1. Ask the dealer/installer, what is the warranted minimum or “peak tolerance rating” of the solar energy panels you are purchasing.
Did you know that the average consumer doesn’t know that they could be paying for 200 watt solar energy panels and only be getting 180 watt solar panels? Obviously you are going to want to purchase solar panels that have the “highest minimum warranted power rating. Remember it is irrelevant if a solar energy manufacture claims to have a high efficiency rating if the solar energy panels has a poor minimum warranted power rating.
Smart Buying Tip: Always request and analyze the specification sheet and specifically look for the minimum warranted power rating as that is the only written guarantee of the power rating you will get!
2. What is the difference in buying solar energy panels with a 20 year warranty verses a 25 year power production warranty?
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are two types of panels that have both been on the market for over 40 years and have an established and proven track record. It is industry standard for manufacturers of these proven technologies to offer warranties of 25 years or more. The newer technology has not been on the market as long so the newer technology although could be better doesn’t have the longevity of use to back it up. Therefore newer products sometimes come with a shorter warranty
Smart Buying Tip: What type of personality are you? Are you the Tortoise or the Hare? The Tortoise takes a chance and buys the new technology and the Hare purchases what is known and proven.
3. What are solid ingots of silicon and why do I need to know about them?
Solar energy panel efficiency ratings are based upon how much power the panel will produce per square inch. The highest efficiencies come from solar cells that are cut from solid ingots of silicon. Some manufacturers have developed methods that reduce the high cost of cutting solar cells from solid ingots of silicon but the reduction in manufacturing cost is passed on to the consumer with no significant price break and more importantly a reduction in the solar energy panel efficiency.
Smart Buying Tip Ask for the factory printed specification sheet and look for the solar module efficiency NOT THE INDIVIDUAL CELL EFFICIENCY.. If this information is not provided by the dealer/installer you should consider shopping elsewhere.!
4. Do you want more rebate money in your pocket?
Buy the highest efficiency rated inverter. All inverters that have been approved for the State’s solar energy program have been thoroughly tested and given a weighted efficiency rating by the State. Inverter efficiency ratings generally range from a low of 89% to a high of 96%. A 7% difference in a moderately sized system can mean a rebate difference of up to $700.00 to $800.00.
Smart BuyingTip ! Buying the highest efficiency rated inverter means more money in your pocket!
5. Test question for your dealer. Ask how much the transformer/inverter weighs.
There are two types of transformers, 1) High frequency transformers which are low cost inverters or 2) 60Hz copper wound transformer which are more expensive but they are time tested to be significantly more durable and efficient. For example, a typical 3 kilowatt inverter with a heavy duty, copper transformer will weigh about 85 pounds A copper wound transformer has less of an failure rate.
Smart Buying Tip ! Ask to see the inverter specification sheet. The weight of the inverter if it is copper wound should be around 85 lbs.
6. Don’t skimp on the mounting racks for installation. Ask the dealer/installer if they are using professionally manufactured medium to heavy duty mounting racks.
When reviewing your quotation specifically look for a list of brand engineered aluminum mounting racks. DO NOT let the installer install inexpensive galvanized steel U channels. You are looking for 20-40 year longevity and an inexpensive installation may not withstand high winds or years of erosion. Furthermore you are liable if the solar energy panels happen to become dislodged or become air born.
Smart Buying Tip: Insist on a professional grade medium to heavy duty mounting racks. This is NOT an area where you want to cut corners to in order to save money.
Abstract Solar Panel
