Does the Quality of Solar Panels Matter?

Posted in: Solar Power, Panels & Batteries
Solar Flow Team
December 12, 2022

The Importance of Investing in Durable Solar Panels

The Australian solar sector has exploded in recent years due to high electricity costs and public concern about climate change. It’s becoming increasingly common for Australians to abandon the electrical grid in favour of solar panels. The vast number of solar panels installers available, however, can make it difficult for a solar energy novice to make an informed decision.

Do solar panel quality concerns merit further investment? People often assume that all solar PV panels are created equal, but in reality, only a small number of companies in Australia produce truly high-quality solar panels.

Mistakes People Make When Purchasing Solar Panels

Assuming That Every Solar Panel Manufacturers Are Similar

The short answer is no; not all solar PV panels are equivalent. A solar system’s efficiency and lifespan can be drastically impacted by cheaply constructed panels.

The Clean Energy Council’s stamp of approval should be your top priority when shopping for solar panels (CEC). It’s the bare minimum, at best. In Australia, gaining CEC clearance often only requires a small battery of tests.

It is more relevant to discuss the manufacturing process of the panels than whether or not they have the CEC seal. When doing the seals, what exactly were used? How are the panels put together? By hand or by machine? In terms of steps, how many were there for quality assurance? Brands like LG, which often have higher prices, are built to last for decades.

Avoid using businesses that instal cheap solar panels. It has come to light that a number of Australian installers have shut down, abandoning customers with faulty solar panels already installed.

Using the Least Expensive Materials

While it may be tempting to go with the lowest solar energy investment bid, doing so is a mistake. Consider capacity, warranty, efficiency, quality, and customer service in addition to pricing when comparing installer bids.

Although low-cost solar panels may initially give acceptable performance, they may quickly deteriorate under Australia’s severe climate. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues with cheap PV panels.

The panels’ ability to produce electricity has decreased drastically.
Typical solar panel warranties don’t really cover discoloration.
Solar panels that have burn marks or snail tracks on them are also not covered by the guarantee.
If the solar panels’ backs were to peel off, the wiring connections within would be exposed, creating a fire hazard.

As an alternative to spending a lot of money on premium panels, some opt for cheap inverters. It’s not a good plan to do this. Keep in mind also that inverters are indeed the solar system’s workhorse. The inverter is the component that changes the DC current produced by the solar PV panels into the AC current used to power your building. In case of a change in the cloud cover or the amount of sunlight, the inverter will automatically readjust the converted electricity. As a result, the solar inverter plays a pivotal part in the tracking and management of output.

Inverters help solar panels convert electrical current into usable energy, so picking the right one is crucial. Cheap solar inverters fail within a couple of years, but inverters of higher quality installed in 2005 are still functioning today. If you want the best output, you should buy a high-quality solar panel and an inverter from a trusted manufacturer.

Solar systems would be incomplete without sealants. They prevent water from entering the module’s junction box, which is located at the back. The sealants also help to adhere the laminates to the metal support structure. Therefore, the improper sealant could trigger a reaction between the substance and the plastic, leading to its breakdown before its time. Keep in mind that there are cheaper flammable alternatives, but non-flammable sealants are the safer choice. Inspect solar panels thoroughly for signs of shoddy construction. When using sealants, it is essential that you apply them precisely so that none of the substance seeps through the glass.

Long-term efficiency in a solar energy system also relies on the use of accessories that have been tested and approved in accordance with Australian requirements. When you use high-quality mounting attachments, your panels won’t ever come loose, and your system will last much longer.

Not Taking Solar Warranty Obligations Seriously

Company trustworthiness is essential in regards to solar panel warranty. A manufacturer with an Australian presence is preferable. It was previously reported that most solar panel suppliers to the market do not operate any local operations in Australia. As a result, customers’ rights under product and performance guarantees are severely limited.

Quality Solar Panels Will Not Skimp on the Warranty

When reading the fine print of a solar guarantee, there are two main points to keep in mind:

Guaranteed electricity production for at least 25 years is provided by the warranties of the vast majority of solar panel manufacturers now on the market. A shorter warranty period might raise red flags, prompting you to look into alternative installers.
What is the system’s guaranteed power output after the warranty has expired? This number should give you a good idea of how well the system will perform after the warranty has expired. Rather, it will be expressed as a fraction of the panel’s full potential power output at the time of purchase.

A solar panel rated at 350 watts with a guarantee of 80% power output for 25 years would be expected to produce 280 watts after that time.

The industry standard is for manufacturers to assure that their solar PV panels will retain no more than 80% of their initial efficiency after 25 years. Savings over the system’s lifetime can be maximised by investing in panels with a higher guaranteed power output.

The Degradation of Solar Panels Ought to Be Covered by the Warranty

The rate of energy degradation, thus defined as the drop in energy output over such a period of time, is an additional crucial feature of solar panel energy warranty that should not be overlooked in addition to the warranty length and its power output guarantee. The warranty information will provide the predicted rate of solar power degradation during the first year.

According to the average warranty for solar panels, the power degradation will be between 2% and 3% during the initial year, and 0.7% annually thereafter. However, it might be as small as 0.25 percent if the solar panels are of inferior quality.

