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navigating the world of renewable energy a guide to solar panels

Navigating the World of Renewable Energy: A Guide to Solar Panels

Researching solar panels online can lead to an overwhelming amount of information featuring technical terms like "monocrystalline," "efficiency," and "yield." For those not immersed in the industry, this can make finding the right information quite challenging. However, once these terms are explained in layman's terms, the world of solar energy doesn't seem quite so intimidating.

Most solar panels available today have their own strengths, making them suitable for a variety of circumstances. Instead of automatically choosing the cheapest, most expensive, or most well-known option, it's important to understand what you’re looking for. At Fusion Solar UK, we aim to demystify these terms and help you make an informed decision. We've highlighted a few industry-leading panels to guide you through this process.

What is a Solar PV Panel?

When researching solar energy, you'll frequently encounter the term "solar PV panels." These panels contain PV (photovoltaic) cells that utilise silicon to convert light energy into electrical energy. There are two basic types of PV panels:

Polycrystalline: Made from multiple silicon crystals fused together. They are less efficient, so you would need more panels to generate the same amount of electricity.

Monocrystalline: Made from single silicon crystals, these panels are more efficient but also more expensive due to the manufacturing process.

The electricity generated by PV panels is fed into an inverter, which ensures it can be used in your home, controls the feed into the grid, and manages your energy storage if you have opted for this option.

Leading Solar Panels on the Market

Let's explore some of the top solar panels available, examining their efficiency, cost, and other key features.

SunPower Maxeon 6 AC

SunPower, a notable UK manufacturer, offers the Maxeon 6 AC with an impressive efficiency of 22.8%. Each panel generates 440 watts and is made from recycled materials, earning double eco-points. Despite its higher price (around £400 per panel) and weight (21.8 kg), it comes with a 40-year product guarantee and maintains 92% of its original efficiency after 25 years.

Advantages

  • Long warranty (40 years)
  • High efficiency (22.8%)
  • Contains recycled materials

Disadvantages

  • Expensive
  • Heavy

AIKO N-Type ABC White Hole Series

With a groundbreaking efficiency of 24%, AIKO’s N-Type ABC White Hole Series panels generate 620 watts. They come with a 15-year product warranty and maintain 88.45% efficiency after 30 years. These panels are a top choice for high efficiency and yield, although they are quite heavy (28.2 kg).

Advantages

  • Uber efficient (24%)
  • High yield (620W)

Disadvantages

  • High price
  • Heavy

Jinko Tiger Neo 420W N-Type 54 Cell

Jinko’s Tiger Neo panels are robust and efficient, producing 420 watts with a 21.5% efficiency. They perform well under extreme weather conditions and have built-in protection against potential induced degradation. They come with a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year linear power warranty.

Advantages

  • Very robust
  • Great warranty

Disadvantages

  • Lower efficiency (21.5%)
  • Heavy

JA Solar JAM72S30 Mono PERC Half-Cell MBB

Featuring half-cell technology, these panels are slightly more efficient than their full-cell counterparts. They also include PERC technology, which increases efficiency by reflecting wasted light back into the cell. These panels produce up to 550 watts with a 21.3% efficiency and are highly resistant to hot spot degradation.

Advantages

  • Good in low light
  • High yield (up to 550W)

Disadvantages

  • Lower efficiency (21.3%)

Q Cells Q.Peak DUO BLK ML-G9

Known for their performance in extreme heat, these panels lose less efficiency in high temperatures compared to others. However, with a lower yield of 385 watts and a short warranty of only 12 years, they are less appealing.

Advantages

  • Good in hot weather
  • Lightweight

Disadvantages

  • Low yield (385W)
  • Short warranty

Suntech Ultra V Mini 405W

Suntech’s Ultra V series panels are practical and affordable, performing well in low light and harsh weather conditions. They offer an efficiency of 20.7% and generate 405 watts.

Advantages

  • Good in low light
  • Consistent output
  • Low cost

Disadvantages

  • Lower efficiency (20.7%)
  • High degradation

DMEGC Solar DM440M10RT-54HBB

DMEGC’s black-on-black modules are stylish and efficient, generating 440 watts with a 22.02% efficiency. They are durable and come with a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty.

Advantages

  • Good in low light
  • High efficiency (22.02%)
  • Low cost

Disadvantages

  • High degradation

Belinus M8 HJT GlasGlas

This panel offers great green credentials and a solid performance with 400 watts of yield and 22% efficiency. It comes with a 35-year product and performance warranty, maintaining 86% efficiency after 35 years.

Advantages

  • Great green credentials
  • Long warranty
  • Stylish design

Disadvantages

  • Slightly heavy (23.5 kg)

Seraphim SRP-670-BMC-BG

With a massive yield of 670 watts, this panel is powerful but impractical for most domestic installations due to its size and weight. It has a 15-year product warranty and a performance warranty that ensures 84.95% efficiency after 30 years.

Advantages

  • Huge yield (670 watts)
  • Low carbon footprint

Disadvantages

  • Very heavy
  • Large size
  • Short product warranty

Panasonic EverVolt EVPV410H

Panasonic’s EverVolt panels are lightweight and efficient, with a 410-watt yield and 22.2% efficiency. They come with a 25-year warranty and maintain 92% efficiency after 25 years.

Advantages

  • Carbon neutral
  • High efficiency (22.2%)
  • Lightweight

Disadvantages

  • No extended performance warranty

Summary

The solar panel market can be a bit of a minefield, but the key is to find panels that meet your specific needs for the next few decades. Technology is evolving rapidly, so choose wisely to ensure long-term satisfaction and sustainability. At Fusion Solar UK, we’re here to help you make the best choice for your renewable energy needs. Contact us for more advice.

 

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