How to choose solar panels for high efficiency?

Solar panels are a crucial component of solar power systems (constituting about 60% of the total investment cost). Therefore, the choice of solar panels significantly affects the efficiency of the system. Here are ways to help you choose high-quality solar panels.

1. Uniformity of photovoltaic cells

Photovoltaic cells are thin silicon disks that convert sunlight into electrical energy. Solar panels are composed of interconnected photovoltaic cells. If one cell is of poor quality or damaged, it will affect the entire panel. Therefore, the uniformity of the quality of photovoltaic cells has a significant impact on the quality of solar panels.

There are 24 quality ratings for photovoltaic cells, divided into three groups:

Group A (levels 1-8): New and error-free photovoltaic cells.

Group B (levels 9-16): Used but undamaged photovoltaic cells.

Group C (levels 17-24): Photovoltaic cells still generate solar power, but with a short lifespan and low efficiency.

If the quality is lower than the standard of level 24, it will be considered a waste cell. Despite being discarded, many factories still buy waste cells and manually assemble them to reduce costs. However, for accuracy, assembly by robots is required. These panels have lower efficiency and a lifespan of only a few years (a high-quality panel can operate efficiently for up to 25 years).

Visible to the naked eye, type A panels have no visible defects; type B panels have few defects, such as slight curvature or color deviation, while type C panels will have many flaws, such as pronounced curvature, lack of circuitry, or scratches.

In reality, internal cracks and connections between photovoltaic cells cannot be seen with the naked eye and must be inspected using a photovoltaic imaging device (EL Test). Therefore, it is best to purchase from reputable suppliers, authorized distributors, and those with guaranteed warranties in the market.

2. Quality of aluminum frame, glass, EVA layer, and panel output

The aluminum frame, glass, EVA layer, and panel output are accessories that come with solar panels. A good solar panel will have high-quality accessories, and vice versa. You can visually assess these accessories.

Firstly, the aluminum frame and glass must be thick and sturdy. Check the backsheet by touching it. A quality backsheet will not be too thin or wrinkled.

Secondly, the EVA layer should be thick and free of scratches or cracks, as it not only protects the solar panel but also contributes to aesthetics.

Thirdly, the panel’s output must have appropriate power because it affects the value of the solar power system. If the output power is too low, it will result in energy shortages, and if it is too high, it will cost more without proportional benefits.

Common issues with low-quality solar panels:

3. Consider the temperature coefficient of the solar panel

Over 25 years, solar panels will endure more than 100,000 hours of continuous sunlight.

Therefore, choose solar panels with a low temperature coefficient.

The temperature coefficient is an indicator of how well a solar panel performs in non-ideal conditions. Solar panels work best when kept cool (ideally around 25°C/77°F).

For every degree above 25°C (77°F), the electricity output of the solar panel will decrease according to the temperature coefficient. For example, the Canadian Solar CS3W-450MS solar panel has a temperature coefficient of -0.36% per degree Celsius. This means that if the temperature of the solar panel increases by one degree from 25°C (77°F) to 26°C (79°F), its electricity output will decrease by 0.36%. If its temperature rises to 35°C (95°F), the electricity output will decrease by 3.6%. Therefore, the lower the temperature coefficient, the more efficiently the solar panel operates.

4. Prioritize solar panels equipped with advanced technologies

Solar panels are continually being improved to achieve higher efficiency. To ensure quality, inquire whether the solar panel supplier uses the following technologies.

Half-cut cells: This technology involves cutting solar cells in half, doubling the number of independently functioning cells. This reduces power loss, keeps the panel cooler, increases the efficiency of converting light energy, and contributes to a longer lifespan.

Black Silicon: Applied with the MCCE metal catalyst and diamond-cutting technology, Poly crystalline Wafer panels can absorb light at wider wavelengths. Additionally, a nano-structured layer reduces the reflection of light, maximizing electricity production efficiency.

PERC: This technology enhances the solar panel’s performance by allowing electrons to move more easily and increasing light reflection at the rear of the solar cell, facilitating the conversion of a larger amount of light energy.

Multi Busbar: Busbars act as the main conductors carrying electrons from the solar cell to the external circuit, forming the electric current. With multiple busbars, electrons concentrate more easily to create a more stable electric current. The more busbars, the more stable the current and the less wasted.

5. Choose a reputable supplier

Even if you have identified high-quality solar panels, that is not all. Throughout the life of the solar panel, it is challenging to ensure that no issues occur when it has to endure unpredictable weather conditions. Therefore, searching for a reliable warranty service from a reputable supplier should be a top priority when purchasing solar panels.

Furthermore, you will have more peace of mind when buying from an official distributor (or partners of these entities) because they understand all the methods in designing, installing, and setting up systems to optimize performance, meet standards, and provide quick warranty support when your system encounters issues.

Based on these criteria, you may consider one of the leading brands today, Canadian Solar. This panel is 100% robotically manufactured, meets the A standard, and is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies such as Black Silicon, Half-cut cells, PERC, Multi Busbar, etc., which enhance light absorption, increase conversion efficiency, produce stable electricity, and minimize waste. Canadian Solar meets many international standards: CSA, UL, TUV, CE, IEC, VDE, and is among the top 3 largest solar panel manufacturers in the world and the top 1 in terms of performance/price. Moreover, this panel has a long lifespan, up to 35 years.

If you want to purchase Canadian Solar panels, the most reliable choice is DAT Technical Co., Ltd. DAT has been an authorized partner of Canadian Solar for many years in Vietnam and has a value-added ecosystem to ensure the benefits and increase the efficiency for its customers.

 Why choose DAT Solar?
✔ Products are directly imported from Canadian Solar, without intermediaries.
✔ 100% are A-grade products.
✔ We understand all methods in designing, installing, and setting up systems to optimize performance and meet the standards and warranty conditions provided by Canadian Solar.
✔ DAT Solar is the official representative to protect the interests of customers in case of product issues.
✔ 10 years hardware warranty, 25 years performance warranty, and dedicated service.
✔ Professional staff to support quick consultation and installation with an available warehouse of up to 10MW.
Visit www.datsolar.com, DAT Solar’s fanpage, or call 1800 6567 for more details.