In the solar industry, manufacturers have raced to develop the most powerful panel. At SNEC 2020, nearly 20 manufacturers showcased panels rated over 600W.
Faith Wakefield is a writer based in North Carolina. She has a degree in economics and writes about personal finance, EVs, and home energy solutions for EnergySage.
REC Solar
REC Solar is one of the most respected solar equipment manufacturers in the world and has been an industry leader for over four years. They are known for their reliability in the harsh Australian climate with little or no warranty claims reported by solar installers. They are also vertically integrated which means they produce everything from the silicon ingots to the wafers, cells, and complete modules, allowing them to control quality and ensure a consistent product.
The company’s recent Alpha series, featuring high-performance heterojunction cells, has put them on the same level as the world’s best manufacturers and makes them some of the most efficient panels available. Their more affordable Twinpeak and N-peak panels offer great value in the fiercely competitive solar market, and both feature above-average 25-year product and performance warranties.
A REC Solar system can be installed in several steps. First, your solar consultant will assess your site and determine the best system size to meet your energy needs. They will also submit the necessary permits for installation and order the REC solar panels if they are not in stock. Once your permit is approved, the solar installer will install the panels on your roof and connect them to an inverter. Once your solar system is online, you will start to save on your electricity bills.
The REC N-Peak 2 is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a high-efficiency panel. It utilizes n-type TOPCon cells and half-cut cell technology to achieve an efficiency rating of up to 20.3%. N-type cells are characterized by the presence of phosphorus rather than boron in the silicon, which reduces light-induced degradation and increases longevity. Additionally, these REC solar panels are all-black and lack visible grid lines, which many consumers prefer for aesthetic reasons. They are also more budget-friendly than the Alpha series.
SunPower
The SunPower brand of solar panels is well-known for their impressive performance specifications. Their high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels produce the highest power per square foot, making them an excellent choice for home and business owners looking to maximize their energy production. They also have the lowest degradation rates in the industry and one of the best performance warranties for over a decade. However, their premium efficiency comes at a price and their solar systems are often more expensive than other options on the market.
The company was founded in 1985 and is a leader in the solar power industry, especially in major solar hotspot states like California, Florida and Arizona. The company’s equipment is backed by some of the strongest warranties on the market and they offer a range of financing options to suit different budgets. While some customers have experienced problems with their solar systems, most are satisfied with the overall experience and report significant energy savings.
In 2022, SunPower released their next generation Maxeon 6 series panels (known as the M-series in North America). These new panels use a larger cell design and higher efficiency to boost their power rating from 415 watts to 440 watts. They also incorporate an integrated microinverter from Enphase Energy. The M-series panels also have a better temperature coefficient, decreasing their output by only -0.27% per degree Celsius, compared to the industry average of -0.35%.
SunPower also offers the Equinox battery system, which combines their solar panels with a storage system to keep you prepared for an extended outage. It can release up to 6.8 kilowatt hours of energy and has the ability to charge and discharge simultaneously, meaning that you’ll always have enough power for important appliances.
The company is based in California and operates across the country with local offices and partners. It also has a robust online program called the SunPower Design Studio that allows you to customize your solar system and see what it will look like on your roof. The website can also be used to build your own energy simulation and calculate the potential financial benefit of going solar.
Trina Solar
The latest range of solar panels from Trina Solar is the Vertex range, a full suite of modules built to improve Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) and reduce capital expenditure for utility-scale PV projects. Compared to the rest of the industry, Vertex solar modules offer a superior power density and a more diverse product specification.
Based on the leading multi-busbar technology, the Vertex series incorporates 210mm silicon wafers, non-destructive cutting and high-density interconnect technologies. This combination allows the Vertex to achieve a maximum module efficiency of 21.6% and a power output of up to 670W. It also unlocks huge potential for further reducing balance-of-system costs and lowering LCOE in utility-scale projects.
With a variety of options for different types of installations, the Vertex range is ideal for commercial, industrial and large residential solar systems. It features monofacial modules with a white backsheet and bifacial modules with a transparent backsheet. The company’s bifacial modules are especially effective for ground-mounted applications and can produce up to 30% more power than monofacial modules.
Trina Solar’s products are designed to reduce environmental impact and have received several international certifications. Their manufacturing processes are environmentally friendly, using less water and electricity, and generating fewer greenhouse gases. The company also recycles and reuses materials from its own operations. Trina Solar’s modules are backed by a 10-year product warranty and a 25-year linear power output guarantee.
In the Australian market, Trina solar panels are available for both rooftop and ground-mounted installations. The company has offices in Australia, and offers a number of financing options for homeowners. They also offer a product warranty that covers any issues with the installation.
This year, Trina has made a number of advancements in solar panel technology and quality. Their new n-type i-TOPCon Advanced technology is expected to set the standard for industry reliability and performance. PV Evolution Labs recently named Trina as a top performer in their 2023 Solar Reliability Scorecard.
Trina’s solar panels are a great option for the Australian solar market, with a robust and reliable design that is backed by an excellent product warranty. The company has been in the business of producing high-quality solar panels for many years and is known for its excellent customer service and technical support.
LONGi Solar
LONGi Solar is one of the world’s largest solar panel manufacturers and a leader in innovative technology, such as bifacial solar panels. The company’s goal is to provide clean energy to people around the globe while using sustainable business practices. LONGi Solar produces a variety of high-quality monocrystalline solar panels and works with a network of authorized dealers to distribute them. The company’s headquarters are in Xi’an, China.
Designed for high performance and durability, Longi solar panels feature advanced cells that increase power production and decrease maintenance costs. They are dust and water-resistant and can withstand extreme weather conditions. They also have a special anti-reflective surface that reduces power loss from dirt and sand. Additionally, they use a smart soldering technique that improves panel reliability. These features help to make Longi solar panels a great option for residential and commercial applications.
The Hi-MO 4 range of LONGi solar panels is a high-performance model that offers excellent value for money. This model uses monocrystalline PERC half-cut cell technology, which improves the panel’s efficiency and durability. The panels have a higher power output and can achieve up to 20.9% efficiency. They use gallium-doped silicon, which reduces light-induced degradation.
In addition to their excellent price-performance ratio, these solar panels also come with a 10-year product warranty and 25-year extra linear power output warranty. They are made from high-quality materials and have a sleek design that will blend in well with any roof. In addition, these solar panels are available with a wide variety of mounting options to suit your needs.
The Hi-MO 5 range of solar panels from Longi are some of the most affordable options on the market. These solar panels are manufactured with bifacial cells that maximize the amount of sunlight they absorb and convert. They are also made with an anodized aluminum alloy frame and 2.0 mm thick anti-reflective glass. They have a durable coating that protects the panel from damage and increases its lifespan. In addition, these solar panels have a low-profile mounting system that is easy to install on any flat or pitched roof.
