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A residential solar panel guide.

The residential solar panels technology has grown exponentially in the last few years. Many people, businesses, and governments have turned to other power sources because of high electricity and energy prices. The shift in the industry has been accelerated by the increased focus and commitment of many entities and climate change activists to combating global emissions and solar panel packages are in great demand.


You have many options for residential solar panels available throughout Australia. Choosing the right choice for your application can be challenging if you don't have the necessary industry knowledge. This article will help you choose the best solar panel. It includes detailed information and facts about each option and details on which ones are best suited for what type of application.




Know your solar panels

It is essential to know the manufacturer and details about the materials used in making residential solar panels before you purchasing one. There are three levels of quality in a manufacturer's product: Tier 1, 2, and 3.


  • Tier 1 deals only with the top 2% solar panel manufacturer. They have at least five years of experience and use the highest quality silicon to produce solar cells. This Tier includes the highest quality solar panels that produce significant energy.


  • Tier 2 is for companies with less investment in research and development of solar panel technology. These companies rely on both robotic and manual assembly to produce their lines. These manufacturers have been in the solar panels business for approximately 2-5 years. Although they produce high-quality solar panels at an affordable price, their residential solar panels can sometimes be unreliable or problematic.


  • Tier 3 is basically 90% of all new photovoltaic manufacturers. These companies don't manufacture their own cells and do not invest in research and development. They are primarily focused on the assembly of panels and use human production lines to manually solder solar cells. Although they are cheaper, their quality is average and can lead to many problems in the long term.


Learn about the different types of solar panel

There are three types of commercial or residential solar panels on the market. Each type is based on the materials used, and each has its own benefits and features. Therefore, if you want to choose the best solar panel, it is essential to know all types.

  • Monocrystalline

These solar cells are made of monocrystalline silicon crystals. They are usually black in color and are most efficient and cost-effective, but they also have high efficiency. Choosing this type can be a huge upfront cost, but you will save enough on your electricity bills. Monocrystalline is the best choice if you have limited roof space but need a lot of solar energy.

  • Polycrystalline

These cells are made of polycrystalline silicon, and they have been a popular choice for Australians going for residential solar panels. Because they are simple to make, they have lower prices and are more efficient than monocrystalline cells; however, they have lower efficiency. Polycrystalline cells have seen significant improvements, with some cells being better than or equal to monocrystalline ones in all aspects. These cells are an affordable option if you're looking for something practical.


Tolerance

To select the best residential solar panels, it is essential to consider the tolerance level of the panel. Tolerance refers to how much electricity or power can be tolerated. Remember that solar panel energy gains will be more accurate if there is a small tolerance. If the tolerance rating is positive, the solar panel's energy generation will be equal to or greater than the given wattage in standard testing conditions. However, it is possible that the product description does not include information about tolerance. In such cases, you must ask the seller.


Conversion efficiency

The efficiency of the solar panels in converting electrical energy into electricity is the basis for your system's power generation. If there are two models of solar panels to choose from, the efficiency of the higher efficiency one will be more profitable. This is something to keep in mind when selecting residential solar panels.


PID and LID resistance

When stray currents are triggered by certain climate conditions, it is called potential induced degradation (or PID). These can cause significant power loss. However, good commercial or residential solar panels have a low or negligible PID. When the panels have been installed recently, LID (light-induced degradation) occurs. These problems usually happen within the first few weeks, but they stabilize in a few months. After that, a significant decrease in power may be observed. A good solar panel will have either very little or no LID at all.


Rating of the temperature coefficient

The temperature coefficient rating measures the heat's impact on a solar panel's operation. Solar power systems with lower temperatures coefficients can be pretty expensive in Australia. This is because solar panels operate more efficiently when the temperature coefficient is lower.


Requirements for Wattage

The highest output power of a solar panel when sunny and bright on a sunny day is called the watt peak. A solar panel with a low-watt peak is best for basic energy needs. Nevertheless, if your requirements are greater, you can choose solar panels with a large watt peak to produce more power. To ensure you are choosing the right solar panel, you must know your watt peak requirements.


Warranty and durability

It is crucial to understand the warranty and durability of solar panels. A warranty period for excellent and well-known solar panels is around 15-20 years. The warranty period is valid as long as the company continues to operate. Therefore, choose a trusted brand like Sunboost that will not run out of business in the long run. Likewise, it is also vital to choose the right solar company who works with your manufacturer.


Watt capacity

Another important aspect is knowing the wattage of a solar panel. Your solar panel’s wattage determines how much energy it can produce per hour. The wattage capacity of a solar panel also significantly impacts the size of your commercial or residential solar panels. A solar panel with lower wattage will have less energy than one with a higher capacity. Consider the wattage requirement when deciding on the wattage capacity of solar panels you are looking to install.


Solar panels cost

It is crucial to have a clear understanding of the cost of your panels in Sydney. You must ensure that your chosen brand meets all requirements to qualify for government rebates. It is not wise to choose a solar panel solely based on its cost, but it is worth being informed about the price.

Solar panels that are CEC-approved should be considered as they can cost you more than the price of good panels.


Conclusion

If you are looking to buy commercial or residential solar panels in Australia but aren't sure what options to choose, the above tips will help. And if you don’t want to do the cumbersome tasks mentioned above, just give Sunboost a call and we will do everything for you! Sunboost distinguishes itself from most solar providers with affordable solar panel packages and their comprehensive and no-frills installation process.

Call Sunboost today at 1300 786 266 and schedule a free consultation or write to us at info@sunboost.com.au to know more about the leading solar panel installer in Australia.

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