Light-induced degradation explains why there is accelerated degradation in the initial year (LID). Sunlight causes boron-oxygen complexes to develop in the silicon wafers which make up solar cells, reducing their efficiency for the first few hrs of use. The rate of degradation slows within a few days and is rather constant for the remainder of the panel’s lifetime.

If your solar panel’s output comes up short of the guaranteed level, the company will replace it or fix it at no cost to you. Shipping and labour expenses may be absorbed in some instances.

How High Quality Solar Panels Combat Solar Panel Degradation

Solar panels deteriorate over time because of the sun’s continual rays. What causes this, you may be wondering? Microscopic fractures in the silicon of solar cells can develop due to factors such as heat, physical harm from falling objects, humidity, and thermal cycling (fluctuating warm and cold conditions at fast rates of change). The energy production of a photovoltaic (PV) system declines as fractures appear in the solar panels’ electrical connections.

Historically, solar panels have experienced annual declines in power output of at least 1%. The pace at which solar panels degrade is known as their degradation rate. Modern solar panels lose no more than 0.8% of their generating capacity annually. The typical solar panel will still be producing at 82.5 percent of its initial capacity at the end of its useful life (usually 25 years).

However, because of significant advancements in solar technology, today you can buy solar panels with degradation even lower than 0.8%. High Quality solar panels are guaranteed to decline by no over than 0.6% year, which means that after 25 years of use, they will still be generating 85% of their initial capacity.

Considering the extreme weather that solar panels are subjected to on a daily basis, this is very remarkable.

How Can You Tell if a Solar Panel Is Good Quality?

A few key metrics, including output, durability, and manufacturer quality, can be used to rank solar panels.

Power output is affected by a solar panel’s power rating & tolerance, efficiency, and temperature coefficient, among other things. When considered collectively, these variables will reveal your panel’s maximum output.

You should also check out quality indicators for the panel manufacturers. The manufacturer’s guarantees and warranties should be your first stop. Solar panels age and lose efficiency just like any other material. Over the course of 25 years, the power output of several manufacturers’ panels is guaranteed not to drop below a particular threshold. Panels from many different manufacturers also come with a material warranty in case of simple panel failure.

Although solar panels are typically rather sturdy, it’s important to be sure that such ones you instal will resist the weather in your region, particularly if you regularly experience heavy snowfall or frequent strong winds. Search for panels that have been certified as meeting the IEC 61215 standard for reliability, which was developed by the IEC or International Electrotechnical Commission. Panels are put through an accelerated exterior stress test to IEC 61215 to guarantee their longevity.

The solar cells’ effectiveness and the quality of the panel’s soldering and backing sheets are two key indicators of panel quality. These days, low-quality solar panels in Australia breakdown after only a few years on the roof. In certain circumstances, installation services have closed down, leaving customers to figure out the problem on their own.

Just How Critical Is It That the Solar Panels Be of High Quality?

Choosing a solar system hinges, in large part, on the reliability of your solar PV panels and inverter. More than 100,000 hours of unrelenting sunlight, extremes in temperature, wind, rain, hail, and other elements will befall solar panels over the 25-year output warranty period. Plus, the Australian environment can be harsh on any electronic gadget. Because of this, it’s critical to acquire a solid Solar panel.

But What if You Have a Limited Budget?

As one might expect, the degradation rate, efficiency, and warranty duration of a solar panel are all highly correlated with the cost and reputation of that panel. More well-known manufacturers typically provide longer periods of coverage, greater rates of efficiency, and slower rates of degradation. However, their cost can be prohibitive for some. In contrast, the opposite is usually the case with cheaper solar panels.

Panels from lesser-known manufacturers can be just as reliable. And the requirements of your specific solar project will always take precedence over any particular product brand. Solar panels manufactured by LG Energy and even Tesla subsidiary SolarCity, for example, are too huge and have too much power output to be used on a recreational vehicle.

When looking for solar panels, the most essential thing to do is to evaluate multiple manufacturers, taking into consideration their price, wattage, efficiency rates, and any other relevant variables. The next step is to do an in-depth analysis of both your financial constraints and the specific attributes of each panel, including the manufacturer, in order to ensure that you are making the most appropriate decision for the energy requirements of your home.

FAQs About Solar Panels

How Can You Tell the Quality of a Solar Panel?

Solar panel quality testing includes an on-site visual test and a flash test. Be present at the solar manufacturer’s factory at the time of price negotiation, solar panel testing and the loading of the solar panels.

Do Solar Panel Brands Matter?

More prominent brands tend to offer better warranty terms, higher efficiency rates, and lower degradation rates. However, they also tend to be more expensive. When it comes to cheaper solar panels, on the other hand, the opposite is typically true.

Which Solar Panels Are the Best Ones?

Among all panel types, crystalline solar panels have the highest efficiency. Monocrystalline panels have an efficiency rating over 20%. PERC panels add an extra 5% efficiency thanks to their passivation layer. Polycrystalline panels hover somewhere between 15-17%.

How Durable Are Solar Panels?

