Here at iDeal Solar we offer a range of solutions from trusted partners which have been carefully selected for Australian conditions and reliability. Not least of these is Solar panels themselves, an essential component of all solar systems. The watt rating of a solar panel is an important consideration when choosing the right system for your home or business. In this Solar Saturdays post, we delve into the impact of watt ratings and how they impact your iDeal Solar System.
Understanding Watt Ratings:
The watt rating of a solar panel refers to the amount of power the panel can produce under standard test conditions. It is an indication of the maximum power output of a solar panel. The higher the watt rating, the more electricity a solar panel can produce. It’s important to consider these ratings are obtained under standardised lab tests and may not reflect real-world experience. In many cases, panel manufacturers are conservative in watt ratings as their panels need to meet these standards once produced in factories.
Impact on Efficiency:
Solar panels with higher watt ratings tend to be more efficient. Higher efficiency solar panels can convert a higher percentage of sunlight into electricity, which can result in greater savings on energy bills over time. In addition, higher efficiency solar panels require fewer panels to generate the same amount of electricity, which can lead to cost savings on installation.
Impact on Cost:
Solar panels with higher watt ratings tend to be more expensive. However, the cost per watt may be lower for higher wattage panels. This means that although the upfront cost may be higher, the cost per unit of electricity generated may be lower. In addition, the cost of installation may be lower with higher wattage panels, as fewer panels are required to generate the same amount of electricity.
Impact on Space Requirements:
Solar panels with higher watt ratings tend to be larger in size. This means that fewer panels may be required to generate the same amount of electricity as lower wattage panels. However, this may also mean that more space is required for installation. It is important to consider the available space when choosing a solar panel with a higher watt rating.
Impact on Production:
As solar continues to evolve, we are seeing massive improvements in both cell efficiency and watt ratings of panels. Some members of the iDeal Solar family have been around long enough to remember 80 watt panels manufactured right here in Australia (not that they will admit it!). These days a minimum watt rating used by iDeal Solar is 415 watts and this continues to grow, but rest assured, with our 25 year performance backing and guarantees, iDeal Solar has thought ahead to make sure your system continues working as it should for decades to come. Just imagine, come 2047 a 10kW iDeal Solar system purchased today will still be producing 8.48kW of energy, in WORST CASE – fully under written by manufacturer backed guarantees (and that’s not science fiction!).
Conclusion:
The watt rating of a solar panel is an important consideration when choosing the right solar panel for your home or business and its worth having a chat to one of our Solar Stars to figure out just what’s right for you. Solar panels with higher watt ratings tend to be more efficient, but also more expensive and larger in size. It is important to consider the impact of watt ratings on efficiency, cost, and space requirements when selecting a solar panel for your needs. By doing so, you can make an informed decision that will help you save money on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.