Solar energy is the most abundant energy resource on Earth. 173,000 terawatts of solar energy strike the Earth continuously, which is several thousand times our total energy use. Thanks to advancements in technology in recent decades, the ability to harness the sun’s light and use it to create electricity has become increasingly affordable.
Today, more than half of homeowners in the United States either already have or are strongly considering installing a solar panel system on their property. If you are considering making the switch to solar power, it’s important to understand that not all solar systems are created equal.
In this blog post, we will analyze the 3 different tiers of solar panel systems that homeowners can buy today.
What Are the Best Solar Panels for Your Home?
As noted, solar panels can be classified into 3 categories: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. Tier 1 solar panels are the most efficient and their manufacturers can be considered to be class-leading.
Tier 1 solar module manufacturers typically have been producing solar panels for several years and have a highly-regarded reputation within the industry for service and quality.
Tier 1 solar panels are built with higher standards than Tier 2 and Tier 3. This makes them more expensive but the higher price is reflected in the superior nature of the solar panels.
Why Are Tier 1 Solar Panels the Best Option?
If you have read anything before about solar panels, you may have noted that they have a stated lifespan of approximately 25-years. This is because, after this length of time, degradation of the panels starts to become noticeable.
The solar panel degradation rate describes how quickly solar panels lose their ability to efficiently absorb and convert the sun’s rays into solar energy. Each of the 3 tiers of solar panels has a different degradation rate, with Tier 1 being the best.
Below highlights each tier’s annual degradation rate:
- Tier 1 – 0.30%
- Tier 2 – 0.50%
- Tier 3 – 0.80%
After 25 years, Tier 1 solar panels will still have 93.04% of their original output, which is excellent. Tier 2 and 3 will have 88.67% and 82.47% respectively.
Even after 25 years, solar panels from each of the 3 tiers can effectively absorb and convert sunlight into solar energy. This is particularly true for Tier 1 solar panels. With proper maintenance and care, solar panels can work effectively for 40-plus years.
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The Best Solar Panel System for Your Home
If you are considering making the switch to solar energy, we recommend that you opt for Tier 1 solar panels. Solar panels are an excellent alternative to fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas and help to protect the environment. One of the other key solar panel benefits is that they can also save you thousands of dollars on your home’s energy bills.
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