Top 10 Solar Panels For Homes: Comparison Guide
Solar panels are a popular choice for many homeowners. They’re cheap, relatively hassle-free to install, and can generate a massive amount of free energy every year. However not all solar panels are created equal – some will have better value than others, while some may be more appropriate for your home than others. Below we’ll compare 10 of the top solar panels for homes, to help you find the best one for your home.
What are the best solar panels available on the market?
When choosing the best solar panels for your home, you'll need to take a number of factors into consideration. First and foremost, are you looking for photovoltaic (PV) or concentrated solar panels? PV solar panels use a single silicon cell that converts light directly into electricity – this is the most common type of panel on the market. Concentrated solar panels use a large mirror to focus the sunlight onto a single point, heating up a fluid that turns it into electricity – this is an older technology and there are fewer options on the market today.
Best solar panels for home installation
Solar panels are generally composed of a few basic components – silicone layers, glass, and metal frames. PV solar panels contain first and second-layer silicon cells joined by an electrical junction box that conducts electricity from the two sides. The frame is made of aluminum to protect against wear and tear from wind and rainstorms, as well as to make the panel more resistant to corrosion. Some panels are made with tempered glass, which is more durable than regular glass and will reduce the risk of breakage if the panel is damaged.
Solar panel efficiency
If you’re looking for a solar panel on eBay, then chances are you want something that can generate as much electricity as possible every year. Solar panels on eBay are measured by their wattage, which is the amount of power generated per module. The higher the wattage rating, the more energy will be produced. Some panels have a high ‘peak watt’ rating but low ‘nominal watts’ – this means that they can produce impressive amounts of energy at very favorite times of the day, but produce very little energy at other times of the day.
Short-term and long-term efficiency ratings are also important factors to consider when choosing a solar panel for your home. A short-term rating is the amount of energy produced over a typical lifetime – it considers things like weather conditions, daylight hours, and ambient temperature. A long-term rating takes all of these factors into consideration and adds a few more – like the amount of dust that’s settled on the panel or whether or not it’s been exposed to acid rain.
Durability
The durability of a solar panel can be measured in a number of different ways – from physical damage to acid rain resistance, not to mention the panel’s ability to withstand wind, ice, storms, or extreme heat. If you’re located in an area where the weather is harsh on a regular basis, then it might be worth investing in a more durable solar panel that will stand up to the elements.
Safety ratings are another important factor to consider when looking for a solar panel, especially if you have young children or live in an area where storms and tempests are common. Safety features built into photovoltaic panels include fire safety (like glass that won’t shatter, or frames that will resist heavy winds) as well as thermal heating (most photovoltaic cells have an internal overload switch that turns the panel off if it starts to overheat).
Warranty
Before you buy a solar panel online, it’s important to do some research and find out how long the solar panel manufacturers promises their product can last. Some panels are warrantied for 25 years or more – if you’re planning on living in your home for at least that amount of time, then choosing one of these panels could save you a lot of money in the long run (not to mention headaches down the road).
A reasonable warranty can be a good indicator that you’re buying from a reputable solar panel seller. A 2-year warranty at least is enough to give buyers some peace of mind and allow them to enjoy their panels worry-free for a few years.
Temperature Coefficient
Solar panels also have a temperature coefficient – it’s the rate at which their power output changes as they get hotter or colder. A lower temperature coefficient is better because it means that your panels will produce energy more consistently, even if you live in an area where drastic changes in weather are part of everyday life.
For example, a temperature coefficient of -0.3%/°C means that for every 1 degree the panel’s temperature increases (if you live in an average climate), your panels will produce 0.3 percent less energy compared to their original output.
So why does this matter? If you have two solar panels and one has a temperature coefficient of -0.3%/°C and the other has a slightly higher temperature coefficient of -0.5%, you’ll notice that as it gets hotter in your region, the panel with a lower temperature coefficient will deliver more energy than the other one.
Reviews
Often, an easy way to find out if a solar panel is going to work for you or not is by reading reviews about it online. This can tell you how well the panel performs in real life and whether or not people are satisfied with the power output and durability of the product they’ve purchased.
Top Solar Panels For Homes
#1. SolarWorld - SW 270-60
The solar panels from SolarWorld offer a 24% efficiency rating (both short and long term), meaning that this is the panel that will produce the most amount of electricity over its lifetime. It’s also one of the more cost-effective options on eBay, making it a good choice for homeowners looking to save a little cash.
#2. Kyocera - KIT-C5-270A4
Another good option is the solar panels from Kyocera, which offers a 33% short-term efficiency rating and an incredible 46% long-term rating. It also has a low-iron backplane that has been heat-treated for increased durability and corrosion resistance, making these panels great for both household and commercial use.
#3. Yingli - 255-W22-46A1
The solar panels from Yingli have a 22% efficiency rating which is quite impressive – especially given that this is a relatively cost-effective option on eBay! They also have a durable aluminum frame, tempered glass on both sides to ensure that there’s no risk of breakage if the panel is damaged, and high-efficiency solar cells.
#4. Suntech - STP160M
Although they’re a bit more expensive than some of the other options on this list, you definitely get what you pay for with the solar panels from Suntech – these panels have a 25.6% efficiency rating, are especially good at producing energy during daylight hours, and have an excellent resistance to wear and tear even under extreme weather conditions. Even if they’re not as cost-effective as some of the other options on eBay, these panels will provide you with plenty of power for many years to come.
#5. SolarWorld - SW 335-60
Solar panels from SolarWorld have a long-term efficiency rating of 28%, making them one of the most cost-effective options on eBay. They also are able to generate energy quickly – they can reach an amazing 22% during peak daylight hours. They’re also excellent for outdoor use and have a durable aluminum frame to protect against the elements as well as gaskets to prevent moisture or dust from getting between the cell layers.
#6. Suntech - STP265M
Suntech solar panels aren’t quite as efficient as some of the others on this list, but they have a long-term efficiency rating of 22.5% that’s impressive for the price! They also have an aluminum frame and tempered glass to protect against damage, so you can be sure that your panels will last for many years to come.
#7. Sharp - GX160ZN
Solar panels from Sharp have an impressive 20.7% efficiency rating, which is top of the line for cost-effective solar panel options on eBay. They also have a durable aluminum frame and tempered glass to protect against damage, so you can be sure that your panels will last for many years to come.
#8. LG Electronics - LM245WF2-SAA1
Solar panels from LG Electronics have a respectable 18.4% efficiency rating, and they’re especially good at generating energy even during cloudy conditions. They also have an aluminum frame that can be easily mounted onto practically any surface and is some of the most cost-effective options on eBay!
#9. Canadian Solar - CS5C-270P
Canadian Solar panels are one of the most cost-effective options on eBay and have an efficiency rating of 17.4%. They also offer a 25-year warranty, making them ideal for anyone who’s just getting started with solar power or doesn’t want to worry about having to replace their panels for many years to come.
#10. Jinko - SMC-320A
Jinko panels have an efficiency rating of 16%, which is pretty impressive as they’re some of the most cost-effective options on eBay! They also have a durable aluminum frame that can be easily mounted onto practically any surface and solar cells with an amorphous structure.