Choose the right solar panels for your home

A solar panel is the most important component of your solar system and should be chosen with utmost care. Its basic function is to pick the solar energy and convert it into direct current or solar energy. A malfunctioning panel, therefore, will not only fail to conduct power, but will affect the entire system.
Purity Mbae, the marketing manager at Solar Point, categorises solar panels on the Ugandan market into two; Polycrystalline and Monocrystalline which are both made from crystalline silicon.
Their difference, however, lies in performance. While monocrystalline panels are created from a single continuous crystal structure, polycrystalline panels are made of segments that form a whole. Mbae says monocrystalline panels are more efficient because they have lower silicon purity.
Before you go out to invest in solar energy, it is important to know what you are looking for. Kenneth Ngogolo, the manager at Kirchner Solar Uganda Ltd, says you should look for quality, efficiency, durability and the manufacturer. “The market is flooded with solar panels and recently, we have experienced a surge in inferior panels. So, the buyer should take extra care,” Mbae cautions.

Quality
Mbae says quality entails cell efficiency, finishing and size of the frame. “Just like the panel is the mother of the solar energy system, the solar cell is the main component of a solar panel. So when buying panels, look for one with the most efficiency,” she says adding: “Do not hesitate to ask your dealer for this kind of information for comparison purposes.”
Cell efficiency relates to the amount of available energy from the sun that gets converted into electricity. The most efficient solar panels determine the photovaltic wattage and subsequently the quality of the energy produced.
Clement Ogwang, a solar panel dealer, points out finishing qualities such as the colour of the cells (the darker, the more absorption rates), the weight of the panel (should be heavy enough not to be swept away by the wind) and the shape of frame (should be triangular). Ogwang further notes that the specifications should be consistent with the panel.

Durability
You have invested some substantial part of your income into your solar installation and it is only fair to get your money’s worth. Your panels will be exposed to all weather elements and will definitely break down with time. But how long they perform at their peak is extremely important.
“Most manufacturers offer the 20-25-year standard solar panel warranty and require minimal maintenance over their productive lifetime. This means that if something goes wrong, your solar energy provider would cover replacement and repair at no extra cost to you,” Mbae says.

Country of origin
Kenneth Ngogolo, the manager at Kirchner Solar Uganda Ltd, says the brand and country of origin of the panels you choose determines whether you get value for money or a disappointing experience.
He reveals that about 99 per cent of the solar panels on the market come from china. “The difference is the intended market. Grades A and B are meant for the American and European market since they are costly. Grades D, E and F are meant for the African market. When you are buying and you are not constrained by budget, buy grade A and B,” Ngogolo advises.

Manufacturer
Ngogolo recommends that when buying panels, stick to the trusted brands. “Since internationally recognised brands have a reputation to protect, they invest heavily in the performance and reliability of their products,” he adds.

Watts produced
Purity Mbae, the marketing manager at Solar Point, says a typical solar panel produces around 265 watts of power. That can vary based on the size and efficiency of the solar panel you choose. “Most panels on the Ugandan market produce 2,5,6,12 and 24 volts. The ones commonly installed in homes are 12 and 24 volts. The 5-6 volt panels are mainly used in lanterns,” she says.
More efficient panels are a little more expensive, and are usually only needed if you have limited space on your roof.

[email protected]