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Getting What You Pay For – What To Consider In Evaluating The Quality Of A Solar System Purchase

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In order to generate electricity from sunlight, there is a need for solar panels. Solar panels serve as the medium by which sunlight is converted into electricity. Using sunlight as the source of electricity for our homes seemed like an impossible feat before now. However, after years of tireless research channeled toward this cause, came the solar panel. Today, solar panels have become a popular product. Many homes now make use of the system. Solar panels collect the ultraviolet rays of the sun particularly the photons that are present in the sunlight and then convert it into electrons. The electrons produce direct current which is a form of electricity, but not the kind that can light up a building.  They, therefore, need to be inverted with the use of a component called the solar inverter. When this is done, alternating current is produced which is the electricity that you need, the one that powers your home. The whole process begins with the solar panel.

Various brands of solar panels perform differently. This is referred to as solar panel efficiency. Solar panel efficiency is the ability of the panel to convert sunlight into electricity. Not all the sunlight that hits the solar panel will be converted. Some will be wasted, which is typical for all solar panels. However, some panels convert more solar rays than the others. It is imperative that you know the efficiency of the solar panels you are about to purchase.

Factors To Consider When Getting Solar Panels

solar panel factors

You need to know the indices that are to be considered when shopping for solar panels. These factors will determine if you will get value for your money. These factors include solar panel rating, power tolerance, solar cell efficiency, temperature coefficient.

Solar panel rating refers to the amount of power the panel can produce based on an industry standard test. The higher the power rating, the more it becomes effective at producing power or electricity. Every solar panel has a nameplate power rating. It is used to determine how much work or power a panel can generate. It is by nameplate rating that you can make a comparison with other solar panels.

Power tolerance: during the production of the solar panel, some variations take place which affect the total output of the panel. This represents how the power output of a panel can be slightly different from the nameplate rating of the panel. For example, a panel which according to nameplate rating should produce 250 watts could eventually produce about 237.55 watts. This difference is represented in percentages. You need to be on the lookout for panels with a narrow power tolerance because it offers more assurance. You, therefore, need to view the power tolerance alongside the solar panel rating.

Solar cell efficiency: this is the effectiveness of the solar panel to convert solar radiation into electricity. The highest solar panel efficiency rate available today is a little above 22%. Only a few solar panels can boast of this type of rating. High solar panel efficiency means that the panel can generate more electricity than a panel of the same size under the same condition. Size is not necessarily a guarantee that the solar panel will generate more electricity. It won’t if it has a low power efficiency rating, that is, its conversion rate is low. If you purchase such a product, you will spend more to buy multiple panels so as to make up for the quantity of electricity that you need. This is why it is important to consider the rating of a panel before purchasing in order to get adequate value for your money.

Temperature coefficient: it is believed that solar panels are able to withstand the heat of the sun. This is true but only to a certain extent. When the solar panel is subjected to too much sunlight heat at above 77ºF, it decreases the solar panel’s power capacity. For example, when the temperature is about 4ºF, some standard grade panels will produce about 1% less electricity than they normally produce. Panels that have a smaller temperature coefficient will perform better over time. You need to need to check the solar panel temperature coefficient before purchase especially if you reside in a region that experience high daily temperature.

The above listed are the factors that differentiate one panel from the other even if they look the same in size as others. When you find a panel that has the above quality, then you have found a panel that gives you value for your money. However, when you have a variety of such solar panels, which one should you go for? Let’s quickly take a look at some of the criteria for choosing the best among the best.

Solar panel quality: you need to be sure the panel has the certification of the International Standard Organization (ISO). A panel not having ISO certification is not an indication for poor quality, however, a panel with ISO certification is an indication that the panel has passed a certain test and its quality is certified.

Solar panel durability: this is the measure of how well a solar panel can withstand the pressure of the real world such as in snow, high-intensity wind and harsh weather conditions. Check out the reviews on the solar panel to know this.

