Comparing Solar Panels
On your home or property, solar panels will be the most noticeable component of your solar system. Solar panels are installed outside your home or property, typically on the roof and they convert sunlight into electricity. The photovoltaic effect is the process of converting sunlight into electricity. This process gives solar panels their alternate name, PV panels.
Choosing the right solar panel for your installation
Solar panels are given output ratings in watts. This rating is the maximum produced by the panel under ideal conditions. Output per panel is between 10 and 400 watts. The stronger the watts output, the less solar panels you need to install. So if you prefer to install as few as possible solar panels, you choose the kind of panels that produce more watts.
The opposite works if you prefer to have more panels installed on your roof. For example, when you desire to enhance your property looks, as some homeowners find dark panels nice looking on their roof, and since this can also increase your property value on the market.
You can also choose the correct solar panel from a cost point. PV panels, may cost anywhere from $2.40 per watt to over $5.00 per watt. This makes them the single biggest expense of a PV system. Now in the paragraphs below, are detailed product features for the top 5 most performing solar panels in the US as at 2021. When you go through these features, you shall be able to see how each brand of solar panel scales up on the desirable features, before you make a choice, of the brand to go with.
SunPower Solar Panels
You will find that this panel is the world’s first 400-watt PV Panel. It will provide you with more power than ever before from fewer panels on your roof. The panel comes with
- Top Efficiency – With the newest Maxeon Gen 5 solar cells, delivering between 19.0 % to 22.7% efficiency. Its optimum production point is 25° C (77° F). With any further increases in temperature, SunPower solar panels ONLY lose a mere 0.3% in power generation efficiency.
- Wide variety – Generation A, X, E or P series for you to choose from.
- Better built – SunPower solar cells are 65% larger than prior generations, converting more sunlight into electricity for you.
- Elegant styling – SunPower solar panels harmoniously blend into your roof, delivering a sleek, top class aesthetic that can suit a variety of roof types. • Reliable product warranties – 25 year manufacturer guarantee to cover performance, labor and parts.
- Cost per watt – The average solar panel system from SunPower is 7,870 watts (7.9 kW) and costs $36,300 for a price per watt of $4.60. The expected cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) is $0.17.
LG Solar Panels
LG solar panels are often regarded as having some of the finest tier-1 modules in the solar marketplace. The cost of LG’s solar panels reflects their status as a premium module, along with Panasonic and Solaria. The panels are well designed and able to withstand turbulent environmental conditions while also being aesthetically pleasing. The panel comes with
- Top Efficiency – LG Solar panel’s high efficiency ratings not only set themselves apart from some of their competitors (3-5% more rated efficiency on average) but ensure that you will get more usable energy out of your system by year 25 of your warranty period. LG guarantees 87% of nameplate output power of the solar module, which is again, among the best in the industry.
- Wide variety – You can choose from NeON R (350 watts), NeON R (360 watts), NeON R (365 watts), NeON 2 (315 watts), NeON 2 (330 watts) and NeON 2 (340 watts).
- Better built – LG Solar offers the high-efficiency NeON series, which
includes the NeON 2, NeON R and NeON Bifacial modules. Due in part to their large manufacturing capabilities, LG is able to meet market demand on the majority of their modules throughout the entire year.
One of the driving technologies behind LG’s solar panel is their N-type cell technology. The N-type cells convert sunlight into energy more efficiency than P-type solar cells – which results in higher module efficiency ratings. The back sheet of the panel also bounces un-captured energy back into the solar cell to generate additional energy conversion.
Their 60-cell design is highly versatile and sought after. Installers benefit from the smaller square footage combined with high wattage, meaning you can utilize less panels while maximizing efficiency.
Both roof-top and ground mount systems benefit from the modules strong structural designs, which make the solar panels reliable and durable in adverse weather conditions. Although LG is a higher cost per module, there is potential for savings with these premium high watt modules, which will decrease the bill of materials needed for the project.
- Elegant styling – LG solar panels harmoniously blend into your roof, delivering a sleek, top class aesthetic that can suit a variety of roof types.
- Reliable product warranties – LG offers 25-year product and performance warranties, is among the best in the industry. They have positioned themselves to be a great option for solar system owners who want to plan well into the future for their solar energy system, having the security from a brand name they can trust.
- Cost per watt – A 24 Solar Panel System from LG Solar costs an average of $16,752.24 before possible state level fees and solar energy tax rebates and incentives. This figure brings the system to $1.94/watt for the major components of the system. This is approximately $0.58/watt more than Hanwha Q Cells and $0.51/watt more than Canadian Solar.
