Top Qualities To Look For In Solar Panels

When shopping for good quality solar panels, there are certain characteristics to look for. As solar panels are an investment, it’s vital to do research before making your purchase. Key qualities you should look for are reliable solar panel providers, panel durability, longevity, and performance. Once you know the qualities of a good solar panel, you’ll get the best return on your investment.

Find a Reliable Solar Provider

The first step is researching solar panel providers and finding the one that’s right for you. You want a company that utilizes the best solar panel technology. For example, SunPower by BlueSel panels utilize Maxeon Technology®, which delivers more unmatched reliability and efficiency than other conventional solar panels.

Technology inside your solar panels and within your solar system will be one of the most influential factors in the performance of your panels. This technology allows the panels to capture more light energy, using a unique surface that promotes light-trapping, thus producing more power.

Solar Panel Durability and Degradation Rate

A quality you should always look for in solar panels is durability. Generally, high-quality solar panels last an average of 25-30 years. Of course, this can depend on certain factors, like the materials they’re made from and where you live.

For example, if you live on Cape Cod, you need solar panels that will last despite Nor’easters, unpredictable New England weather. The cells should be able to contract or expand depending on whether the weather is hot or cold so they don’t lose efficiency. They should also be made of materials that can withstand corrosion from salty coastal winds. The backings for many conventional solar panels are made of metal paste that is fragile and breaks easily. However, SunPower solar panels use solid copper backings that are non-corrosive and salt-resistant.

If you buy solar panels that aren’t made to handle your area’s weather, you may find they have a shorter lifespan than advertised. You could end up shelling out thousands of dollars in repairs, or even need to get them fully replaced.

Energy Efficiency of Solar Panels

Perhaps most important, you want to look at the efficiency of the panels you are considering having installed with your solar system. The efficiency of such panels will ultimately determine how much money you save and the portion of your home’s energy that solar supplies. 

The Maxeon technology built into our SunPower panels makes them 30% more efficient than conventional panels. Their copper foundation is optimal for power conversion and their unique light-trapping surface is able to grab more light and thus more power. Our panels have proven to produce 55% more energy in the first year of operation compared to conventional panels. This can significantly reduce the number of panels you may need to adequately cover your home’s energy requirements. In some cases, a home may only need one or two panels to get the job done. 

When shopping for solar panels, there are several factors that you should consider before making a decision on what product you will rely on to make your investment worthwhile. By choosing SunPower by BlueSel solar panels you are not only being guaranteed at least a 25 year trajectory out of your panels, but also high quality and durable materials that withstand New England’s unpredictable weather and efficiently produce the most amount of power available on the market.

Solar Panel Sizes That Best Fits Your Property

When it comes to harnessing the sun’s energy, choosing the right solar panel size is crucial. Let’s delve into the factors you should consider and explore the typical dimensions of residential solar panels.

Energy Needs

Before selecting solar panels, understand the solar facts and assess your energy consumption. The more power you require, the more panels you’ll need. Consider:

• Household Usage: Calculate your average daily electricity usage. This will guide the number of panels necessary to meet your needs.
• Sun Exposure: Evaluate your property’s sun exposure. Panels facing south receive the most sunlight, but east and west orientations can also work well.
• Climate: If you’re in a cloudy region, you might need additional panels to compensate for reduced sunlight.

Standard Residential Solar Panel Dimensions

Residential solar panels typically measure around 66 x 40 inches, with an additional 2 inches per side for the frame. These panels usually have a power output ranging from 400 to 400 watts. Here’s a breakdown:

• Panel Size: Approximately 66 x 40 inches
• Frame Width: About 1.25 x 1.6 inches
• Weight: Most panels weigh around 42 pounds

Panel Configuration

Cell Grid: Most residential panels contain about 60 solar cells arranged in a 6 x 10 inch grid.
Commercial Panels: For commercial installations, panels often have 72 cells, forming a 6 x 12 inch grid.