What is Solar Panel Wattage?

Many solar shoppers get multiple quotes from installers before they make any decisions. While that’s the best way to make the best choice, it can be difficult to decipher what the differences between panels are. What is solar panel wattage? And what is solar panel efficiency? Luckily, Honey Bees Roofing & Solar is an expert on solar systems and has all the information you need to choose what’s right for your home!

Solar Panel Ratings

Ratings are one of the main ways a consumer can differentiate between panels. However, there are more ways to compare them than simple efficiency and wattage. Many solar installers use their panels for many reasons. Things like warranties, durability test results, prices, appearance, and other factors are all important. Ask an installer why they use the products they do, and they’ll explain it to you.

What is Solar Panel Efficiency?

Solar panel efficiency refers to the amount of sunlight that converts into electricity. That makes highly productive solar panels critically important for those with a small amount of space. If you want to maximize every inch of space you have available then you’ll want to focus on efficiency. However, productivity may not be the more important thing compared to warranties, aesthetics, durability, price, or other factors.

There are multiple factors that go into how well a solar system creates electricity. In fact, even the color of the photovoltaic cells can make a difference! Typically, black cells (monocrystalline) are more efficient than blue cells (polycrystalline). Most solar panels are between 15 and 20 percent efficient. Over time, a panel’s productivity will unfortunately degrade. So, there are two things to consider when it comes to how well the cells will process sunlight. Look for the initial efficiency and the efficiency over time.

What is Solar Panel Wattage?

The wattage of a solar system reflects its output under optimal conditions. To calculate the actual wattage, simply multiply the amps by the volts. Solar panels typically have a wattage between 250-400 watts. Wattage and productivity are important but highly variable. Wattage doesn’t necessarily affect efficiency and vice-versa.

To determine the capacity of a solar system, multiply the number of solar panels by their wattage. Output can be much different, however. If the weather isn’t optimal, or if some of the panels aren’t functioning properly then the output will be less than ideal. To create the ideal solar system, your output needs to be around the amount of energy your home requires.

Call a Professional

Solar rating factor efficiency and wattage together. While it’s not the only thing that matters when comparing solar panels it is important. Efficiency refers to how much sunlight will be converted to electricity. Wattage is how much output the solar system will have under optimal conditions. If you need help determining the right solar system for your home, contact us!

If you’re interested in installing solar panels or would like a no-pressure educational conversation about sun energy then Contact Honey Bees Roofing & Solar online or give us a call today at 817-668-6131! We offer free roofing inspections so we can help you choose the best roofing option for your home. We are one of the leading solar installers for the Burleson, Fort Worth, area and can help you take steps to have one of the most energy-efficient options possible. If you want to have a lower energy bill, keep your home cooler, or help the environment with energy-efficient roofing options then don’t hesitate to contact us!