The system should be producing 13,000kWh annually and approximately 1,083kWh per month. By taking the average cost of per kilowatt hour in the United States ($0.12/kWh) and multiplying it by the estimated monthly usage, we can determine how much money the system will save per month.
Assuming the system produces 1,083kWh/month, users can expect $129.96 in energy savings monthly. In order for the system to pay for itself (excluding rebates and incentives, and possible costs of installation) will take approximately 128.9 months, or a 10.74 year ROI period.
Panasonic Solar Panels
These panels are long lasting premium solar energy technology. Panasonic solar panel wattage ranges from 320 to 330 watts.
Panasonic solar panels are well designed which has resulted in their modules having one of the highest efficiency ratings in the industry. The Panasonic solar panel comes with
- Efficiency – Delivering up to 19.10 % to 22.09% efficiency. Its optimum production point is 25° C (77° F).
Just like SunPower solar panels, with any further increases in temperature, Panasonic solar panels only lose solar generation efficiency by a mere 0.3%.
- Wide variety – Generation 320 watts, 325 watts, 330 watts series for you to choose from.
- Better built – Panasonic offers the 96 – mono cell HIT series, an industry leading series in terms of technology, efficiency and warranty. The 96 cell design allows for less cell degradation over time, as well as higher energy efficiency ratings over the modules twenty five year warranty period. The number of cells are important to note as the design needs to be carefully paired with the correct inverter setup. That being said, the series is highly compatible and works with a number of inverter solutions from popular brands like Enphase and SolarEdge.
- Elegant styling – Panasonic solar panels can be used in residential and commercial systems as well as roof or ground mounted. They have a wider design than many panels on the market today, so this is important to consider if you are working with limited roof space. The HIT modules are compatible with all solar racking solutions from Tamarack to SnapNrack to IronRidge and more.
- Reliable product warranties – 25 year manufacturer guarantee to cover performance, labor and parts.
- Cost per watt – The average solar panel system from Panasonic costs on average, $0.95/watt, and this is $0.27/watt more than mid-range panels.
Canadian Solar
Canadian Solar is a solar panel manufacturer based in Ontario, Canada and is one of the three largest solar manufacturer companies in the world.
The Canadian solar panel comes with
- Efficiency – Delivers between 18.33 % to 19.15% efficiency.
- Wide variety – 9 top varieties to choose from, including Biku (280 to 380watts), Bihiku (400watts), HiDM (320 to 340 watts), MaxPower (310 to 340 watts), All-Black (265 to 295 Watts), Ku (335 to 395 watts), HiKU Polycrystalline (400 watts), Standard (260 to 285 watts) and Dymond Double Glass (315 to 340 watts).
- Better built – Canadian Solar cells utilize a number of innovative energy technologies such as: bi-facial, high density, high watt, and high efficiency. The solar modules are available in both 60 and 72 cells as
well as half cells (120 and 144) – which are known to improve the energy efficiency of modules while maintaining compatibility with inverter, charge controller and battery technologies.
- Elegant styling – Canadian solar panels for your aesthetics needs, have design options that include black on black, black on white and clear or silver frames to suit a variety of roof options. In addition to the number of choices in technology, sizing and designs, Canadian Solar also comes at an attractive mid- range price point.
- Reliable product warranties – Canadian Solar modules come with 10 year product and 25 year performance warranties. The 10 year product warranty ensures that the module is free from defects in both materials and workmanship that may have an effect on functionality under normal installation standards. The 10 year product warranty is standard for the solar industry (though some manufacturers provide 12 and 25 year product warranties). The 25 year performance warranty guarantees that power declines between 2-25 years will be no more than 0.7%, and that by the end of year 25 the actual power output will be no less than 80.7% the labeled output of the module.
- Cost per watt – The average solar panel system from Canadian Solar costs on average, $0.63 to $0.66 per watt. Your 9.75kW system will cost an average of $14,003.82 (before taxes or area specific fees). This comes out to $1.43 per watt for your entire Canadian Solar power system. To calculate your average energy savings of this system you should base your calculations on 100% offset for a California home. The system should be producing an estimated 16,800kWh annually, or 1,400kWh on a monthly basis. By taking your average cost per kilowatt hour in the United States of $0.12/kWh and multiplying it by your estimated monthly usage, you can determine how much money the system will save you per month.
Trina Solar
Trina Solar utilizes p-type solar cells in both their monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels and recently introduced n-type solar technology into their i-TOPCon solar cells in May of 2019.
