As solar becomes increasingly popular, many homeowners may find themselves wondering how to evaluate solar panel manufacturers. Is there a difference between solar panel companies? And does the company you select impact your PV system potential and performance? Markus Virta, Director of Sales and Development for Washington-based Western Solar, says the answer to these questions is a resounding yes.
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"Solar is a long-term investment," Virta says. "So you need both a quality product and company that will be around for the long term." Given Virta's deep experience working with solar panel manufacturers, we asked him to explain what goes into finding a great solar company. Here are his best tips for finding a solar manufacturer whose products you can count on:
1. Balance price with a company's reputation and longevity
The solar panel market is a competitive one. Startups are coming into the space every day, selling solar panels alongside more well-known players. As you consider solar panel companies, you want to balance factors such as price with the company's experience with producing solar panels, their reputation, and business longevity.
Look for a company with a successful track record of making solar panels, a solid reputation among installers and homeowners, and extended business life. That's because when you're buying a solar panel, you're entering into a long-term relationship with the company that manufacturers them. If the manufacturer offers a 25-year warranty on the module, then you want to ensure that it be around for 25 years.
Panasonic, for example, has been in business since and has been producing solar panels since . "Their longevity and financial performance benefit you as a homeowner," Virta says. "You can rest assured that if you have a question or concern, you can call Panasonic, and they'll be there." It may seem simple, but Virta notes that the "solar coaster" is alive and well, with newer solar panel companies regularly going in and out of business.
2. Assess the product quality and the company's quality control process
While the price of solar panels has come down in recent years, it's a mistake to think of the equipment as an actual commodity. The quality of the product still varies between manufacturers, and premium products often outperform lower-cost panels.
Before deciding on a solar panel company, homeowners should evaluate panel technology, panel efficiency, and the materials the company uses. Make sure you're analyzing apples to apples, Virta says. For instance, as you evaluate the output of one module relative to another, check the size of the panel. If one panel has more output but is also larger, it may not actually be more efficient. Virta notes that understanding how a manufacturer controls the quality of its products is also essential.
Panasonic has strict quality control benchmarks that it requires its OEM partners to meet. If they fall short, Panasonic doesn't accept the products and prioritizes partners that meet and exceed its high standards. As you evaluate solar panel companies, ask your installer how manufacturers monitor and ensure product quality across their supply chain.
3. Ask your installer why they chose their solar panel partners
A quality solar panel installer will be thoughtful about the products they choose to recommend and install for clients. As you research solar panel companies, ask your installer about the factors they deem essential in a solar panel company. You'll undoubtedly encounter some of the expected variables previously mentioned, such as company reputation, product quality, and panel performance. But you may also be surprised at some of the other key factors that go into the installer's decision.
Virta prioritizes sustainability in both the manufacturer's product as well as supply chain. For example, he's avoided solar companies whose products require shipping modules around the world to be repaired. In many cases, the damaged panels are often destroyed.
"It's incredibly wasteful, from both the shipping perspective and the waste of raw materials," he says. His company partners with Panasonic because they provide a high-quality product, excellent warranties, and a commitment to sustainability that matches Virta's values and those of his customers.
How can you ensure solar panel success?
Multiple ingredients go into building and maintaining an effective solar power system for your home. Virta says that there are three components that homeowners should consider:
The solar panel company. We've covered the importance of utilizing high-quality products and leveraging the expertise and longevity of high-quality solar panel manufacturers such as Panasonic. You'll eliminate the worry of working with a newer company and benefit from the success of a longstanding industry player.
The right installer. The best equipment won't yield results if it's poorly installed. If you want an effective PV system, you must work with a high-quality installer. As with the solar panel company, homeowners should consider the installer's reputation, customer reviews, processes, and manufacturing partners.
An optimized design. The right installer will combine high-quality solar panels and hardware with the optimal design for your power needs and budget. An installer should consider your current power usage, future power needs, environmental goals, financial expectations, thoughts on battery storage, and more.
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Choose a great solar panel company. Then combine those products with a quality installer and great design&#;and you can't lose. You'll end up with a PV system that more than meets your power needs and an install process that exceeds your expectations.
Looking to find out more about powering your home with clean solar power? Connect with a vetted Panasonic installer in your area today and get all your questions answered with a free quote.
With current energy costs, it is natural to consider alternative energy sources with solar panels &#; also known as photovoltaics as a popular and accessible option. As with any undertaking that involves money, property, and the power grid, it is essential to evaluate all relevant factors before making a purchase or signing a contract.
While it may be technically possible for some people to install their own solar energy system, it is generally not recommended, due to the skills needed to install it properly, the potential for damage to the property if installed incorrectly, and the safety hazards associated with installation. Thus, you will most likely need to select a "Vendor" to carry out your installation for you.
But who should you choose? If you type "Solar Panels for Purchase" into a search engine, over 76,000,000 results appear. This article discusses some of the important issues you should consider when deciding who to hire to install a solar energy system on your home or farm.
The most important thing to remember is to obtain several quotes from different installers. Do not simply go with someone because they showed up at your front door with a good sales pitch. They might be a great installer but looking at several possible installers (at least 3 is recommended) will go a long way to help you see how they stack up.
Parts for farm or home systems can be purchased at the local hardware store, online, or through a vendor. However, the costs of solar extend beyond the purchase of a panel. When installing solar be aware of the following:
How/where will the panels be installed for maximum production? What checks can be carried out to ensure that land preservation regulations don't prohibit or restrict the use of solar on the site?
Is the equipment proprietary? Are replacement parts readily available? Can the equipment be repaired by any repair person? What are the options for expansion?
What local ordinances or laws regarding solar are in the area? Municipalities and townships have become increasingly involved in regulating the placement of solar. Check for any new regulations as proposals are continually moving through the legislature. If considering solar for your individual use on a barn, out structures, or house, be aware of any local regulations. For example, the fire code may require a walking path on the roof for rooftop installations.
How is ongoing maintenance handled? What is the cost of a service call? How often do the systems need to be repaired?
This term is used frequently regarding solar panel installations, and more specifically for rooftop installations. What structural analysis do you do on the building (if it is a rooftop system) to ensure that it can handle the added load of the solar panels? Weight is not the only consideration, however. Snow and wind will also be a factor eventually.
What, if any, options are there for excess production? Can the power be sold to a local utility company?
While the system and site consideration are the same whether a purchase or lease, vendors may bring other influencing factors to the table that may affect decision making:
No-cost solar systems are typically solar leases or solar power purchase arrangements. The "cost" or "free" aspect means that there is no upfront money from the landowner. The system is installed, and the company will then charge the purchaser for the energy produced (usually at a lower price than they would have paid if the solar power system were not in place). Consider the following:
Keep in mind that high pressure sales tactics may be used by a salesperson to encourage a quick turnaround on a contract. This is always a warning to stop and take a step back before signing anything. Get independent help to evaluate the sale, whether that be calling your local Extension office or reaching out to an attorney such as Penn State's Center for Ag and Shale Law.
A good tool to evaluate your home energy and compare options is the Home Energy Saver website. This is an interactive do-it-yourself home energy assessment tool, combined with extensive decision-support content. The site is developed and maintained by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory with sponsorship from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and others. The evaluation tool can be found online.
Take time and evaluate your options before entering any contract. Penn State Extension is here to provide resources to assist in the decision-making process. Contact your local Extension office or find more information at the Extension Energy Team website.
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