How to choose a solar panel

Solar panel is one of the important elements in solar photovoltaic system. Choosing the correct solar panel is crucial factor. You need to determine the right wattage of a solar panel. The size of the solar panel in watts directly affect the cost which is basically priced in dollars per watt. Watts are related to the output of each module. For example, a 50 watt panel installed under ideal condition will generate 50 watt-hours of electricity each hour and a 100 watt panel will generate 100 watt-hours each hour in each day. So, you can expect to pay double the price for 100 watt panel compare to 50 watt panel.

There are three main stages in solar photovoltaic system. They are:
  •  Generating power by the solar panel.
  •  Storing power by the battery.
  •  Using the power.
In order to determine the wattage correctly, you need to size the panel according to your required power usage. Battery stores power to be used later on. To maintain the constant level power storage in the battery, the solar panel needs to supply the battery same amount of outgoing power.

The cost of solar panel depends on the size (in watts), the physical size, quality of materials, warranty period, brand and certification of the solar panel. The price also depends on how many solar panels you are purchasing as part of full system package. In general, purchasing large amount of solar panels will cost less per unit. But, choosing solar panels based on only the price is not a wise decision. Because, it may not fit the area where you want to install, not having required certifications to qualify for government subsidies and lack of solid warranty period.

Besides cost, it is important to consider the manufacturing process and materials used in the solar panel. Since all panel manufactures are not the same, therefore you should consider other factors before the decision of purchasing panels. They are:

  • You need to consider the tolerance rate of solar panel. For example, you have purchased a panel mentioned 100 watts in the "nameplate". But, in reality it will be 95 watts only because of quality control issues. Therefore, a positive tolerance rate is crucial. That is, under standard condition, a panel of 100 watts will not only generates 100 watts, but also performs more effectively.
  • There is a significant impact on temperature co efficient of solar panel. It is better having less percentage per degree Celsius. The price of solar panel with less percentage of temperature co efficiency is comparatively higher.
  • Conversion efficiency of solar panel is also vital. It determines how much power is generated by solar panel during the conversion of light into electrical energy. For example, you have purchased two panels with same price. But, one has higher conversion efficiency than other, then it provides better value for money with correct efficiency.
  • In certain climate condition, Potential Induced Degradation (PID) can be caused by stray currents triggered which is the reason for substantial power loss in the panel. Solar panel with little or no PID is considered as good.
  • Embodied energy of the solar panel is another crucial factor. Here, panel's initial energy intensive production is compared with the time of pay back producing more energy.
  • After installing solar panels, Light Induced Degradation (LID) may occur within few months which decreases the amount of power produced in the module. If there is little or no LID in the panel, then the panel is considered as good.
  • Based on your installation application, the best type of solar cell will vary for you. There are three major types of solar cell remain. They are mono-crystalline, poly-crystalline (or multi-crystalline) and amorphous (or thin-film) silicon. High efficiency and good heat tolerance characteristics remain in mono-crystalline silicon. Due to recent development in poly-crystalline panel technology, it has been observed that panels with poly-crystalline silicon are equal to or better than many mono-crystalline in terms of heat tolerance, size and efficiency. Least amount of silicons are used in amorphous (or thin-film) silicon. Typically, thin-film contains least efficient solar cells. At present, some panel manufacturers are producing thin-film module with highest conversion efficiency.


Prasun Barua

Prasun Barua is an Engineer (Electrical & Electronic) and Member of the European Energy Centre (EEC). His first published book Green Planet is all about green technologies and science. His other published books are Solar PV System Design and Technology, Electricity from Renewable Energy, Tech Know Solar PV System, C Coding Practice, AI and Robotics Overview, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, Know How Solar PV System, Know The Product, Solar PV Technology Overview, Home Appliances Overview, Tech Know Solar PV System, C Programming Practice, etc. These books are available at Google Books, Google Play, Amazon and other platforms.

97 Comments

  1. Thanks for sharing this information. I found it very informative as I have been researching a lot lately on practical matters such as you talk about..
    solar panel installation

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Erike for reading the post and commenting.

      Delete
  2. Choosing the right solar panel is really help for me, because I would love to have our own Solar Panels installed on our home one day. So this article was a great help for me. thanks

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your blog is really attention-grabbing for me; I will definitely bookmark your website. Thanks solar-panels-scotland.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks James for reading the post and commenting.

      Delete
  4. Many thanks for the exciting blog posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you are a brilliant writer. I actually added your blog to my favorites and will look forward for more updates. Keep it up

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for reading the post and commenting. You're welcome.

      Delete
  5. It will be valuable to everyone who uses it. Thank you so much this post.Just about everything looks good displayed. California solar systems is best and tell you how our solar system formed, how it was discovered and the names of the planets, dwarf planets.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Many thanks for the exciting blog posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you are a brilliant writer. I actually added your blog to my favorites and will look forward for more updates. Great Job, Keep it up..
    Solar kits south africa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Barney for reading the post and commenting. You're welcome.