Manufacturer assurance: this comes with respect to warranty. In case a problem occurs after installation, a strong warranty will cover for it. You need two major types of warranties:

  • Power production warranty: despite the fact that there is usually a decline in power production over the years, the manufacturer should be able to guarantee that the panel will maintain a certain percentage of its power production capacity over a period time of about 25 years which is the estimated lifespan of a typical solar panel.
  • Material warranty: this covers against failure as a result of manufacturing defects and environmental issues. The materials used for the panel need to be able to stand the test of time.

How To Maintain Your Solar Panel System

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Do you own a solar energy generating panel? Are you worried about the maintenance and how to make them more durable? This article answers all the questions you might have and much more. The solar panel is actually very durable and does not require much maintenance. It can withstand extreme temperatures and weather changes without a hitch. Most manufacturers give over 20-year warranty on their solar panels that will cover the cost of replacement and sometimes maintenance by the company you purchased it from. Below are all the tips you need to know about solar panel maintenance. 

Take advantage of the manufacturer’s warranty:

In the unlikely event of damage to the solar panel, it is best for you to contact the manufacturer for replacement and repair. Be sure to read through and understand what the manufacturer warranty will cover before installation. Go for the best deal you can get. Solar inverters usually come with a 10-year warranty too.

Installation of your solar panel:

solar panel installation

The solar panel does not have any mountable parts except tracking mounts. Most of the issues that arise from your solar panels are related to electrical production which is why it is important that you track the energy production of your panels. Make sure to note any decrease in energy generation in order to address these issues as soon as they arise. Your panel should be installed at an angle of 15 degrees, and you need not to worry about cleaning the surface in event of snow, dust or rainfall.

In the event that your solar panel requires cleaning due to bird dropping or oil spilling on it, it will be best if you consult the user’s manual to know what kind of cleaning it needs to be done or you can call a local cleaning agency in your neighborhood.

Thinking About Investing In Solar Energy System? Here Are Some Factors to Consider

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What is a solar system? We were taught in elementary science that the solar system consists of the sun and the planets that orbit around it. This is, however, not the solar system under discussion here. The solar system being discussed in this write up is the process of harnessing solar energy from the sun. The solar panels or Photovoltaic system are used to convert the electromagnetic radiation from sunlight into electricity for our consumption.

Know More About Using Solar Energy

Solar energy can be used to power household appliances and even cars, all thanks to innovative research and products.

solar energy uses
  1. Solar energy helps you to save money: imagine never having to pay electric bills again simply because you now generate your own electricity. This is a rare opportunity that solar energy affords you. It helps you save a few dollars monthly and reduces the financial burden placed on you.
  2. The solar energy system is not a new invention: The scientists working at Bells laboratory were the first to invent a photovoltaic system. This brilliant piece of the invention has been installed in millions of houses all over the world and in over a million buildings in America.
  3. Solar energy system panels are long-lasting and durable: solar panels are produced from tempered glass. This tempered glass is strong enough to withstand harsh and extreme weather conditions be it rain, wind or even snow. There is an added benefit of it protecting your roof too and helping to prevent leakage.
  4. Solar panel system installation guarantees you a good return on investment: The question at the back of your mind will be, “is solar panel installation a worthy investment?” Yes, it is a worthy investment. The time is right. The demand for solar panels is continuously increasing and the demand for it is high. Invest now when there is a lot of benefits to be accrued.
  5. A solar panel system does not require maintenance: Yes, you read that right. Your solar panels are extremely durable and do not need you to clean them. You do not have to worry about an extra charge of maintenance.
  6. Most locations in the U.S. have enough sunshine to power the solar system: theU.S is blessed with sufficient sunshine all year round to adequately charge solar panels and ensure continuous energy generation. Your current electricity cost should be compared to the cost of solar panel installation to help ease your decision.
  7. A solar panel system, once installed, can generate electricity for over 20 years: most solar panel the manufacturers give over 20-year power generation warranty on their product. You need not worry about the constant cost of changing the panels.
  8. Solar energy does not pollute the environment: Unlike some forms of energy generation, solar energy does not pollute the environment. Solar energy does not emit any gas or substances that can harm our universe as fossil fuel do.
  9. Solar energy is an inexhaustible form of renewable energy: day-in-day-out, all through the year, the sun rises and sets daily providing us with abundant sunshine to generate our energy from. Your solar panels will convert sunlight to electricity without noise or air pollution.
  10. The government is beginning to see the importance of renewable energy such as sunlight: The Australian government is offering financial incentives to the solar panel system installation companies through its Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme. The residents of Queensland make extra money from the government by selling excess energy generated by their panel to the government.
  11. The solar energy system is always undergoing further research and development: Solar energy system technology is constantly advancing and improvements are being made to make them better in the future. Quantum energy and nanotechnology are concerned with improving energy generation.
  12. Solar energy can be put to diverse use: Solar energy can be put to diverse use. It can be converted to electricity for powering your gadgets, household appliances, and office equipment. It can be used to generate heat energy as well to power for your various needs.

