Performance guarantee
Such a guarantee covers the performance of a solar panel, or of an entire solar panel generator system. A solar panel loses performance over the years. Depending on the quality, significantly less electricity can be generated after just a few years than at the start of commissioning. Searching for Solar Panel Installers Colchester? Our skilled team is ready to assist! Contact us today to explore our budget-friendly and efficient solutions.
Performance guarantee are not without controversy, since measurement tolerances can occur. The scope of such a guarantee varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and can range from a few years to 30 years. No matter how extensive the guarantee is offered, it is basically voluntary. German manufacturers in particular are trying to differentiate themselves from cheap imports from China with the help of a guarantee. It is advisable to read the fine print here, since, as with any guarantee, certain situations are excluded. In some places and solar companies in Florida, In some places, even if the system’s performance falls below a certain level, only part of the monetary value is paid out and not the entire purchase price.
Product Guarantee
Like every product in Germany, a solar panel is also subject to the guidelines of the legislator. A classic warranty is valid for the first two years after purchase of the product and covers defects that were apparently already present at the factory. The manufacturer has to prove for the first six months that this is not the case in order not to have to remedy the defect. After the first six months, the customer must be able to prove that the defect apparently already existed at the factory.
A product guarantee extends this guarantee with parameters specified by the manufacturer. It is always voluntary and the conditions can be freely determined. As a rule, manufacturers provide such a guarantee on a solar panel primarily on physical durability and correct installation of the devices. Similar to the performance guarantee, German manufacturers use this type of guarantee to advertise the high quality of their products and thus differentiate them from Chinese products.
How are solar panels attached?
Logically, a solar panel featured with 12v lithium ion battery must not be drilled through directly. However, since the modules are usually surrounded by an aluminum frame, appropriate suspensions can be made here. Most providers plan a roof system completely with the fastening. These usually consist of aluminum profiles that are anchored to the roof. This is also where the cables are attached and connected to the solar panel.
The product guarantee usually also applies to this attachment. Self-assembly is difficult, because on the one hand roof work has to be done and on the other hand a small mistake could already severely damage the entire solar system.
Smaller modules can also be easily glued using double-sided adhesive tape. A customer fabric holder is also potentially possible, but is recommended for smaller structures such as in cars or campers. This type of attachment is mainly found in mobile modules that are also sewn into fabric. There are professional solar panels for campers on the market.
How do you clean a solar panel?
Especially large and automated solar systems have cleaning robots to remove dirt and grime from the system. This is important because any contamination reduces the performance of the modules. In principle, however, cleaning is easy.
The manufacturer usually specifies which cleaning agents should be used. Some also offer special cleaning services, but you can usually do without them. The cleaning can best be done on your own in the morning, since the modules can radiate enormous heat, especially in the midday heat.
Cleaning is done with soap and water. This is distributed over the modules using a spray bottle and then cleaned with a sponge or soft cloth. You may only clean the surface of the modules. Cables or other electrical components do not need to be cleaned. With a solar system on a roof you have to be secured accordingly. If the worst comes to the worst, hire a professional company.
Of course, the rain also cleans your solar power system. However, this is not nearly as efficient as manual cleaning. An uncleaned system can call up an average of 10% less power. In addition, a dirty system can also lose performance in the long term and should therefore be cleaned regularly.
What does a solar panel weigh?
Since there can be different designs of a solar panel, the weight, similar to the price, is not given in square meters, but in maximum watt load. The modules weigh around 60 grams per watt.
This would mean that a Chinese-made solar panel with a size of 1.70 m² and an output of 335 watts weighs around 20 kilograms. Here, too, a distinction must be made as to whether the solar panel is protected with a glass film or a real glass layer.
As a rule, solar systems are not a problem for almost any roof. The weight never reaches a critical mass. In combination with a high snow load in winter, however, structural difficulties can still arise. It is self-explanatory, but a thick layer of snow must be removed promptly.
Due to their construction, thin-film modules are up to 70% lighter, but also more susceptible to pressure and impacts.
How are solar panels wired?
There are basically two types of cabling. Once the series and the parallel circuit. While cabling is simpler with a series connection, even small patches of shadow, such as a cloud or tree, can severely reduce the overall performance of the system. The power generation depends on the weakest link.
A parallel connection is much more complex, but each solar panel works for itself. Individual shadow spots do not affect the entire system. Any further necessary wiring is then identical, regardless of whether a series or parallel connection was made. By the way, you might also be interested in batteries with parallel vs series connection.
The cable that leads away from the solar system must be connected to a charge controller that can handle the fluctuations in electricity generation and then feeds the electricity into a battery. Since the wiring of a large system can be very complex, it is advisable to have this done by a specialist company. The product guarantee also applies to this aspect of a solar system.
What is the power of a solar panel?
The power of a solar panel is given in watts. This corresponds to the maximum output on the day of production. As already explained, degeneration can ensure that performance decreases over time. Large solar panels are usually used for roof constructions with an individual output of almost 300 watts. Depending on the size of the system, the overall performance adds up. Mini solar panels for camping trips come with 100 to 200 watts. Charging units for smartphones or tablets usually reach 30 watts and less.
Of course, performance depends on various factors. As already mentioned, sun exposure is the most important factor. If this is prevented by shadows or dirt, the performance is reduced. But the series or parallel connection also influences performance.
Another factor is the moving sun. If the modules are still in the sunshine in the morning, this can change in the afternoon.
What is the best alignment?
A off grid solar system only achieves the greatest possible efficiency if the orientation has been planned accordingly. State-of-the-art systems align themselves independently and always point in the direction of the sun. However, since most systems are mounted on sloping roofs, this is usually not an option.
The perfect orientation is always south. Although this detail is usually not taken into account when the house is built, if a southern orientation is possible, this should also be used. However, shadow spots caused by trees or chimneys must be taken into account just as much as alignment with a series connection.
The angle of inclination is also a relevant variable. This depends on where you live and the time of year. Concrete advice from a specialist company is necessary here in order to be able to determine the most optimal alignment.
Buying solar panels: a tip!
In any case, both Chinese and German solar panels are of high quality. Rely on branded goods and don’t save at the wrong end, because the solar system should ideally last 20 years or more.
