Chief Traits to Consider When You Buy Residential Solar Panels

Want to install solar panels at home? Always choose the best grade products in the market so that you can enjoy value for money. The better the quality of the panel, the more will they last. In Australia, a majority of homes run on solar energy. Although there are an increasing number of manufacturers selling panels in the marketplace, still choosing a quality product which meets up to your household standards and expectations is vital. Here we have summed up 6 key criteria buyers must look for when they consider buying these solar power components.

Are the panels Poly or Mono?

Although, their average performances are more or less the same they however differ in their characteristics. The Mono panels or Mono crystalline panels are developed by cutting circular tubes made from pure silicone. As a result they generally have rounded corners. Meanwhile the poly-crystalline panels contain silicone cells which cover up the entire panel surface adding a crystal like shine. Householders mostly prefer the latter for their aesthetics. In addition, Mono panels work better even when light conditions are low.

Do you need normal or high efficiency panels?

Just in case if you are thinking of buying residential solar panels for your home in Perth, consider the efficiency you need. Efficiency here is referred to as the energy which a solar panel is capable of transforming into electric power/square metre. In standard testing environments 1.000kWh falls on every square meter during a year. The efficiency of solar panels is described in Watt-peak. Panels with normal efficiency can generate around 150Wp/square metre (15%). Meanwhile high-efficiency panels will offer higher efficiency at 200Wp/square metre (20%).

Do you need small or large panels?

Although size doesn’t have an impact on the quality of output, people sometimes prefer going by size when it comes to purchasing panels. In general, the 4kWp featuring 200wp panels need at least 20panels. On the other hand the 4kWp set up featuring 250wp will need 16 panels. Despite the difference in configuration, the area covered in both types of domestic solar panel installation in Perth remains the same. Installers will prefer working with larger panels which will lessen their burden of lifting heavy and large panels.

Power tolerance

Power tolerance is referred to as the original power output of a solar panel with respect to its watt-peaking rate which is calculated as per +/-3%. Ideally, a 200Wp panel is engineered to offer a watt-peaking range from 194 (-3%) to 206 (+3%). Meanwhile the rating of a 0/+5% panel will range between 200 and 210. This indicates the second category of panel features positive “power tolerance” of more than 2.5% electricity. Householders opting for home solar panel installation in Perth must definitely consider this while investing in PV panels.

Weak light performance

Solar panels are rated based on STC or standard testing condition. Their performance mostly depends upon the actual amount of exposure to sunlight. When sunlight is less, the panels generate lesser output. During winter panels offer a mere 10% output. However, this output significantly increases to 40% in summer. When choosing panels it is thus crucial to consider their weak light performance.

Strong light performance

Similarly strong light performance is a chief consideration when installing solar panels for your home. It is also referred to as Pmax expressed in terms of the percentage of electricity output drop for every degree of rising in panel temperature. As solar panels are known for heating up very fast especially on hotter days, they are likely to lose some amount of solar power. Hence, while shopping for panels, always choose products with potential outputs.

Remember, the panels you choose to buy will have a direct impact on the solar output you will receive for a particular stretch of time. Make sure the products meet your expectations.