Their p-type cell technology yields above industry standard efficiency results, while their n-type takes advantage of the more energy efficient technology to be relatively on par with their competitors.
The Trina solar panel comes with
- Efficiency – The panel’s average efficiency rate of 18.83% is on par with Canadian Solar (18.73%) and is less than Panasonic at 19.99%. The manufacturer’s panels promise 80.7% output at 25 year benchmark, a figure matched by Canadian Solar and beat by LG and Panasonic. In terms of day to day use of the panels, system owners are unlikely to see much difference between the panels. However, over the long term this rating may give LG and Panasonic an edge in terms of energy output. When planning a system on a budget, both Trina’s solar panels and degradation rate can meet and exceed energy needs with proper system sizing and planning for degradation and future energy expectancy.
- Wide variety – You can chose from Honey Plus TSM-300 18.30% efficiency (at 300 watts), Honey Plus TSM-310 18.90% efficiency (at 310 watts) and Tallmax Plus TSM-375 19.30% efficiency (at 310 watts).
- Better built – Trina Solar modules are built to stand up against your real world conditions such as hail and high wind speeds. The materials used in the modules can resist corrosion and are recommended for areas with high salt content in the air. In addition, the module glass, cell and back sheet technology enhances the modules low irradiance performance (such as cloudy days and times of the day with non-peak sun hours.
- Elegant styling – Trina solar panels are made for great aesthetics and options to match your personal preferences. Available with black or silver frames set to black or white back sheets.
- Reliable product warranties – Trina Solar has an industry standard period of 10 year product and 25 year linear performance warranties. A period matched by Canadian Solar, Hanwha Q Cells and other mid-range competitors. The product warranty is less than LG and Panasonic, which both offer 25 year product and performance warranties.
- Cost per watt – The average 24 solar panel system from Trina costs $11,920.92 before possible state level fees and solar energy tax rebates and incentives. This figure brings the system to $1.32/watt for the major components of the system. This is approximately $0.04/watt less than Hanwha Q Cells and $0.11/watt less than Canadian Solar. The system should be producing approximately 13,500kWh annually and 1,125kWh per month. By taking the average cost of per kilowatt hour in the United States ($0.12/kWh) and multiplying it by the estimated monthly usage, we can determine how much money the system will save per month. Assuming the system produces 1,125kWh/month, users can expect $135 in energy savings monthly. In order for the system to pay for itself (excluding rebates and incentives, and possible costs of installation) will take approximately 88.30 months, or a 7.36 year ROI period.
Choosing Your Inverter
We can comfortably supply you with top quality inverters from suppliers such as ABB, Delta Group, Enphase Energy, Fronius, Magnum Energy, Morningstar, Outback Power, Samlex Solar, Schneider Electric, SMA, SolarEdge, and many more manufacturers. Our inverters are designed for various systems, including grid-tie or off-grid, and residential or commercial applications.
High-Watt Solar Panels and Inverter Sizing
When sizing out your micro-inverters and string inverters for high watt modules, you follow the same guidelines as lower watt modules. Likewise, when you are utilizing high watt modules for an off-grid set-up, it is important to spec out your charge controller correctly. Your off grid system can utilize high watt modules up to 2kW depending on the charge controller and battery backup system you are using. For the duration of this review, we will be focusing on on-grid and hybrid systems utilizing micro-inverters, string inverters with optimizers and string inverter systems.
Microinverters
Enphase Energy microinverters are mini inverters that are installed on the back of each of your solar panels in your array. Microinverters are a good fit for almost any installation, they are available for both single phase (most residential) and three phase (commercial) systems.
Moreover, they can be used for both on-grid and hybrid solar energy systems with the use of the Enphase Encharge lithium-iron battery system. The IQ series microinverters can be installed prior to the addition of the battery unit, this provides added flexibility in planning for your future energy needs.
In addition, Enphase microinverters match the linear performance warranty timeframe of solar panel manufacturers (25 years), whereas string inverters typically have a performance warranty around 10-12 years.
This means that you will likely have to change out your string inverter mid-way through your solar modules warranty period.
This comes with its own difficulties, new inverter systems oftentimes work with different technologies – for example, one rapid shutdown solution for your current inverter may not work for the new inverters being produced by the manufacturers, even if the electrical specifications of the inverters are the same or similar.
Microinverters add flexibility in future system additions, as they are not limited by the stricter string requirements of the modules. You will also find it easier to mix different watt modules along their own string using microinverters, so if you plan on expanding your system in the future, plan to either oversize your inverter (which can lead to efficiency loss if not calculated correctly), or use microinverters.