The Top 10 Solar Panel Manufacturers in the World

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The process of harnessing solar energy is not just as straightforward as we have sunlight. This is why a lot of research has gone into the development of this technology. Every penny spent in order to achieve this aim is worth it because, as it has been said, there is no need to spend on renewing the source. Once a system of harnessing the power has been gotten, it remains a fixed asset unto us and we need not spend to keep or maintain the source. It is this knowledge that has made those who spent endless to keep spending and funding the research work. Not until recently when it became clear how solar power can be a source of electricity and how it can be mass produced and consumed in mass. Our doubts have now been cleared. Ongoing projects now focus more on the improvement of solar panels and how solar panels can become more efficient and less costly, this is so that a majority can have and make use of it.  Since solar panels are the major component of the solar power system.

solar powered homes

It has been said that the amount of energy the sun produces in an hour is more than enough to supply the world with power for more than a year. If this is true, why not then harness it? Harnessing solar power is not a new concept. However, there has been a great development in recent years that has helped us put solar energy to more use. The solar system built around the generation of electricity is a recent development. It is an advancement in technology.

Solar panels are the major component of the solar power system. In the early stages of the development of solar panels, the cost of getting one was way over the financial capacity of many, making it almost impossible to fully gain commercial value. However, over the years and with consistent research and adequate funding, the cost of solar panels has drastically reduced. The use of solar panels has now become less costly when compared to a traditional electricity source. As a result, many homes have turned to the use of solar energy as a source of power. This in turn, has given rise to the birth of many companies that manufacture solar panels. East Asia has become the hub for the manufacturing of solar panels. Manufacturers build their production plants in a country like China even if raw materials are sourced from some other places.

Does it matter where solar panels are made?

Should the place where a solar panel is manufactured matter in any way? The answer to this question is simple. To someone who wants to go solar, creating a balance between the cost and quality of the solar panel should matter more than where the panel is produced. In other words, it should matter more to you as a homeowner to go solar with efficient, long-lasting and durable solar panels.

What if I am concerned about the country of solar manufacture?

The country of production is definitely important. We all have what we prefer. You may prefer to purchase products manufactured in your country for patriotic reasons or maybe because you trust products made in your country more and this is good. However, it should not be a compromise on quality and cost. Striking the balance between these two should be of more importance. Some solar companies have their headquarters in the States and their production facility is based in another country. This, however, does not change the company’s product quality. In summary, one thing is certain and remains undisputed: there is little or no interrelationship between a company’s country of manufacture and the company’s product quality, which should be the most important factor in your decision-making process.

List of American-Made Solar Panels and the Solar Panel Manufacturer

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An announcement was made by the Trump administration on the 22 of January to place 30% tariff on photovoltaic panels and cells brought into the States. As a result of the announcement, lots of concerns were elevated about the solar marketplace. One of the major concerns raised was where one can discover American made solar panels.

