3 of The Best Rated Solar Panels
If you wish to light up your home for free as well as take advantage of the appliances in the rooms without paying a farthing to the utility company, then install solar panels.
Although initial investments for setting up solar panels on the rooftop of your house or atop your RV, would be remarkably heavy, you should be able to make good the outlay over the lifetime of the panels.
If you good care of the solar panels, they should be in service for nothing less than 25 years. When it comes to choosing the panels for domestic use always opt for ones with high efficiency ratings and offered by manufacturers who’ve a sound track record.
Basic Features of a Solar Panel
What you spend on solar panels will be recouped or reimbursed from the savings that’ll build up on account of your paying reduced electricity bills.
More importantly, installing the panels on the rooftop will eventually lead to an appreciation of your home’s resale value.
At the same time, you’ll feel good when you realize that you’ve done your bit for safeguarding the environment from further degradation.
As solar panels are not dependent on conventional energy sources for conserving power, they are fully biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Updating yourself on the basic features of a solar panel will go a long way in helping you to choose a brand that is appropriate for your needs and preferences:-
1. Power Rating
The rating printed on the nameplate specifies the power output which is evaluated in DC subject to ideal conditions. Depending upon the quality and size of solar panels, these normally have a rating that ranges from 200-400 watts.
However in reality, your panel will never work at full capacity as its operability will be affected by prevailing weather conditions, roof inclination, trajectory of the sun’s rays, and other factors.
2. Efficiency Rating
The efficiency rating of this panel is evaluated by the effectiveness with which it transforms solar energy into electricity. This efficiency is measured in terms of kWh. Standard panels have an efficiency rating that varies between 14% and 20%.
3. Type of Solar Cell
There are basically 3 kinds of solar cells-Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, and amorphous silicon. Monocrystalline cells are the most expensive whereas the amorphous silicon cells are the least costly.
Top 3 Solar Panels
Solar Charger RAVPower 16W Solar Panel with Dual USB Port Waterproof Foldable for Smartphones Tablets and Camping Travel
The 16W Solar Panel from RAVPower are incredibly performance oriented as they have an efficiency rating up to 23.5%. For you it implies that you can rapidly charge a maximum of 2 devices simultaneously, regardless of whether the weather is sunny or cloudy.
At the same time, the device is extremely portable enabling you to take it along with you wherever you want to. The device is also fully weatherproof and waterproof and comes with 4 clasps and dual iSmart wires for the user’s convenience.
Pros
- Unparalleled energy conversion efficiency: from 21.5%-23.5%
- Simultaneous charging of two devices: smartphone and laptop
- Extremely compact and lightweight allowing it to be easily carried, stored, and used
- iSmart charging technology for optimized charging of connected gadgets or devices
- Comes in a hardy, weatherproof polyester canvas pack that is also waterproof: convenient and safe charging of all devices
- Also comes equipped with 4 clasps for tapping sunlight
- Dual iSmart USB receptacles for connecting up to 2 devices for fast charging
Cons
- If solar charging is interrupted for some reason, the user may have to unplug and re-plug to resume charging
- Adaptors or charging cords not supplied
MicroSolar – 10W Solar Panel Charging Kit for 12v Battery
Use the MicroSolar 10w Solar Panel Charging Kit for fully charging a 12v 4AH battery quickly. The efficiency of this solar charging kit is tantamount to generating 20 to 40 watt hours of electricity every day.
With this solar panel set, you can keep the battery in your motorcycle, car or yacht in running condition for years on end. Battery devices and equipment charge faster on perfectly sunny days. MicroSolar takes advantage of silvered solar panels which are extremely effective in tapping energy from the rays of the sun.
Pros
- 10W aluminum solar panel set that comes with angled brackets for convenient installation on a range of surfaces
- Comes with controller for solar charging
- 18 feet watertight wire
- Extra 16.4 feet extension wire
- Alligator clips with fuse
- Construction from hardy materials
- Extended shelf life
Cons
- May not work efficiently on cloudy days or when the weather is humid
- The nuts and bolts included in the package for mounting the bracket may not be suitable
HQST 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel
The solar panel from HQST with a power rating of 100w is embedded withmonocrystalline solar cells which offer it a high conversion efficiency rating.
Under favorable weather conditions, the panel has an output of 500Wh each day. It comes outfitted with bypass diodes which diminish power drops due to low light making it perform efficiently.
The cover has been constructed from low iron-tempered glass making it almost immune to impacts and shocks and the glass is also anti-glare with a high transparency rating.
Pros
- Monocrystalline solar cells converts 22% of tapped solar energy into electricity
- Solar panels encased in rust-resistant aluminum frame facilitating extensive use out of doors
- Aluminum framing protects the panels enabling them to function for decades
- Mounting holes at the back for fast and firm installation on different surfaces
- Most appropriate for charging 12v battery
- Power output warranty for 25 years
Cons
- The peak conversion efficiency claimed by the manufacturer is under ideal conditions of weather and temperature; so the same might vary considerably in reality
- Full exposure to the sun’s rays needed for best results
Conclusion
Of the 3 products reviewed in this article that harnesses solar energy, the HSQT solar panel was found to be the most versatile as the same used monocrystalline solar cells but it was a tad expensive.
The solar panel from Micro Solar was ideal for charging batteries of car, RV, and private yacht while the portable solar charger from RAVPower came handy for charging two PDAs simultaneously.