As you research commercial solar panel options for your business, you may encounter the term “solar panel efficiency.” But what does this phrase mean, and does it truly matter? What other characteristics of commercial solar panels should you consider when evaluating and comparing your choices?

 

SOLAR PANEL EFFICIENCY AND ITS IMPORTANCE

Solar panel efficiency measures how much of the sun’s energy a panel can convert into electricity under ideal conditions. For instance, a panel with a 15% efficiency rate produces electricity equal to 15% of the sunlight it receives. Today’s commercially available solar panels generally achieve an efficiency rate between 15% to 24%, depending on the technology.

Although you’ll purchase panels with a certain watt rating, efficiency is crucial. Higher efficiency means generating the same power in less space with fewer panels, reducing installation costs and offering flexibility for future expansions. Here are four key questions to consider when evaluating efficiency:

• What is the efficiency rating of the panels?
• What is the panel size?
• How many panels are required to meet your energy needs?
• How easy is it to expand your installation in the future?

While lower-priced, less-efficient panels may seem economical, other factors should be weighed.

 

DURABILITY AND DEGRADATION RATE:

ENSURING LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE

The durability of commercial solar panels is as vital as their efficiency, especially considering the investment involved. Harsh environmental conditions can affect panel performance over time, highlighting the importance of durability and degradation rate. Here are four key questions to evaluate durability and degradation:

• Are there features to ensure panel performance under harsh conditions?
• What is the historic failure rate of the panels?
• What is the average degradation rate?
• How will degradation affect energy output over the system’s life?

 

PERFORMANCE: REALISTIC ENERGY GENERATION

Real-world performance differs from lab conditions, making it crucial to understand how panels perform under varying conditions. Here are four key questions to evaluate performance:

• What product and power warranties are offered? How long does each one last?

• What exactly is covered by the product warranty?

• If the power warranty that comes with the solar panels is longer than the product warranty, what’s covered if a product defect causes power loss?

• What does the panel replacement process look like?

 

WARRANTY: KNOWING YOUR COVERAGE

Understanding the warranty is crucial, as it dictates how defects and underperformance are addressed. Key questions to consider are:

• What product and power warranties are offered, and for how long?
• What is covered by the warranties, and what are the replacement processes?

Understanding these characteristics and their financial implications can help you make informed decisions about your commercial solar installation.