A lot of the solar jobs in the United States take advantage of imported solar panels, but there are additionally numerous U.S. producers. Some of the making firm’s headquarters are not positioned in the United States. Below are some solar companies that manufacture all or the majority of the solar panels in the U.S.

Manufacturers of photovoltaic panels in the U.S. (2019 )

photovolataic panels
  • Tesla/Panasonic- at Buffalo, NY (U.S. manufacturing center).
  • SolarWorld Americas at Hillsboro, OR.
  • Silfab Solar at Bellingham, WA (U.S. manufacturing facility).
  • SolarTech Universal at Riviera Beach, FL.
  • Mission Solar at San Antonio, TX.
  • Seraphim at Jackson, MS (U.S. headquarters).
  • Solaria at Fremont, CA (U.S. head office).
  • Heliene at Mountain Iron, MN (U.S. production facility).

Various other remarkable solar panel business:

  • SunPower at San Jose, CA.
  • Solar Electric America at Richmond, VA.
  • SolSuntech at Virginia.
  • Prism Solar at Highland, NY.
  • MiaSolé at Sunnyvale, CA.
  • First Solar at Perrysburg, OH.
  • JinkoSolar at Jacksonville, FL.
  • Hanwha Q CELLS at Dalton, GA.
  • GreenBrilliance at Baltimore, MD.
  • LG Solar USA at Huntsville, AL.
  • Lumos Solar at San Jose, CA.
  • Auxin Solar at San Jose, CA.
  • Global Solar at Tucson, AZ.
  • CSUN at McClellan Park, CA.
  • CertainTeed Solar at San Jose, CA.

Two points should be kept in mind concerning the listing of the American manufacturing solar panel business over.

First, these companies collect some or every one of the parts of the solar panel and generate the key elements from other nations. All the components that are imported are typically positioned under the solar toll, though the very first 2.5 gigawatts (GW) are omitted from the solar toll for every year. (For even more understanding, the U.S. linked 12GW of solar in 2017, for which a calculated value of 2.5 GW solar panel was made in the U.S.).

Secondly, the checklist of all the business’s headquarters above is not totally located in the United States. For instance, Heliene has its headquarters somewhere else. Some like SolarWorld Americas are subsidiaries to worldwide producers. However, they will create a lot of their solar panels in the United States.

Check out for additional information on some business associated with making photovoltaic panels in America.
SolarWorld Americas and Suniva.

Update January 2019: Suniva declared bankruptcy in 2018 and also is presently going through procedures.

These two recognized firms, though on the list have been seen a current of late asking the U.S. government to reassess the levy placed on global photovoltaic panel companies.

There is a disagreement in the solar panel market relating to the tariff and if it will help the manufacturing of the solar sector in the long run. Some anticipate an unfavorable impact on the solar market in the U.S. due to the rise in the cost of manufacturing. The Association of Solar Energy Industry calculates that there will certainly be a loss of jobs in solar panel setup field and also a great rise in tasks in the generating industry.

In the short term, SolarWorld introduced they will certainly be boosting the degree of solar panel manufacturing in the U.S. Suniva did not make any kind of public news on the strategies.

You can experience the testimonials on SolarWorld and Suniva for a much better understanding of their solar panels.
Heliene Solar.

Heliene lies in Sault St.Marie, Ontario, Canada, and the majority of the solar panels are produced there. Heliene also has a production center in Minnesota. Heliene solar panels are appropriate for the made in Minnesota solar reward program, which provides financial value to Minnesota solar panel proprietors that connect the photovoltaic panels in the created state.

After the White House news of the solar toll, Heliene stated that it was buying a fresh line of devices at the facility in Minnesota.

Mission Solar.

Mission solar is a San Antonio, Texas-based solar company where the setting up, making and engineering of solar panels is done. They are additionally associated with the production of large-and-small- range solar panel projects.

