3 Specifications To Know When Buying Solar Panels

Homeowners looking for renewable ways to power their homes are turning to solar energy for help. The installation of photovoltaic panels, an inverter, and a battery capable of storing solar power could help you cut your reliance on electricity over time.

Purchasing the right solar panels is an important factor when it comes to ensuring that your solar energy system will be able to meet your power needs.

There are several specifications that you will run across when shopping for solar panels. An understanding of these specifications will allow you to select the panels that will best serve your home over time.

1. Nominal Power

All solar panels are labeled with a wattage rating. This rating is referred to as the panel's nominal power rating.

Nominal power is a specification that describes how much energy a solar panel can output under ideal lab conditions. Since the conditions found on your home's roof will rarely match the ideal lab conditions used to determine a solar panel's nominal rating, power output from your panels may vary.

Be sure that you are investing in panels that are capable of delivering close to their nominal rating as you install solar power in your home.

2. Efficiency

Comparing the efficiency of multiple solar panels can help you decide which model is best suited to meet your power needs.

A solar panel's efficiency is a measure of the electricity output of the panel relative to its surface area.

Panels with a high-efficiency rating tend to be smaller, so they won't take up as much room when installed on your property. This can be beneficial for homeowners who need numerous panels to power their electrical systems or homeowners with limited space for solar equipment.

3. Temperature Coefficient

Climate can influence the way a solar panel performs after installation. Solar panels have a tendency to respond negatively to high temperatures.

Exposure to extreme heat can result in a significant reduction in the power output of a panel. The temperature coefficient describes how well a solar panel responds to heat. This specification is expressed as a percentage change per degree Celsius.

Panels with a lower temperature coefficient are ideal for homes in hot climates, as they can be on a hot roof for an extended period of time while still operating efficiently.

If you are thinking of investing in solar power for your home, take the time to understand the specifications of all available solar panels. Comparing these specifications will help you identify the right panels for your home.

For more information on photovoltaic panels, contact a professional near you.