When buying solar panels, it’s important to know the difference between Grade A, B, C, and D panels. Grade A panels are the best, offering top quality and efficiency, while lower grades might have flaws that affect how well they work. Unfortunately, some brands in Pakistan sell lower-grade panels as Grade A, which can be misleading.
This guide will help you spot authentic Grade A panels, so you can make a smart investment in panels that will last long and work efficiently. Follow these tips to avoid mistakes and choose the right solar panels for your needs.
What is the grading of solar panels?
Solar panels are divided into different grades depending on the quality and efficiency they provide. In the market, there are four major grades: Grade A, Grade B, Grade C, and Grade D. To make things simpler for you, a Grade A panel is the one with the best quality and provides maximum efficiency; on the other hand, a Grade D panel is the one with the lowest quality.
Grade A: These solar panels are considered the top-notch solar panels with the highest quality. Grade A panels are also free from defects like cracks and hotspots or snail trail risks. They have the highest efficiency in converting sunlight to electricity.
Grade B: These panels are not as efficient as solar panels and don’t even provide the same output. Grade B panels are also not completely defect-free like Grade A panels; rather, they have major imperfections that directly impact their efficiency.
Grade C: As compared to Grade B panels, these panels show visible defects and are less efficient. Grade C panels are known to offer no more than 12% efficiency.
Grade D: These solar panels are of the lowest quality, known to consist of broken and flawed parts. Similarly, the efficiency of Grade D panels is also the lowest.
Simplest Ways to Differentiate a Grade A Solar Panel from Other Low-Quality Solar Panels?
Now, if you are not a solar expert or technical guru, how can you identify which panels are authentic Grade A panels and which ones aren’t? Well, let’s dive into some of the easiest and quickest ways to identify which one is a Grade A solar panel and which ones are low-quality solar panels.
1- Notice the appearance
One of the quickest and easiest ways to identify a Grade A solar panel is to judge its appearance. First, check the glass of the solar panels for any rough spots or try to find if there are any leftover pieces of silicone. If you can’t find any of these, it is a good sign. Next, check the solar cell and see if there are any cracks or chips on the edges; these can be hidden too.
Also, make sure to flip the panel and examine the back of the panel. Make sure it is smooth and wrinkle-free. A rough back means it will not be a high-quality panel. Now, come towards the edges of the panels and ensure that these are flat and straight. If you notice that solar panels have rough edges or uneven edges, it can mean that these panels won’t last longer.
After that, take a quick look at the silicone seal around the back edge of your panels. Make sure that it is evenly spread out and there is no space between the panel and its frame. Also, check out if your panels are perfectly welded or not; there shouldn’t be any breakage or leaking. If your panels are welded nicely, it can indicate that it is a Grade A solar panel.
When checking the appearance of solar panels, checking the junction box is also important. The things to look for in the junction box are to ensure that its cover is secure and the wire locks also work well. When you go to buy solar panels, make sure to check for all these things during the inspection; it will help you easily differentiate Grade A solar panels from Grades B, C, and D.
2- Documentation and Certification
The second and most crucial factor that helps one identify Grade A solar panels is documentation. It is very crucial to check all the documents of solar panels. The major documents or certificates that you should be looking out for are the PSI report, COC, lab test reports, and company certifications like TUV.
These documents ensure that the solar panels are authentic and Grade A. If your dealer is unable to provide you with these documents, there is a high chance that he might be scamming you by giving you lower-quality panels in the name of Grade A panels.
3- Performance Data and Testing Reports
When you buy solar panels, you are going to get product sheets of those panels, which will have their efficiency, warranty, and output details mentioned. But how do you ensure that the panels will actually offer the claimed output? Well, one thing you can do before you buy a bulk order of solar panels is to buy just one or two panels to test them out, and if you are satisfied with the result, then invest more money in it.
You can also look for solar panel reviews or ask for proof of solar panel results, like Doart shares real results of solar panels recorded by their customers. By analyzing this sort of data, it will become easier for you to understand whether the solar panel will offer the claimed output or not.
4- Warranty and After-Sales Support
When you purchase something, a warranty is one thing that you must consider, but unfortunately, it is one thing that most people don’t take seriously. Make sure to get the warranty details from your dealer or from whoever you are purchasing solar panels. Remember, on Grade A panels, you will always get 25-30 years of performance warranty. Since the panels are of the highest quality, the chances of degradation or defects are lowest.
In case of any issue, you will be able to claim your warranty and get your panels replaced. However, if someone is trying to sell you some low-quality solar panels in the name of Grade A panels, they will be hesitant to offer you any sort of warranty in the first place, and even if they claim, they might not provide your warranty proof. If you are getting a warranty and after-sales support, it is another sign that your solar panels are authentic and will last longer.
5- Manufacturer’s Reputation and Production Standards
A new trend we have witnessed in the solar market of Pakistan is that people are blindly purchasing from two or three brands that have spent years raising their marketing awareness. Don’t follow the same path; do proper research; Research doesn’t mean just typing on Google what the best solar panel brands are and going for the first one that appears. Look for the manufacturer’s history, their presence in the industry, how long their R&D center has been working, and how well it works.
Do they incorporate any new technology in their PV modules, what is their industry reputation, and what is their adherence to international production standards? When you look for solar panels, you need to do proper research on these aspects to make sure that you are investing in Grade A authentic panels.
Final Words!
So, these are some of the best ways to differentiate an authentic Grade A panel from fake low-quality panels. Following these steps will help you not fall for the scams and invest your money in a reliable product. If you are looking for solar panels that fit all these standards, you can check Doart solar panels. The company has an incredible R&D center, the latest PV modules with advanced technology like TOPCon, all panels documented, and the most efficient performance. Your investment matters; do proper research and get premium-quality Grade A solar panels!