If you’re looking to install solar energy (and maximise your savings) you must know about the elite of the elite – Tier 1 Solar Panels. In this article, we’re going to be discussing with you what Tier 1 Solar Panels are, and how they can be the best investment for your renewable energy needs.

What Is A Tier 1 Solar Panel?

Bloomberg New Energy Finance is a world-renowned tiering system for solar energy systems and panels – and they have defined Tier 1 solar panels as solar panels which

“have provided products to six different projects which have been financed non-recourse by six different (non-development) banks in the past two years.”

In English – this means that these solar panels have been used in large, commercial-grade, or utility-scale projects sized at 1.5 megawatts (MW) and beyond. Furthermore, the manufacturers must fully own their own solar production plants and facilities, while being able to sell under their own name/brand. This is what defines a Tier 1 Solar Panel – a name brand that controls all functions of production and has used its products on a large enough scale.

What else makes a Tier 1 Solar Panel?

Experience

Tier 1 Solar Panels are generally made by manufacturers who have been in business for 10 or more years, stemming from the fact that they have made wise enough business decisions to stay in business, while also having a viable product.

Manufacturing Scale

The production facility must be able to commit to commercial-grade projects, and in doing so – their manufacturing scale must be able to commit to both residential and commercial projects. If they cannot do one or the other, they cannot be considered Tier 1.

Durability and Quality

Robust durability and quality are must-haves to be labeled Tier 1. Although the exact process to determine this is unclear, it can be shown by their panel return rate. Solar manufacturers with a less than 5% panel return rate show that their panels are durable and are of the utmost quality.

Technical Performance

Are these panels efficient? Do they have special inverting systems such as Enphase inverters? Technical performance is shown by how efficient their solar panels are at absorbing energy, and how well they can maintain their performance through 10, 15, and even 20 years of usage.

Tier 1 Solar Panels available through Solar Run

EGing PV

With a vertically integrated business model – EGing PV has proven to be one of the most successful solar panel manufacturers in all of China. Their Jiangsu Engineering Research Academy has produced some of the top minds in the solar energy industry for mainland China – and with it, an elite level R & D team that has developed some of the most efficient solar panels in the world, while maintaining a great price point.

Jinko Solar

Serving over 30 countries and regions around the world, Jinko Solar is one of the most respected names in the solar industry. Jinko has a solid track record of producing state-of-the-art commercial and residential solar energy systems, alongside cost-effective pricing. Their Cheetah Solar Panel models are amongst the most popular in the United Arab Emirates – they use them to power their luxury hotels and skyscrapers.

SunPower

SunPower has been producing solar panels and solar energy systems since 1985 – with one of the most reputable, and durable solar panels on the market. They were ranked #1 in the United States for commercial-grade solar panels in 2017.

Tier 1 Modules: The Latest in Photovoltaic Cell Technology

• PERC: Passivated Emitter Rear Cells. Solar panels built with the foundation of PERC cells have an additional layer bolted onto the backs of traditional solar cells. This allows for more sunlight to be captured and then converted into electricity, which makes them more efficient than regular solar cells.
• Bifacial/Dual-Sided Panels: These modules produce solar power from both sides of the panels, and will generally be installed on high reflective surfaces, and can increase energy creation by 30%.
• Multi-Busbar: Multi-busbar technology aims to reduce all resistive losses from the current flows between the solar panels and the busbar. This technology allows for a more efficient panel and gives you the most out of your solar energy system.
• IBC or Interdigitated Back Contact cells: IBCs are configurations of Rear Contact Solar Cells. The rear contact solar cells can potentially achieve higher efficiency by moving all of the front contact grids – or part of it – to the rear of the device. The potential higher efficiency is due to the reduced shading on the front of the cell and is specifically useful in high current cells like concentrators.
• Heterojunction Solar Cells: This type of cell is a combination of a crystalline silicon cell which is then “sandwiched” between two layers of “thin-film” silicon. This “sandwich” cell absorbs extra photons that would otherwise not get captured by traditional solar cells. In doing so, they absorb more sunlight and can create more energy for your solar energy system.

What You Should Look For In Your Solar Panels?

Warranties

Solar panels and solar energy systems should be built to last, and as a long-term investment, you should make sure to have an adequate warranty on your solar panels. Generally, manufacturers give two types of warranties, one on the product (solar panels) and the second on its performance over the years. The product warranty protects the solar panels for the allotted amount of years, and the performance warranty ensures that your panels will produce a certain level of efficiency at 15+ years.

Australian Presence:

Solar companies within Australia are your go-to source for more information and support when it comes to the maintenance of your solar energy system. The larger the Australian presence, the more workers and support they will have for you and your family regarding your solar energy system.

Quality Inverters:

Solar panels are only one part of the equation, having a quality solar energy inverter will allow for more efficient energy transformation, which will save you more money on your energy bills. If you would like to know more information about which inverters are the best for your solar panels, you can find out more here.

Choose a Quality Installer

Licensed installers are certified to give you the best installation with minimal interference with your day-to-day life. It can difficult to find great solar installers – but here at SolarRun, we have lists of qualified, highly recommended installers that will get your solar energy system up and running in no time.

Why Choose Solar Run for Solar Systems and Installation?

Solar panels and a solar energy system are a long-term investments, and when you delve into solar power – you must have an understanding of which panels and which systems will work best for your Australian home.

Here at SolarRun – we want to make sure we guide you through every step of the way, with a detailed process that will provide solutions for all of your energy needs. Tier 1 Solar Panels are the best for residential properties, and if you’re looking to save more money while fighting climate change, we’ll make sure that you’ll get a great head start here at SolarRun.