Collection: Solar Panels

Polycrystalline and Monocrystalline

Solar panels are composed of cells made of monocrystalline (mono) or polycrystalline (poly) silicon. Today, most solar panels are monocrystalline.

You can identify a mono solar panel by its dark, even coloring. Poly solar panels are textured and resemble a granite countertop.

Mono solar panels are popular due to higher efficiency; however, poly panels have lower per-watt prices. Mono solar panels also perform better in low-light conditions compared to poly solar panels.

Learn more about mono vs. poly solar panels.

Half-cut Solar Cells

Half-cut solar cells are one of the latest developments in solar technology. They're traditional solar cells split in half by a laser cutter, designed to prevent energy loss and boost performance.

As electrical currents move through wires and cells, some energy is lost, known as a resistive loss. A half-cut cell reduces resistive loss, therefore improving solar panel output.

Half-cut solar cells are also more efficient in shade. Panels with half-cut cells require double the wiring, so a shaded cell with lower output is less likely to impact the panel's overall production capabilities.

Learn more about half-cut solar panels.

Solar panels work by converting the sun's energy into power for your home.

The average range for solar panel efficiency is 17 to 20%. A solar panel with 19% efficiency, for instance, can convert 19% of the sun's energy into electricity.

Solar panel wattage output ranges from 310 to 420 or more watts, with an average per watt price of 68 to 75 cents. The number of watts indicates how much power the solar panel produces.

If you have a 320W panel and receive 5 hours of sunlight per day, the panel would produce 1,600 watt-hours, or 1.6 kWh per day (320W x 5 hours). In one year, each panel would generate 550 to 600 kWh.

High wattage output doesn't necessarily mean better quality or performance. Choose higher efficiency if you're working with limited space and need fewer panels to get the job done. Otherwise, standard efficiency panels work just as well — at a lower cost.

Learn More:

Solar Panel Efficiency Explained

How to Optimize Solar Panel Production

Solar panel prices vary, as low as $200 to $600 or more per panel. Prices depend on the type of panel (mono vs. poly), manufacturer, cell size and wattage output.

Because every home is different, the total number of solar panels needed for your residence will also vary. Remember to factor in the price of inverters, racking, other parts and equipment and installation costs.

At GoGreenSolar, we'll work with you to determine a solar panel setup that fits your budget and energy needs. When you buy solar panels from us, you'll also receive end-to-end installation support from our in-house team so you don't have to spend thousands of dollars hiring a professional.

Learn more about the total cost of solar panels.

Solar is a significant investment, so it's crucial to understand how solar panel warranties work.

Product Warranty

A product warranty covers physical defects or faulty manufacturing. Most solar panel brands offer at least a 10-year product warranty, while some name brands provide 20 to 25 years.

Performance Warranty

A performance warranty guarantees that your solar panel will continue to produce close to its intended output throughout the warranty period. All panels, regardless of brand or wattage, decrease output over time, but typically don't lose more than 10 to 20% over 25 years.

Learn more about solar panel warranties.

Power Output Degradation

To understand how power output degradation works, refer to the graph on the right. In this example, we have a solar panel with a 90% power output warranty for 12 years and an 80% power output warranty for 25 years.

If your panels degrade faster than intended, you can work with the manufacturer to get repairs or a replacement under warranty.

Learn more about solar panel lifespan.