Solar panels are extremely durable, lasting an average of nearly three decades. Manufacturers rigorously test them to withstand extreme weather, including high winds, heavy snow, and even hail. And because solar panel systems usually lack moving parts, they don’t require routine maintenance.

Do Solar Panels Need Maintenance?

Solar panels generally require very little maintenance in order to function, so yes, you can usually just let them be. The only thing they need is a periodic light cleaning to make sure dirt, leaves, and other debris aren’t obstructing the sun’s rays.

Conclusion

In response to rising electricity prices and growing public concern about climate change, the solar energy industry in Australia has boomed in recent years. It’s a common misconception that all solar PV panels are the same, yet in Australia, just a few of manufacturers offer the best panels. When comparing installer bids, think about capacity, warranty, efficiency, quality, and customer service. Selecting the proper inverter is critical because it allows solar panels to transform electrical current into useful electricity. However, high-quality inverters from 2005 are still in use today, while low-cost inverters fail within a few years.

The module’s junction box is positioned in the back, and sealants keep water out of that area. Solar photovoltaic panel manufacturers must guarantee that their products would keep no more than 80% of their initial efficiency after 25 years, according to industry standards. If a solar panel is rated at 350 watts and is guaranteed to produce 80% of its rated power for 25 years, then the panel can only be expected to produce 280 watts after the guarantee expires. Accelerated deterioration in the first year can be explained by light-induced deterioration (LID). Wafers of silicon used to construct solar cells form boron-oxygen complexes when exposed to sunlight.

After the first few days, the panel’s degradation rate begins to level off and remains rather stable for the rest of its lifetime. Much like any other material, solar panels degrade with time. Panel manufacturer quality indicators should also be researched. Panels are tested for durability according to the IEC standard 61215, which includes an accelerated outdoor stress test. Worse yet, low-quality solar panels in Australia only last a few years before they need to be replaced.

Content Summary

The Australian solar sector has exploded in recent years due to high electricity costs and public concern about climate change.
It’s becoming increasingly common for Australians to abandon the electrical grid in favour of solar panels.
The vast number of solar panels installers available, however, can make it difficult for a solar energy novice to make an informed decision.
Do solar panel quality concerns merit further investment?
People often assume that all solar PV panels are created equal, but in reality, only a small number of companies in Australia produce truly high-quality solar panels.
The Clean Energy Council’s stamp of approval should be your top priority when shopping for solar panels (CEC).
Avoid using businesses that instal cheap solar panels.
It has come to light that a number of Australian installers have shut down, abandoning customers with faulty solar panels already installed.
While it may be tempting to go with the lowest solar energy investment bid, doing so is a mistake.
Consider capacity, warranty, efficiency, quality, and customer service in addition to pricing when comparing installer bids.
As an alternative to spending a lot of money on premium panels, some opt for cheap inverters.
If you want the best output, you should buy a high-quality solar panel and an inverter from a trusted manufacturer.
Inspect solar panels thoroughly for signs of shoddy construction.
Long-term efficiency in a solar energy system also relies on the use of accessories that have been tested and approved in accordance with Australian requirements.
What is the system’s guaranteed power output after the warranty has expired?
This number should give you a good idea of how well the system will perform after the warranty has expired.
Savings over the system’s lifetime can be maximised by investing in panels with a higher guaranteed power output.
The rate of energy degradation, thus defined as the drop in energy output over such a period of time, is an additional crucial feature of solar panel energy warranty that should not be overlooked in addition to the warranty length and its power output guarantee.
The warranty information will provide the predicted rate of solar power degradation during the first year.
Light-induced degradation explains why there is accelerated degradation in the initial year (LID).
Historically, solar panels have experienced annual declines in power output of at least 1%.
The pace at which solar panels degrade is known as their degradation rate.
Modern solar panels lose no more than 0.8% of their generating capacity annually.
High Quality solar panels are guaranteed to decline by no over than 0.6% year, which means that after 25 years of use, they will still be generating 85% of their initial capacity.
A few key metrics, including output, durability, and manufacturer quality, can be used to rank solar panels.
Power output is affected by a solar panel’s power rating & tolerance, efficiency, and temperature coefficient, among other things.
You should also check out quality indicators for the panel manufacturers.
The manufacturer’s guarantees and warranties should be your first stop.
The solar cells’ effectiveness and the quality of the panel’s soldering and backing sheets are two key indicators of panel quality.
These days, low-quality solar panels in Australia breakdown after only a few years on the roof.
Choosing a solar system hinges, in large part, on the reliability of your solar PV panels and inverter.
As one might expect, the degradation rate, efficiency, and warranty duration of a solar panel are all highly correlated with the cost and reputation of that panel.
And the requirements of your specific solar project will always take precedence over any particular product brand.
When looking for solar panels, the most essential thing to do is to evaluate multiple manufacturers, taking into consideration their price, wattage, efficiency rates, and any other relevant variables.
The next step is to do an in-depth analysis of both your financial constraints and the specific attributes of each panel, including the manufacturer, in order to ensure that you are making the most appropriate decision for the energy requirements of your home.