How to choose the best solar modules

In the modern world, solar PV modules are one of the most efficient and sustainable energy sources. They allow you to convert solar radiation into electrical energy and ensure that your electricity needs are covered by green technologies. However, choosing the right solar module manufacturer is key to maximising performance and durability.

Let’s consider and compare several solar brands that are popular in Ukraine. The list of manufacturers discussed in this article and the order in which they are mentioned are taken randomly and are intended only to illustrate general trends. For accurate recommendations, please contact professional solar power plant installers who will be able to provide you with more detailed recommendations based on their practical experience and taking into account all the details of your specific project.

Canadian Solar was founded in 2001 and is one of the world’s largest suppliers of solar photovoltaic products and developers of solar power plants. The company has delivered more than 90 GW of solar modules in more than 160 countries, providing clean energy to about 21.2 million households. Canadian Solar has a team of approximately 18,500 employees working to fulfil this mission. Customers choose Canadian Solar for its high quality products and competitive pricing. In addition, the company develops solar projects and comprehensive turnkey solutions that include the entire project life cycle, from feasibility studies to maintenance. The company has plans to increase its production capacity to 50 GW of ingots, 50 GW of wafers, 60 GW of cells and 75 GW of modules by the end of the first quarter of 2024. These plans will help to strengthen the company’s leadership and accelerate market growth.

Canadian Solar is a leading manufacturer of solar products. The company began its operations by manufacturing solar chargers for servicing car batteries for Volkswagen Mexico. In 2004, Canadian Solar became one of the main suppliers to Germany’s feed-in tariff programme, particularly for its rooftop solar projects. Since then, the company has focused on manufacturing solar modules, solar power systems, off-grid residential systems and other specialised solar photovoltaic (PV) products.

Jinko Solar is a Chinese solar panel manufacturer that is a Tier 1 company. In the solar energy market, Jinko Solar is known for its high technological standards and efficiency. Founded in 2006, the company employs more than 15,000 people and manufactures products at six production facilities in different countries.

In 2017, Jinko Solar became the largest solar panel manufacturer in the world, with a production capacity of 9.7GW. It has subsidiaries in 16 countries and offices in many others, including Ukraine. The company is committed to continuous expansion and recently announced plans to build a new factory in Florida, USA.

Jinko Solar’s products have undergone more than 36 stages of testing to ensure high quality and durability. Jinko Solar’s solar panels perform well even under harsh conditions such as high temperature, humidity and natural disasters. The company guarantees 25 years of efficient operation of solar power plants.

Each product manufactured by Jinko Solar has undergone more than 36 stages of testing in harsh and extreme conditions. Regardless of the challenges posed by nature, JinkoSolar guarantees the uninterrupted and reliable operation of solar power plants for 25 years. Using advanced technologies developed in our own research laboratories, JinkoSolar’s solar panels outperform competitive products in high temperatures, extreme humidity, natural disasters, and even produce more electricity at the beginning and end of the day and during cloudy periods. JinkoSolar’s technologies open up new possibilities for maximising the use of solar energy in the home.

JA Solar is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of solar equipment, renowned for its high quality construction, which ensures maximum efficiency of all the photocells in the modules and guarantees high power output. JA Solar has been on the market since May 2005 and has been the world’s leading manufacturer of solar panels since 2010.

JA Solar’s success is based on in-depth research and new developments that optimise unique technological solutions for photovoltaic modules and the photovoltaic cell manufacturing process to meet the growing needs of customers. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, JA Solar’s products ranked third in the Tier 1 rating in 2016.

JA Solar was the first company in the world to mass-produce and sell photovoltaic cells based on selective diffusion technology and backside passivation (PERC) to improve the efficiency of its modules.

JA Solar is also the first manufacturer to use double printing technology to produce photovoltaic modules.

Established in 2003 in Changzhou, EGing PV is a vertically integrated solar cell and panel manufacturer. The company was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2003. It was recently recognised by Bloomberg as a Tier 1 supplier, demonstrating its financial strength.

The company has an annual solar panel production capacity of approximately 5GW, based at its sole manufacturing facility in Changzhou.

LONGI Solar is a major player in the global solar market, specialising in the production of wafers, cells and panels. The company is playing an important role in the development of the solar industry by adapting it to the use of more efficient monocrystalline PERC cells. LONGi produces a wide range of solar panels that are cost effective and suitable for residential and commercial use. Over the past three years, the company has been a leader in the research and development of photovoltaic systems. It is worth noting its significant contribution to high efficiency HJT silicon cells, where it is introducing new innovations. Recently, LONGi has started to launch its first panels using unique HPBC cells, making Longi Hi-MO 6 panels one of the most efficient solar panels in the world!

Let’s compare solar panels with other companies and models:

Comparative features of PV modules:

1. The most efficient module remains the back-contacted module, with an efficiency of 22.8% from Maxeon. SunPower’s Maxeon solar panels were installed on an aircraft, making it the first aircraft in history to fly for 26 hours on solar power alone. SunPower is the choice of 8 of the top 10 US companies investing in solar energy, as well as many of the world’s largest companies. This is due to our ability to offer the best solar panel technology and ensure high efficiency. These companies include Google, Dow Jones, Harley-Davidson, Comcast and Apple.
2. Jinko Solar has risen to second place in the ranking. The Jinko JKMN-72HL4-V is offered with 10W higher rated power and 0.39% higher efficiency, reaching a maximum rated power of 585W with an efficiency of 22.65%.
3. Third place is shared by Huasun and Jolywood with modules based on the same G12 wafer configuration in 132 half-cells and an efficiency of 22.53%. Both modules have an output of 700W and are included in the list of the most powerful products.
4. Canadian Solar and Akcome share 5th place. Both manufacturers have HJT modules with an efficiency of 22.5%. Akcome’s Hi-Chaser module with 132 double-sided G12 cells has a rated power of 700 W, and Canadian Solar’s HiHero with a power of 440 W is based on 108 cells using MBB technology in the G12 format.
5. In ninth place is JA Solar’s DeepBlue 4.0 module. This n-type bifacial module has an efficiency of 22.4% and a rated power of 625 W. It is built on a 182 mm wafer format with 156 cells.

Conclusions

After comparing solar PV modules from different companies, it becomes clearer what the advantages and disadvantages of each brand are.

It is important to remember that the choice of solar panels should be based on the individual needs and conditions of each customer. Your solar energy system should meet your specific needs and requirements. To ensure the best possible solution, we strongly recommend that you contact our experienced specialists at Avenston.

Our experts will carry out a detailed analysis, taking into account all the factors that influence the choice of solar modules. They take into account the required energy supply, the installation area, budget constraints and other important factors. Our aim is to help you make an informed and profitable decision about which solar modules to choose for your future solar power system.

Contact us today and we will be happy to provide you with professional advice and help you choose the best solar modules to meet your needs and requirements. Avenston is your trusted partner in solar energy.