It is very important to thoroughly research the solar brand options available before making a purchase, especially considering the current market situation where the number of options available can feel overwhelming. This article is aimed to help you as a potential solar buyer to make an informed decision to ensure the best return on your investment. It is important to compare various solar panel brands to make a more informed decision that will yield benefits over longer duration.
When talking about premium solar panel options, REC is one of the brands that always tops the list for top 10 solar panel brands in the market across Australia. REC solar panels are one of the world’s largest solar panel manufacturers with their headquarters located in Germany. The REC solar panel are not only aesthetically pleasing but they are also high performing solar panels at a comparatively lower cost. This solar panel brand has gained their popularity for this reason all across Australia.
There are four key things to consider while reviewing the quality of a solar panel brand. These are –
We have reviewed the performance of REC in each of these categories to help you make a decision and to guide you in choosing the right solar panels for your home.
The term “solar panel efficiency” refers to how well a solar panel captures sunlight and converts it into usable electricity to power your home appliances. It is important to keep in mind that a high-efficiency solar panel will produce more electricity than a lower-efficiency panel of the same size. For this reason, a higher efficiency rating is generally preferable and one of the key factors to consider when choosing a panel brand.
REC solar panel brand has a wide range of models varying from 17.1% to 20.6% in terms of their efficiency. Generally most of the REC panels fall into the moderate efficiency range for solar, but the panels that have 18% efficiency or higher can be considered “high efficiency” panels and should be on your high preference list.
With the use of the temperature coefficient as an indicator of how well your solar panel can handle less-than-ideal conditions, the REC panels have been tested to ensure how well they can perform in various types of environments. Solar panels generally perform better when they are kept cool as is common for most electronic equipment. The temperature coefficient helps determine the varied solar panel’s performance due to the increased temperature on hot sunny summer days.
According to the research done on REC, for every degree above 25° C (77° F), your solar panel’s electricity production will decrease by its temperature coefficient. For example, the REC Q.PEAK DUO BLK-G6+ 340 panel has a temperature coefficient of -0.36%/°C. This means that, if the solar panel’s temperature increases by one degree from 25° C (77° F) to 26° C (79° F), its electricity production will decrease by 0.36%. If its temperature increases all the way to 35° C (95° F), electricity production will reduce by 3.6%.
For any purchase we make like a Car, a phone or even with solar panels, the manufacturer should stand behind their product with a strong warranty which gives all potential buyers the confidence and trust in the quality of the product they are purchasing. A solar panel’s product warranty is a guarantee from the manufacturer that they will replace your solar panel if it fails as a result of manufacturing defects or environmental issues.
Most solar panel manufacturers offer a 10-year materials warranty, but some higher-end solar panels come with a 12, 15, 20, or even 25-year warranty. REC previously offered a 12-year warranty against any defects in their solar panels, but now offer an industry-leading 25 year-warranty on newer models thus making them highly favourable and attractive to customers interested in yielding long term benefits from the installation of a solar power system.
One of the key factors which influences the decision of a potential solar buyer is the actual price of the system they are looking to install. The total price you pay for a solar power system with REC panels will vary depending on the model of REC you decide to go with, the other equipment like the solar inverters and brackets used in the installation, as well as the characteristics of your roof (in case it requires string/floor splits, etc.
Based on research, for a 6.6 kW system, your gross cost (before you subtract any tax credits or other incentives) would be anywhere from $13,920 to $18,480. Additionally, most homeowners end up paying much less than the total gross cost because of the government rebates set in place. In addition to the government rebates, there are plenty of state-level solar incentives that help to reduce upfront costs even further thus making the system purchase much more affordable.
REC solar panels have an impressive price to quality ratio. The value you receive in terms of reliability, warranty, efficiency in relation to its cost is extremely attractive. This solar panel brand provides a great value for many homeowners who are considering solar. Overall, there are plenty of compelling reasons to consider REC panels for your home solar installation. Contact One solar today for a free quote!