      Delete
  7. According to my view start up of solar panel electricity will help for residential use the future of electricity growth that provides to reduce electricity bills. Visit us www.novawestsolar.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. thanks for sharing such a nice blog.the stuff is really good!!!

    solar leads

    ReplyDelete
  9. This article Awesome .Thanks For Give me Brief Knowledge About Solar .
    -----------------------------------------------------
    Residential solar installation

    ReplyDelete
  10. Even though the trend of solar roofing has increased steadily over the years, it needs to be made popular. If solar roof panels are made more accessible and affordable, all of our energy requirements will be fulfilled.

    Solgen Energy Group

    ReplyDelete
  11. Choosing the right solar Power panels is really help for my home. Solar panel electricity will help for residential use the future of electricity growth that provides to reduce electricity bills.

    ReplyDelete
  12. An investment for the solar panel is not a small investment that is why it need to be little careful. Lots of things need to be taken care while planning to install a solar panel. You need to check the compatibility of the solar panel to your location. Few things like the temperature of the place may have impact on the working efficiency of the solar panel. Thanks a lot for the valuable info. For installation of a panel, it is better to take the help of experts. Solar Panel Installation Long Beach, CA.

    ReplyDelete
  13. The Solar Power is considered as the new energy for us and it is green power for the environment. We should encourage more people using it in the life.

    Solar Albuquerque


    ReplyDelete
  14. Choosing a solar rooftop panel is quite difficult task but this site makes it easy by providing us valuable content.Thanks for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Good read. One of the most obvious reasons to invest in solar power is because it’s a renewable energy source. This means that we’re able to continually harvest the energy from the sun. Forever.

    Solar Las Vegas

    ReplyDelete
  16. I agree that you need to consider the tolerance rate of a solar panel. It would seem that you would want to consider this because it would perform efficiently. My brother is looking for a solar panel, so he'll have to find something that is efficient. https://accuratesolarpower.com/service

    ReplyDelete
  17. thanks for sharing, really enjoyed this article, look forward to coming back and reading more
    Home Solar Power
    Solar Panel Home Cost
    Solar Installers Near Me
    Solar Panel Home Installation

    ReplyDelete
  18. Very interesting article. its very useful and informative. Thank you for your sharing such a nice post.
    Solar Panel Dealers in Villupuram
    Solar Panel Dealers in vellore

    ReplyDelete
  19. It is true that to determine the wattage correctly, it is important to size the panel according to your required power usage. Battery stores power for later use. To maintain the constant level power storage in the battery, thesolar panelneeds to supply the battery same amount of outgoing power.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Very correctly mentioned the things to identify the features of a perfect solar panel, the cost of the solar panel actually depends upon its size and considerations of tolerance rate of solar panels. Thanks for sharing informative post

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Christopher for reading the post and commenting. You're welcome.

      Delete
  21. Excellent and helpful post… I am so glad to left comment on this.
    Installing Solar Power
    Solar Albuquerque

    ReplyDelete
  22. I do like that the article brings up the importance of the conversion efficiency. After all, when you're choosing a solar panel for your home you'll want it to be as efficiency as possible. That way you get the most out of the energy you've stored up for use in your home. https://climaticsolar.com/

    ReplyDelete
  23. Solar panel companiescan help us to save more electricity effectively. Your blog on the best solar panel companies is pretty impressive. Amazing work man!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks William for reading the post and commenting. You're welcome.

      Delete
  24. One of the Solar System Kits will help you through making a solar system for your house or even a distant place. It will contain a particular record of exactly what you need to buy in to make your solar rays system for your house. The best kit will help you to turn the solar rays that the sun provides into useful power for all of that equipment that cannot do without.Fire Mountain Solar

    ReplyDelete
  25. Nice and very informative post..

    Thanks for sharing such a valuable information..

    best flexible solar panel

    ReplyDelete
  26. Great Information! Thanks for sharing this content with us. I have something important to share with you regarding Solar panel installation company I hope this will give you some suggestions to work on your upcoming blogs.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Absolutely choosing the right size and power of solar panels will help in optimized Very informative article on Solar energy generation. However, Solar companies in Pakistan do help you in making the right decision to whether go for mono or poly solar panels.

    ReplyDelete
  28. If you are looking for the services of quick and easy fixed voltage inverter, then choose Las Vegas certified best solar. We provide reliable guidance for fitting.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Great details here, better yet to discover out your blog which is fantastic. Nicely done!!! For more visit Best Solar Panel Company in Nagpur.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Yes, this big question in all people, which is based on Solar Panel Savings to get maximum amount of energy.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Nice Post
    Your information is valuable.
    Thanks for Sharing
    Solar Inverter

    ReplyDelete
  32. Solar panel is the best way to save money and electricity we can save our environment and natural things via using natural system this can be easy for every house. Choosing right solar panels system is important. Thanks for sharing this article.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Great Information! Thanks for sharing this content with us.