They come at a higher price point than the following solutions, however, their longer warranty period and added flexibility and benefits makes them an ideal choice.
High watt modules typically use either the IQ7PLUS or the IQ7A microinverters. One of the potential downsides of using high-watt modules with microinverters is the potential for clipping.
*Clipping occurs when the output of your solar panel is higher than what the microinverter’s maximum output power.
- IQ7PLUS Peak Output – 295VA
- IQ7A Peak Output – 336VA
Take the LG380Q1C-VA for example, it’s maximum output is 380w, so this module would put out about 330w at 87% operating power. In the case of the IQ7PLUS, there would be some clipping at (35w).
Under normal conditions, your panel would be putting out about 285w and there would be no clipping.
Generally speaking, microinverters may cause a relatively small drop in efficiency (1-2%), your rule of thumb should be that your choice solar panel’s maximum output capacity be 1.25 times the inverter capacity – in this case, your system will rarely have any reduction in production.
If you live in a high sun environment, or if you select a panel that is a much higher wattage (like the 440w from Longi), it is more advantageous for you to use the IQ7A microinverters running at 240VAC to negate clipping and get more out of your solar panels.
String Inverter with Optimizers
You can use SolarEdge inverters in both on-grid and hybrid solar energy systems, their single phase inverter, the HD Wave and their hybrid inverter, the StorEdge, both utilize optimizers which work in a similar way to microinverters (they both optimize the solar array, negate shade loss and prevent your array from shutting down if one of your modules is not functioning properly).
SolarEdge also have commercial three phase solutions that are not currently compatible with battery backup units, however, they do offer beneficial smart grid technologies that can streamline and simplify your commercial solar installation.
Like Enphase microinverters, the StorEdge inverter can be installed prior to the addition of the LG Chem battery backup unit. Unlike the Enhcarge system however, the LG Chem battery has a strict certification requirement that needs to be met prior to being able to obtain the battery.
Please keep this in mind when you are selecting your inverter. You can elect to hire an LG Chem certified installer in your area, or if you are performing a DIY installation, you can ascertain this certification by taking their course that is hosted every Thursday.
Without this certification, or the certification of your installer, you will not be able to purchase the LG Chem battery. This is their requirement to meet both warranty and safety requirements.
There is less flexibility in system expansion with string inverters, however with proper planning, you can expand SolarEdge systems. You can either account for your future energy use when planning for your system or add the panels as you go, or you can add additional inverters as needed.
The warranty period of SolarEdge inverters is 12 years, while you can purchase extended warranties directly from the manufacturer, you will likely need to replace the inverter over the lifetime of your solar array.
The optimizers, which are installed on the back of each module have a 25 year warranty period, and therefore will not need to be changed out during this time period. High watt modules may limit the number of panels you can utilize on a string, however, they’re flexible in sizing and can be easily configured.
String Inverter
Fronius string inverters are the most cost effective inverter solution for on grid solar energy systems. While they produce hybrid inverters capable of being paired with battery backup and even AC coupled systems, the equipment can be difficult to come by and it is recommended that these systems be installed by professionals, so they may not offer the best solution for DIY installers.
However, if you have a roof or ground mount array that is South facing, your geographic irradiance is high, and you are not concerned with shading, a stand along string inverter will operate your system well.
Fronius is limited to system expansion in a similar way to the SolarEdge string inverters outlined above, however, they do not require optimizers in order to operate so they offer installers the lowest bill of materials and therefore the lowest cost out of other inverter solutions on the market.
Worried about the cost?
Don’t be, before any decision is made we will fully outline the cost of the system, the savings it will generate, and help you arrange any finance required. At Norita Solar we are believers in owning your own system, not renting or leasing it. Options are available for either outright purchase or we can tailor a financial package to suit your cash-flow. In most cases the energy savings generated will balance the payments on the system installed.
To finance your solar purchase, we offer YOU incredibly low interest loans, with financing rates as low as 2.5% depending on your credit status. Now YOU can easily purchase your solar system without paying upfront, and have it installed on your roof INSTANTLY. You are free to use our in house solar loans to buy a solar system ranging anything from $30,000 to $1 million fully funded by Lenders we are affiliated to, that you can find in house.
This way you pay ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to go solar. Simply trade-in your current utility bill payments for solar loan payments, creating ZERO ADDITIONAL CASHFLOW PRESSURES on your monthly obligations.