Comments on: Solar Panel Ratings Breakdown

By: DW

DW — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:21:23 +0000

In the process of getting educated on solar panels, it seems that I would want a panel with a long warranty, a high PTC in relation to stated wattage (low difference), a high manufacturer’s warranted output which I think is the same as a low negative tolerance, and a low cost per watt price for the panel. Is there a database or spreadsheet that provides this comparison data? Would like an objective source that would help me identify a highly efficient panel at a low wattage cost.

By: Harlie Bodine

Harlie Bodine — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 01:15:36 +0000

I have a residences in South Georgia with seventeen acres of open land. Looking to put in a solar farm to sell back to Georgia Power & Light. Looking for advise.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 04:26:55 +0000

Do you have a more current list of the top 12 panel manufacturers?

By: Taylen

Taylen — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:30:29 +0000

Thanks Eric!

By: Eric Williamson

Eric Williamson — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:42:53 +0000

I believe what you are looking for is here: http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/equipment/pv_modules.php
This seems to be where the PTC ratings are given for various modules in alphabetical order.

By: Bob Butler

Bob Butler — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:00:53 +0000

Greetings-Im looking for the California Energy website that shows the ratings of all the pv panels. Can you help me? Thanks!

By: Alternative Energy Guide Reviews | PV Solar – Homeowner Analysis (3)

Alternative Energy Guide Reviews | PV Solar – Homeowner Analysis (3) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:19:47 +0000

[...] “Solar Panel Ratings Breakdown” Tags: alternative energy [...]

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:23:05 +0000

Cell efficiency is higher than module efficiency simply because anytime power is transferred over distance (even through a solar module) some of that power will be lost in the process. While a solar cell may convert 16% of solar energy into electricity, only, say, 14% may actually leave the module/panel as usable electricity.

Not only does efficiency affect module size, it can also affect the size and cost of the entire system (i.e. less efficiency equals more panels necessary and subsequently higher cost). However, if you have sufficient space to provide all the power you need or desire, than it is not too big of a deal.

You have hit upon the double issue facing solar cell/module researchers and developers: how to increase module efficiency while simultaneously reducing costs and spatial requirements.

By: CW

CW — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:36:46 +0000

I’ve noticed that not all specification sheets state the Efficiency Rating of the module and sometimes just show the rating for the cell. From what I’ve seen, all cell efficiency rating are higher than the module rating. Also, is there any other reason for a person to be concerned about efficiency rating other than it effects the size of the module in relation to power output? Would a person need to be concerned about efficiency if there was sufficient area available to place the modules?

By: ECD Fan

ECD Fan — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:24:34 +0000

The IEC certification (EN is the corresponding European equivalent) is the gold standard in PV certifications (for example, UL 1703 is expected to be replaced by IEC/UL 61730 within two years):

The details here:

http://www.pvresources.com/en/standards.php

However, a certification by itself is not guarantee. For example, the Unisolar PV laminates ignited on the rooftop of the Long Beach Convention Center in February of 2008, shutting down that 750KW installation. Yet, they still obtained their IEC certification in July of 2009:

http://ecdfan.blogspot.com/2009/06/certification-of-safety.html