Solar panels can be compared based on several factors like their efficiency, the temperature coefficient, the warranty offered by the solar company, etc. Solar panel efficiency is one of several important factors and is dependent upon both the PV cell type and solar panel configuration. The average solar panel efficiency has increased considerably over recent years from around 15% to above 20% as solar companies have begun incorporating the latest solar cell technologies and innovations. At present, the world’s most efficient solar panels are manufactured using IBC N-type monocrystalline silicon cells and achieve efficiency levels above 22%. The downside is IBC N-type cells are by far the most expensive to manufacture, although the higher upfront cost is often outweighed by the increased efficiency, improved performance at higher temperatures and minimal light-induced degradation (LID), which means much higher energy yield over the life of the panel. Sunpower and LG Energy are the two leading manufacturers who use N-type IBC cells and the Jinko N-type solar panels also come in this category of reliable solar panels.
As a larger Australian population begins to go green with the installation of solar panels, there is an increasing population that is also concerned about where the solar panels are manufactured, especially as supply chain constraints lead to installation delays as well as the often questionable quality of solar panels that are manufactured at cheaper prices. An important question then arises as to which solar panels are the most reliable and efficient currently available in the Australian market.
As there continues to be major developments in the world of solar panel manufacturing, some of the companies which weren’t as popular have recently gained popularity and prominence in the solar world.
When it comes to metrics like solar panel efficiency to be able to distinguish a good quality panel from a bad one, the simple cost per watt of a single solar panel is not a unit of measure that can stand on its own. While making the decision of which solar company you should go with, it’s important to understand the conversion potential of your solar panels. One of the most reliable solar companies which has managed to keep its position high up on the hierarchy of solar brands is SunPower. The SunPower solar panels have an impressive conversion efficiency which has regularly fluctuated over the past 10 years for holding the world record. That being said, SunPower panels are much more expensive than a cheaper brand such as Astroenergy and thus the size of your solar system and panel output will help you decide what will generate the most solar savings and most immediate payback period.
Where do most solar companies manufacture?
The simple answer to this commonly asked question is East Asia, and you will notice that the majority of the top ten manufacturers are Chinese as the bulk of global solar panels are manufactured there. East Asia has become the solar manufacturing hub of the world and the latest emerging trend is that companies outside of China are starting to have success, including Canadian Solar.
It is also important to note however that a panel’s country of manufacture is not usually the most important consideration for someone when going solar. Instead, most people will find a balance between cost and quality, with a panel’s country of manufacture being a secondary consideration – a possible deal-breaker. For some homeowners, the importance of energy independence is a major factor when considering what brand of solar panels they would prefer. At SunMate solar, we do recommend getting advice from your installer and considering their suggestions. After all, they will have the most up to date experience with long term efficiency, maintenance and durability of various solar panel brands and will also know which models are most popular on the market.
Contact SunMate Solar today for free guidance and advice on what system would work best for your home based on your budget, available space and other requirements.
