Solar Panel Brand Review
By: Jay Khajavi
Review of 3 brands of solar panels is discussed below. They are made by Kyocera, Sharp, and BP. They are all well known manufacturers with dedication on solar panel production. The difference between these brands can be understood by comparing their features. Consult the table below for comparison:
| Kyocera | Sharp |
BP |
|
|
Efficiency |
16.0% | 13.6% | 13.5% |
| Warranty | 20 Years | 25 Years | 25 Years |
| Standards | UL 1703 | UL 1703 | UL 1703 |
| Made in | Worldwide | Sharp USA | Worldwide |
| Reputation | 35 Years | 50 Years | 35 Years |
| Price | $2.50 / W | $3.29 / W | $2.60 / W |
In terms of efficiency, Kyocera holds the winning stand, it is also priced competitively.
Considering company reputation, Sharp is at the top of the list.
BP solar panels offer higher service and support.
Solar Panel Type Review:
There are 2 types of solar panels technology in general:
- Solar panel for the purpose of generating electricity, or Photovoltaic panels.
- Solar panels for generating hot water for home or industrial use.
| Solar Technology | Application | Advantage | Considerations |
| Photovoltaic Panels | Generating ElectricityRunning water pumps, appliances, industrial equipmentLighting, traffic lights, road maintenance signsRemote locations where electricity not available (Cabins)Recreational Vehicle (RV)Electrical back-up in emergency cases
Telecommunication systems |
Main Source of Energy for all appliancesLong lifeSturdy, and do not break easily. Good choice for RVs.Weather resistanceLow profileEvolving technology offers new features
More government initiatives Could be saved for future use Excessive power could be sold to local utility providers Utility savings are attractive Can be tilted automatically to follow sun |
Expensive and complexRequires knowledge of electricity and trade certificateRoof appearance is affectedLarge area (usually roof) is neededObstacles, neighbor building, North/South OrientationClear sky in winter time reduces the efficiency
Do-It-Yourself needs mechanical, electrical, and electronic skills Local regulation (City Hall) license and By-laws Hot environment reduces the efficiency by some |
| Solar Hot Water | Heating up the Hot Water TankPool heatingIndustrial processing factoriesHot water for remote areas (Cabins) | Easy concept and technology (Comparing with electrical devices)Still reasonably functional in cold weather with clear skyCan be installed on balcony or back yardThe more household members, the more economically beneficialHot environment increases the efficiency | Less expensive than Photovoltaic systemsHeat energy can’t be reserved for a long period of timeCan’t be sold back to utility companiesDo-It-Yourself needs mechanical and plumbing skillsNot easy to automate sun trackingUnderground plumbing and insulation
Heavier than PV (Roof load consideration) Local regulation (City Hall) license and By-laws |
In this web site we focus on the first type which is also called Photovoltaic Panels or PV. For more information select a category of your interest from the left column.
Solar heating system can be further categorized as Passive or Active. The passive system uses the house itself (Windows, interior spaces and walls) to collect, distribute and store the heat from the sun. The active systems utilizes some external devices (like solar heating panels) to collect and distribute heat throughout the house or store it temporary in a reservoir hot water tank.