1. Panel certification. This is a pre-requisite for federal and state rebates in the US. There are specific sets of standards that manufacturers must meet. These are some of the most widely used standards:

· IEC 61215 (for crystalline silicon)
· IEC 61646 (for thin films)
· IEC 61730 (safety, for all module types)
· UL 1703 (safety)
· CE mark (for EU regulations)

2. Flash Report. A flash test measures the power output in response to a short burst of xenon light source. The flash lasts for 1 to 30 milliseconds at a light intensity of 1 watt per Meter Square. The spectrum of the light source closely resembles the solar spectrum. The results in the flash report are then compared to the specifications of the PV module’s datasheet.

3. Series Fuse. Every solar panel has to be protected by a surge-protection device. This is to prevent unintended damage due to high currents leaking from neighboring panels.

Such condition (called backfeeding) occurs frequently whenever one series string of panels experience shading or has a damaged circuit. Series fuses are often located in the combiner box or in the grid-connected inverters.

4. Maximum Power Voltage. This is the voltage (V) when the output power is at its maximum. It is one of the important figures that must be considered when choosing a particular inverter or controller.

5. Maximum Power Current. This is the current (A) when the output power is at its maximum. This figure is usually needed in calculations for PV array disconnect labeling as required by National Electrical Code (NEC) Section 690.53.

Voltage Measurement

6. Open-Circuit Voltage. This is the maximum open-circuit voltage of your PV panel when it is exposed to sunlight. Note that no load should be connected while the measurement is done. Since the output voltage increases with lower ambient temperature, the open-circuit voltage is measured at the historic low temperature. This will determine the highest possible voltage output.

This rating is important for making sure your components (panels, wiring, inverters, charge controllers, electronics, etc.) are designed to take the maximum possible voltage.

7. Short-Circuit Current. This is the maximum current produced by your solar panel when short-circuited. It is important to ensure that fuses and breakers are rated to handle high current surge during such events. Thus this measurement must be done.

More important facts and properties of your solar panel can be found at the following links:

(i) Important Facts And Properties of A Solar (PV) Panel You Must Know About (Part 1 of 3)
(ii) Important Facts And Properties of A Solar (PV) Panel You Must Know About (Part 2 of 3)

Continue Reading:

1. Sizing Your Solar Energy Panels – Part 3
2. How To Build A Sun Tracking Mechanism to Increase Your Solar Panel Efficiency by 40%
3. Important Facts And Properties of A Solar (PV) Panel You Must Know About (Part 1 of 3)

In general, there are 3 major types of solar panels – portable, residential and commercial solar panel systems.

Portable solar panels are very small products that can supply low voltages (and limited power) to handheld or portable gadgets. There are rollable solar chargers, foldable solar panels and small, thin-film panels. The type of solar panel to be used depends on your application.

Residential and commercial solar panels are made using either crystalline silicon, thin-film or string-ribbon technology. They are much larger than portable solar panels and require inverters to convert direct current to alternating current. This conforms the electricity supply to the requirements of the household or commercial electricity supply.

Choosing a suitable brand is another major consideration. Purchasing from leading solar panel brands ensure that you have the service and advice that will most likely serve your needs. When it comes to repair and maintenance, spare parts and labor are adequately catered for – more so in larger companies than in smaller mom and pop shops.

Here is a list of leading solar panels brand: BP Solar, Evergreen Solar, General Electric, AEE Solar, Kaneka, Mitsubishi Electric, Kyocera, Sanyo, SunWize, Suntech, Sharp and Uni-Solar.

There are professionals in these companies that can help you size your solar power system. With your average power consumption figures and number of sun hours at your location, they can determine the specifications you need for your solar panels and other related components.

Depending on your budget, you may be advised to install as many solar panels as is required to supply all your household electricity needs. Or you can install the solar panels in stages. The specifications for each option are different and it is important to purchase a system that fits your requirement so you’ll not spend more money than necessary.

Along with solar panels, other necessary components for a home solar power system are inverters, batteries and mounts. These, too, have different specifications and you’ll need to choose one that suits your need.

Another consideration when buying solar panels is the warranty period. Companies offer different warranty periods and it is important to check that this period is much longer than the calculated payback period.

Keeping these pointers in mind as you shop for solar panels, you are better equipped to buy solar panels that can serve you for decades and put money back into your pocket.

Continue Reading:

1. Flexible Solar Panels
2. Solar Energy Panels — Solar Trickle Chargers
3. Important Facts And Properties of A Solar (PV) Panel You Must Know About (Part 2 of 3)