    Solar Panel

    ReplyDelete
  34. get full details about the Renewable Solutions For The American Farmer & Small Business.Cheaper Solar Power Gains Ground in Southeast Asia
    solar farms in georgia

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks for this great post, i find it very interesting and very well thought out and put together. I look forward to reading your work in the future.
    Solar Panels Installation in Rawalpindi

    ReplyDelete
  36. Great Post
    Eapro Global Ltd is one of the larger & superior manufacturers of Sine wave Inverter, Solar Inverter, PCU, Hybrid Inverter with leading technologies. We are the most popular brand of India and Globally most trusted OE Manufacturers for highly quality products. We believe in Advance Reliable Technology and win win relationships with our existing & potential partners.
    Solar Panel

    ReplyDelete
  37. Really Nice Post!!

    Solar energy is the clean energy resource in the future, the benefits this technology has to offer to make them a better investment for developing countries. Outdoor solar street lights are the best option to save money and use clean energy for lighting up all around areas. These lights are stylish, easy to install, and cost-saving.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Nice blog, amazing information you have shared here. Would you like to buy a solar system or are you interested in wind power or solar thermal energy? Select your topic in the overview here and find out more about our wide range of services on your way to renewable energies.
    Installation of solar panels

    ReplyDelete
  39. Great post!! We are a growing business with an ever increasing product range, endeavoring to stay ahead of the pack. To avoid disappointment, it is of the utmost importance that the customers acquire quality products at the outset and that the products are installed by someone suitably qualified to do so Solar Panels South Africa

    ReplyDelete
  40. Great Information, thanks to share this information it was really helpful. Keep writing such type of blog. For more information click on this link solar panel installation company in Orange County

    ReplyDelete
  41. Much Appreciate!! You cover Different types of Solar Panels in one post and the information is great. I have read about portable solar panels today. The beauty of portable solar panels is that they are portable! Just think how often most people move. By planning ahead, you could take your solar panels to your new home and set them up again, and save money again.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Great Post.
    You Share valuable information.
    Thanks for sharing with us.
    Solar Panel

    ReplyDelete
  43. Amazing Content! thanks for sharing this knowledgeable content with us,I have something useful to share with you regarding .residential solar panel installation i hope this will help you to create new blog.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Thanks For This Informative Article. It Helps All Those People Who Are Confused to choose the solar panels but now they can buy that easily through your great info.
    solar panels in massachusetts

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks for sharing such a nice article, its help me alot.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thanks for sharing such an amazing Blog, you provide detailed information about this, so please keep sharing more blogs that I can learn from. We produce insulating rubber sheet, insulating mats, and insulating rubber mats.
    Insulating rubber sheet
    Insulating Mats
    Insulating mats for electrical purpose

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thanks For This Informative Article. It Helps All Those People Who Are Confused In Selecting the good company of solar panels Like me.
    solar panels in Texas

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thank you for sending this information about it. I learned a lot from it. I appreciate the detail you went into it. But in my Opinion If you Check
    1kw solar panel
    Growatt Inverter
    6.6kw Solar System With Battery Price
    Arise Solar Product Review
    Fronius Smart Meter
    Green Energy Solar Company
    Solar Energy Power
    it would definitely worth your time and I am grateful for the amount of time and effort you put into this helping us. Your insights and summary are beneficial

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thanks admin for the nice post, Its really helpful to get lots of new information.
    Best Solar Panels In Texas

    ReplyDelete
  50. Excellent information provided by you through this post. I followed all the mentioned information. Now a day’s Solar Panels are high in demand. Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic (PV) panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation. This energy can be used to generate electricity or be stored in batteries or thermal storage. If you want to know about camping solar systems then you can visit us at: www.flexible-solar-panel.com.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Keep sharing such posts. Lightweight solar panel provider offers portable mobile solar panels, power banks and portable solar generators for everyday use.
    solar panel charge phone

    ReplyDelete
  52. Thanks for sharing such an informative and useful content with us keep sharing on such type of articles.
    Solar panels in Melbourne

    ReplyDelete
  53. Sun oriented (Solar) power in Georgia on roofs can give 31% of all power utilized in Georgia. Net metering is restricted to 100 kW for non-private purchasers and 10 kW for private buyers, up to 0.2% of earlier year’s top interest. But Nu Solar Power still offers georgia power solar programs, you will find brief about this program on there site.

    ReplyDelete

  54. Looking for a more creative way to power your Dallas home? These systems are great because they rely on panels instead of an electric company
    installation companies are eager to accommodate homes
    Cheap Off Grid Solar System Dallas Texas

    ReplyDelete
  55. When you are looking to save on your electricity bills, installing solar panels could be a great option for you.
    Solar panels in Worcester MA can help you reduce your energy bills by generating your own power. Solar panels are also a
    sustainable option because they don't use any fossil fuels. Solar panels also have a long lifespan,


    ReplyDelete
  56. Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are awesome. Thanks a lot for sharing. Keep blogging.. off grid solar in az

    ReplyDelete
  57. We are a fully Australian-owned and CEC-approved solar retailer. With more than 15 years of solar industry experience, we provide ideal solar energy solutions to homeowners and businesses across Victoria.

    We regard each customer as an important part of our business and we pride ourselves on providing the best advice, support, and service. Most importantly the installation quality of our Solar panels systemis managed by experienced electrical technicians and engineers.

    ReplyDelete
Post a Comment
Previous Post Next Post