Like a lot of sectors on the listing, Mission Solar said that they will be boosting production in 2018, though their strategies have actually been in production considering that 2017 because of boosted production and also not as an item of the profession case.

Seraphim.

Seraphim Solar USA is the U.S. possessed partner of Seraphim Energy Group, which is based in China. Seraphim Solar USA produces all of its photovoltaic panels in the United States at its industrial structure in Jackson, Mississippi.

Silfab Solar.

In 2018, Silfar Solar got the U.S. panel producer Item Energy. Silfab Solar makes modules in Washington State as well as Toronto, Canada.

For further information worrying the business’s items, red the complete Silfab Solar review.

Solaria.

Soloria is a U.S. based business that produces solar panels both in South Korea as well as Fremont, California. Soloria proclaimed that they had actually allocated $23 million to extend producing capacities at the beginning of January 2018.

Read even more details on the business’s items on Soloria review.

SolarTech Universal.

This photovoltaic panel generating firm is based in Riviera Beach, Florida. The company anticipates a great influence on business as a result of the toll and likewise considers that over time the gains will certainly be exceeded by the costs or purchases.

SunSpark Technology.

Sunspark Technology is a Californian business found in Riverside, California. Its founding company is positioned in China. Sunshark has actually not made a general discuss the tariff.

Tesla/Panasonic.

Tesla Energy has actually partnered with Panasonic to produce solar panels in the United States at the Tesla Gigafactory 2 in Buffalo, New York. At the beginning of January 2018, the company openly revealed that the production of solar cells had commenced at the center for both Tesla solar roof covering and Panasonic photovoltaic panels.

Panasonic creates all of its photovoltaic panels overseas; they have actually not been able to satisfy the demand of Tesla’s energy. Both companies anticipate boosting production in the coming year. Although Tesla discussed the toll in 2017 however also restated its commitment to the U.S. government after the tariff start was made.

List of American-Made Solar Panels and the Solar Panel Manufacturer

Posted on by admin

An announcement was made by the Trump administration on the 22 of January to place 30% tariff on photovoltaic panels and cells brought into the States. As a result of the announcement, lots of concerns were elevated about the solar marketplace. One of the major concerns raised was where one can discover American made solar panels.

A lot of the solar jobs in the United States take advantage of imported solar panels, but there are additionally numerous U.S. producers. Some of the making firm’s headquarters are not positioned in the United States. Below are some solar companies that manufacture all or the majority of the solar panels in the U.S.

Manufacturers of photovoltaic panels in the U.S. (2019 )

photovolataic panels
  • Tesla/Panasonic- at Buffalo, NY (U.S. manufacturing center).
  • SolarWorld Americas at Hillsboro, OR.
  • Silfab Solar at Bellingham, WA (U.S. manufacturing facility).
  • SolarTech Universal at Riviera Beach, FL.
  • Mission Solar at San Antonio, TX.
  • Seraphim at Jackson, MS (U.S. headquarters).
  • Solaria at Fremont, CA (U.S. head office).
  • Heliene at Mountain Iron, MN (U.S. production facility).

Various other remarkable solar panel business:

  • SunPower at San Jose, CA.
  • Solar Electric America at Richmond, VA.
  • SolSuntech at Virginia.
  • Prism Solar at Highland, NY.
  • MiaSolé at Sunnyvale, CA.
  • First Solar at Perrysburg, OH.
  • JinkoSolar at Jacksonville, FL.
  • Hanwha Q CELLS at Dalton, GA.
  • GreenBrilliance at Baltimore, MD.
  • LG Solar USA at Huntsville, AL.
  • Lumos Solar at San Jose, CA.
  • Auxin Solar at San Jose, CA.
  • Global Solar at Tucson, AZ.
  • CSUN at McClellan Park, CA.
  • CertainTeed Solar at San Jose, CA.

Two points should be kept in mind concerning the listing of the American manufacturing solar panel business over.

