High-efficiency solar panels are becoming increasingly popular, and can impact how much solar power you can produce on your roof or property. Given all of the options for high-efficiency products, though, it can be hard to get a feel for how the efficiency of your panels influences the costs you pay for solar. Here’s a quick guide to help you determine if high-efficiency solar panels are worth the added cost when comparing your solar options.
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Comparing top solar panel brands: SunPower vs LG, Panasonic and Canadian Solar
When it comes to solar panel manufacturers, there is no shortage of options for homeowners in 2019. Solar panel technology is improving every year, and many solar panel companies offer products that boast both high conversion efficiency numbers as well as impressive long-term warranties. SunPower is the leader with regard to efficiency across the board while LG solar panels are known for top tier design and aesthetic, but companies like Canadian Solar offer much more appealing prices for their solar panels. How do the top PV manufacturers stack up? We’ll help you compare and contrast your options among the industry leaders – SunPower, Panasonic, Canadian Solar, and LG.
Continue readingSolar equipment: should you care what’s in your quote?
If you’re like many homeowners, you’ve likely received a knock on your front door to be presented with a solar sales pitch. At the end of the pitch, you walk away with a document displaying cost numbers and information about how to proceed. However, these types of quotes often neglect to disclose details about solar equipment–panels and inverters–that will actually be installed on your home.
Continue readingFour videos to watch before picking your solar quote
At EnergySage, we understand that choosing which solar equipment to install, who to contract with, and how to finance your system isn’t always an easy decision. Solar’s still a relatively new product category, and there are many options to consider.
Continue readingMulti-junction solar cells: what you need to know
Solar panel efficiency is improving constantly, and innovations in solar cell construction, materials, and design are at the forefront of these improvements. Multi-junction solar cells are an exciting technology that may provide increased efficiencies in the solar panels of the future.
Continue readingThe best EnergySage videos of 2018
Have you ever had a question about solar, but didn’t have the time to search for an answer? Throughout 2018, we created a number of short animated videos so that you can find answers to the most common questions about solar with the quick click of a button.
We’ve covered a range of topics so far – from understanding the costs included in a solar quote to how the solar tax credit works, and much more in between. Here are just some of our favorite videos from 2018.
Continue readingHalf-cut solar cells: an overview
Solar technology is improving across all facets of the typical solar installation. In this article, we’ll discuss half-cut solar cells, a variation on standard silicon solar cells that can help improve solar panel performance.
Continue readingPERC solar cells: an overview
Solar cell technology is always evolving and improving. PERC solar cells are a relatively new innovation in the solar industry – in this article, we’ll dive into what PERC solar cells are and how they impact solar panel technology.
Continue readingHow do solar panels work at night and on cloudy days?
If you’ve been wondering “do solar panels work at night or on cloudy days?, you’re certainly not alone. While they don’t work at night, you will still be able to use excess electricity depending on your system. On cloudy days, they will still be able to work, generating 10-25% of their normal power output.If you choose to rely on solar panels for your home electricity use, it’s important to understand how solar panels can be a reliable source of power during night time when there is no available sunlight.
Continue reading200-watt solar panels: are they right for you?
One important metric to consider when comparing solar panel options is a panel’s power rating, referred to as wattage. 200-watt solar panels are on the lower end of the wattage spectrum of solar panels available today, and depending on the type of solar project you have, may or may not be the best option.
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