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Updated 10\/31\/2022 for clarity and new information<\/em><\/p>\n As you research and compare PV panel options for your business, you should be aware of the characteristics of commercial solar. Commercial solar projects tend to be larger and require more investment than typical residential projects. Therefore, it is important to carefully evaluate the project in its entirety and pay attention to the details. Learn more about commercial solar projects.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Specifically looking at solar panels, t<\/span>he main differentiators between brands are the performance details and warranty terms. Below is the essential information you need to assess when choosing the panel that is the best option for your project.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic (PV) cell, or solar cell, is the percentage of the solar energy shining on a PV device that is converted into usable electricity. In most cases, you want high efficiency to get the most production possible for the size of the panel.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The efficiency of a solar panel is determined by the type of panel. There are three main types: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. We\u2019ve created a very simple comparison table below. For more details, check out Energy Sage.<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n While you may save money by paying a lower price for less-efficient panels, you should keep a few other vital factors in mind. The same size panel that has a higher efficiency will produce more energy than the panel with a lower efficiency. This then allows you to either<\/p>\n Fewer panels also mean lower installation costs, and it\u2019s easier to add more panels in the future if your energy needs change. However, this is all dependent on the total energy required for the application, the square footage available to house the PV panels, and the physical size of the panels themselves. A higher per unit cost may make sense if you are buying fewer units overall.<\/p>\n Also consider if your electric utility limits solar system size. Manipulating the panel efficiency and wattage can get you as close as possible to the cap established by the utility. Making small changes here and there can lead to large impacts on the overall system, so be sure to ask your installer for an in-depth analysis of your solar array.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Degradation is the industry term used to describe the drop in output that all solar panels experience over time. All solar panels degrade, but they don\u2019t all degrade at the same rate. In their first year of operation, panels typically undergo <\/span>short-term degradation ranging from 1% to 3%<\/a><\/span>.<\/span> After that, solar panel performance declines by an average of 0.8% to 0.9% each year.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Now the next question may be, \u201chow long do solar panels last?\u201d Depending on the manufacturer, the life of a solar panel is anywhere between 25 to 40 years. This means that the manufacturer has determined that the panel will produce the required amount of energy for that many years. Once it surpasses the rated life, the solar panel will still generate electricity but at a lower rate. For example, if a panel\u2019s first-year, short-term degradation is 2%, it would operate at 100% efficiency in the first year, and then at 98% going into year two. Assuming it degrades at 0.8% each year thereafter, it would still be working at 78.8% efficiency in year 25.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The annual degradation rates between panels may not seem like a big difference, but even a couple tenths of a percentage point can have a significant impact on lifetime production from the system. Consider the size of your system and model the expected production over time to get a realistic idea of performance.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Durability needs will vary depending on the location – a coastal area will see high winds and salt water, whereas a mountain top might see more snow and cold temperatures along with high winds. Check to see if your chosen panels operate well in harsh conditions like high winds, extreme temperature fluctuations, and moisture. If the project location is in a temperate area with moderate weather conditions, panel durability may not be one of your top concerns.<\/p>\n1. Solar Panel Efficiency<\/h3>\n
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\n Panel Type<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Monocrystalline<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Polycrystalline<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Thin-film<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Construction<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Made from a single silicon crystal cut into wafers<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Made from multiple silicon crystals melted and poured into a mold, then cut into wafers<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Made from CdTe (cadmium telluride), a-Si (a-silicon), or CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Efficiency<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n 15% to 20%<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n 15% to 17%<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n 8% to 10%<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Cost<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n High<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Medium<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Low (depending on materials)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Advantages<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n High efficiency<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Balance between cost and performance<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Flexible and thin<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Disadvantages<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n High cost<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n Low efficiency<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n
2. Degradation Rate<\/h3>\n
3. Durability<\/h3>\n