The installation of photovoltaic panels gives you the opportunity to get your own clean electricity at no extra cost and even sell it at a “green” rate. To choose solar panels that will be a profitable long-term investment, you need to consider the following factors.

Price
The cost of a solar panel depends on its characteristics, size, brand, durability, availability of special certificates. Therefore, the price of the photomodule should be considered in connection with other parameters, focusing on the final benefit. Expensive, but highly efficient and high quality panel can pay off faster and last longer than a cheap equivalent.

Quality
This parameter largely depends on the manufacturing company. Before buying, it is worth studying the history of the brand and reviews of its products. It is better to give preference to firms that independently control all production stages, invest in scientific development and have many satisfied customers.

Energy Efficiency
The efficiency of a photovoltaic panel is determined by the amount of solar energy that is converted into electricity. As the efficiency of the module increases, so does its cost. Therefore, this characteristic should be considered with the intended use of the solar panel in mind. Overpaying for maximum energy efficiency may not pay off.

Temperature coefficient
The nominal performance of the photovoltaic panel is determined at +25 °C. As the module’s temperature increases, its output power decreases, and the faster the higher the temperature coefficient.

Longevity
The longevity of solar panels is easiest to determine by the warranty period, during which the manufacturer claims to maintain a certain level of power. For reliable solar panels, this period is usually at least 25 years.

Size and capacity
The size of a solar panel is directly related to its capacity. The first indicator is mainly determined by the area of space for the installation of the photovoltaic system, and the second – the demand for electricity.

Type of photovoltaic cells
Photovoltaic panels are manufactured using different technologies. Monocrystalline ones have high energy efficiency and good thermal resistance, but they are not cheap. Polycrystalline are inferior to monocrystalline in characteristics, but more affordable, so they are most often installed in private homes. Rather rare thin-film (amorphous) modules have a modest nominal efficiency, but work more efficiently at high temperature and low light.