First, these companies collect some or every one of the parts of the solar panel and generate the key elements from other nations. All the components that are imported are typically positioned under the solar toll, though the very first 2.5 gigawatts (GW) are omitted from the solar toll for every year. (For even more understanding, the U.S. linked 12GW of solar in 2017, for which a calculated value of 2.5 GW solar panel was made in the U.S.).

Secondly, the checklist of all the business’s headquarters above is not totally located in the United States. For instance, Heliene has its headquarters somewhere else. Some like SolarWorld Americas are subsidiaries to worldwide producers. However, they will create a lot of their solar panels in the United States.

Check out for additional information on some business associated with making photovoltaic panels in America.
SolarWorld Americas and Suniva.

Update January 2019: Suniva declared bankruptcy in 2018 and also is presently going through procedures.

These two recognized firms, though on the list have been seen a current of late asking the U.S. government to reassess the levy placed on global photovoltaic panel companies.

There is a disagreement in the solar panel market relating to the tariff and if it will help the manufacturing of the solar sector in the long run. Some anticipate an unfavorable impact on the solar market in the U.S. due to the rise in the cost of manufacturing. The Association of Solar Energy Industry calculates that there will certainly be a loss of jobs in solar panel setup field and also a great rise in tasks in the generating industry.

In the short term, SolarWorld introduced they will certainly be boosting the degree of solar panel manufacturing in the U.S. Suniva did not make any kind of public news on the strategies.

You can experience the testimonials on SolarWorld and Suniva for a much better understanding of their solar panels.
Heliene Solar.

Heliene lies in Sault St.Marie, Ontario, Canada, and the majority of the solar panels are produced there. Heliene also has a production center in Minnesota. Heliene solar panels are appropriate for the made in Minnesota solar reward program, which provides financial value to Minnesota solar panel proprietors that connect the photovoltaic panels in the created state.

After the White House news of the solar toll, Heliene stated that it was buying a fresh line of devices at the facility in Minnesota.

Mission Solar.

Mission solar is a San Antonio, Texas-based solar company where the setting up, making and engineering of solar panels is done. They are additionally associated with the production of large-and-small- range solar panel projects.

Like a lot of sectors on the listing, Mission Solar said that they will be boosting production in 2018, though their strategies have actually been in production considering that 2017 because of boosted production and also not as an item of the profession case.

Seraphim.

Seraphim Solar USA is the U.S. possessed partner of Seraphim Energy Group, which is based in China. Seraphim Solar USA produces all of its photovoltaic panels in the United States at its industrial structure in Jackson, Mississippi.

Silfab Solar.

In 2018, Silfar Solar got the U.S. panel producer Item Energy. Silfab Solar makes modules in Washington State as well as Toronto, Canada.

For further information worrying the business’s items, red the complete Silfab Solar review.

Solaria.

Soloria is a U.S. based business that produces solar panels both in South Korea as well as Fremont, California. Soloria proclaimed that they had actually allocated $23 million to extend producing capacities at the beginning of January 2018.

Read even more details on the business’s items on Soloria review.

SolarTech Universal.

This photovoltaic panel generating firm is based in Riviera Beach, Florida. The company anticipates a great influence on business as a result of the toll and likewise considers that over time the gains will certainly be exceeded by the costs or purchases.

SunSpark Technology.

Sunspark Technology is a Californian business found in Riverside, California. Its founding company is positioned in China. Sunshark has actually not made a general discuss the tariff.

Tesla/Panasonic.

Tesla Energy has actually partnered with Panasonic to produce solar panels in the United States at the Tesla Gigafactory 2 in Buffalo, New York. At the beginning of January 2018, the company openly revealed that the production of solar cells had commenced at the center for both Tesla solar roof covering and Panasonic photovoltaic panels.

Panasonic creates all of its photovoltaic panels overseas; they have actually not been able to satisfy the demand of Tesla’s energy. Both companies anticipate boosting production in the coming year. Although Tesla discussed the toll in 2017 however also restated its commitment to the U.S. government after the tariff start was made.