Every month in the United States, tens of thousands of homeowners are making the switch to solar energy. By installing solar panel systems on their properties, homeowners are saving on their energy bills and playing their part in protecting the environment.
The upfront cost of switching to solar energy can be high, so it stands to reason that homeowners will want to choose the most efficient solar panels. In this blog post, we will look at solar panel efficiency and share information that will help you to make the best decision for your home, so read on!
What Solar Panels Are the Most Efficient?
Solar panels can be classified into 3 different categories: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. If you are looking for the most efficient solar panels, we recommend that you opt for Tier 1. The manufacturers of these solar panels are class-leading, and the panels themselves are of the highest quality.
Put simply, Tier 1 solar panels are built to a higher standard than both Tier 2 and Tier 3 solar panels. While they are more expensive up front, they are more efficient at absorbing sunlight and converting it into electricity. In the long run, Tier 1 solar panels are the best option.
What Makes Tier 1 Solar Panels the Best Option?
Many solar panel installers will provide a warranty of 25 years for solar panels. That is typically taken as the expected lifespan of a solar panel system, though the reality is that it can effectively produce electricity for up to 50 years.
The key here is the solar panel degradation rate. The better the solar panel, the lower the annual degradation rate. Let’s consider the annual degradation rate of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3:
- Tier 1 – 0.30%
- Tier 2 – 0.50%
- Tier 3 – 0.80%
Using that rate, we can see that Tier 1 solar panels will retain 93.04% of their original output after 25 years. This can be deemed to be excellent. Tier 2 and Tier 3 both have a higher degradation rate, and their output after 25 years will be 88.67% and 82.47%, respectively.
Whichever tier of solar panel you opt for, it is important to maintain it so that its efficiency remains as high as possible. We recommend that you routinely wash your solar panels with water 2 to 4 times per year. If you notice any issues with your panels or their output, contact your solar panel installation company and schedule a service.
Getting the Most Out of Solar Panel Efficiency
Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy resource, meaning it will play an important role in tackling climate change in the coming decades. By choosing the most efficient solar panel system, you can get the most bang for your buck.
Speak to your local solar panel installer to learn more about the most efficient solar panel options and the benefits of solar panels.
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