30 mm
- Power output warranty: 30 years
BiKu Poly/Mono
- Bifacial Dual Cell
- Power: 350W ~ 365W/375W ~ 400W
- Efficiency: up to 19.9%/up to 18.7%
- Dimensions: 2022 × 992 × 30 mm
- Power output warranty: 30 years
HiKu6 Mono
- High Power Dual Cell
- Power: 570 W ~ 590 W
- Efficiency: up to 21.3 %
- Dimensions: 2443 × 1134 × 35 mm
- Power Performance Warranty: 25 years
HiKu6 Poly/Mono
- High Power Dual Cell
- Power: 440 W ~ 485 W/475 W ~ 500 W
- Efficiency: up to 20.6 %/up to 21.2 %
- Dimensions: 2252 × 1048 × 35 mm
- Power Performance Warranty: 25 years
HiKu Poly/Mono
- High Power Dual Cell
- Power: 395 W ~ 420 W/430 W ~ 455 W
- Efficiency: up to 19.0%/up to 20.6 %
- Dimensions: 2108 × 1048 × 40 mm
- Power Output Warranty: 25 years
Ku Poly/Mono
- High Power Dual Cell
- Power: 355 ~ 395 W/380 ~ 400 W
- Efficiency: up to 19.4%/up to 20.2 %
- Dimensions: 2000 × 992 × 35 mm
- Power Output Warranty: 25 years
HiDm Mono
- High Power Dual Cell
- Power: 320 ~ 420 W
- Efficiency: up to 20.37 %
- Dimensions: 2078 × 992 × 35 mm
- Power Output Warranty: 25 years
REC is a pioneering multinational solar energy company that was founded in 1996 in Norway. At the end of 2019, it already operated around 38 million solar panels that accumulate more than 10GW of clean energy: Enough to power the homes of 16 million people. It is one of the largest suppliers of solar panels worldwide specialized on both commercial and industrial installations as well as residential use.
Its latest advances for the improvement of its solar panels have focused on seeking to prevent the loss of power taking into account any adverse weather situation, such as environments with a very high temperature or very high humidity: 100% free of induced power degradation.
REC Alpha
- Power: 380 Wp of 60-cell power
- Efficiency: up to 21,7%
- Dimensions: 1721 × 1016 × 30 mm
- Power Output Warranty: 25 years
REC N-Peak
- Power: 315W/ 320W / 325W / 330W
- Efficiency: up to 19.8%
- Dimensions: 1675 × 997 × 30 mm
- Power Output Warranty: 20 years
REC TwinPeak 2 Mono
- Power: 310-330 Wp to 60 cells pane
- Efficiency: up to 19.2 %
- Dimensions: 1675 × 997 × 38 mm
- Power Output Warranty: 25 years
The main mission of the company is to modify the habit of energy consumption of citizens by encouraging the use of electricity through renewable energy. Take responsibility for finding clean, efficient and economical sources of energy solutions.
Jinko solar panels are widely used in medium and large photovoltaic installations. Jinko solar panels have excellent technical characteristics, a reasonable price and great durability.
Cheetah
- Power: 345 - 410 Wp for 60/72 cells
- Efficiency: up to 20,38%
- Dimensions: 1840 × 998 × 35mm
- Power Output Warranty: 25 years
Swan
- Power: 405 Wp
- Efficiency: up to 19,78%
- Dimensions: 2031 × 1008 × 40mm
- Power Output Warranty: 25 years
Tiger
- Power: 470 - 475 Wp
- Efficiency: up to 21%
- Dimensions: 1842 × 1021 × 35
- Power Output Warranty: 25 years
LONGI Solar
LONGI Solar is the world leader in the manufacture of monocrystalline solar panels and monocrystalline photovoltaic cells, with more than 3000 patents it is the leader in this technology.
Since the year 2000 when it was founded, it has not stopped growing, currently it already has a production capacity of 8.8 GW and has a vertical production chain, which begins with the smelting of silicon ingots, goes through the production of wafers, the manufacture and doping of photovoltaic cells and assembly of solar panels.
LONGI solar panels are characterized by high energy efficiency: low irradiation, low temperature-power coefficient, low operating temperature, which leads to a high energy efficiency.
Hi-MO X
- LR6-60OPH
- Power:345~355Wp
- Efficiency: up to 20,6%
- Dimensions: 1762 × 994 × 35mm
- Power Output Warranty: 25 years
Hi-MO4m
- LR4-60HPH
- Power:360~370Wp
- Efficiency: up to 20,9%
- Dimensions: 1755 × 1038 × 35mm
- Power Output Warranty: 25 years
Hi-MO3m
- LR6-60HPH
- Power:310~325Wp
- Efficiency: up to 19,9%
- Dimensions: 1672 × 991 × 35mm
- Power Output Warranty: 25 years
Conclusion
These are some of the largest solar panel companies in the world. The most important thing to take into account when buying a solar panel is the power we need according to the use that we are going to make of the solar panels. Likewise, it is interesting to see if the company has a service to facilitate the transfer of the panels or if you have to transport it yourself. Also look at the modulated efficiency of the panels and the temperature they support. Finally, take into account the years of energy guarantee that they promise.
I hope this guide has been of help and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
