Which Solar Energy System Supplier Should You Choose?
Solar energy systems are a powerful way to reduce your electricity bill and carbon footprint. A solar energy system supplier will provide you with all of the equipment necessary for a clean, efficient, and cost-effective home or commercial installation.
This includes inverters, racking, and “balance of system” equipment. They also offer financing options and help you qualify for government rebates and incentives.
SolarEdge
SolarEdge is a world-renowned company known for their innovative products like power optimizers, which enable homeowners to harvest and store more energy from their solar panels. These devices are designed to reduce energy bills and provide critical backup in case of an outage.
Unlike conventional string inverters, SolarEdge systems feature DC power optimisers that are attached to each solar panel. These small boxes act as a maximum power point tracker (MPPT), and can boost or decrease the voltage of a panel to deliver the optimum string output. This can help mitigate shading issues and low-performing panels that would otherwise degrade the overall system performance.
The optimisers also increase rooftop utilisation, and allow for more aesthetic installation designs. They can even divert excess energy to hot water systems, reducing the need for expensive solar thermal systems. Finally, they can monitor individual panels and the entire system from a single web-based platform.
Enphase Energy
Enphase Energy is an American-based company that makes microinverters. Its technology helps solar systems produce and store electricity more efficiently. In addition, it allows users to monitor their home’s solar system through a mobile app. This feature is a great benefit for homeowners who want to save money and power their homes with clean energy.
Every IQ battery comes with microinverters to maximize battery output power. The microinverters communicate with each other to ensure the system operates solar energy system supplier smoothly. They also help reduce grid interaction and enhance system performance. This is a great innovation for anyone who wants to reduce their utility bills and protect themselves against rising rates.
The IQ Microinverter system has bi-directional communication between each panel, making it possible to track each solar panel’s individual performance through the Enphase Enlighten website platform and mobile application. However, many installers don’t enable this feature for their customers. If you want to see panel-level monitoring, it’s best to ask your installer for this in writing.
SunPower
SunPower is one of the largest solar companies helping Americans go solar. It has its own proprietary products and works with independent installers called Master Dealers who complete installations across the country. SunPower also secures city permits, building approvals, and enrolls homeowners in available net metering programs.
Sunpower offers a comprehensive Complete Confidence Warranty that includes 25 years of product and performance warranties. Its Maxeon panels (manufactured by its sister company, Maxeon Solar Technologies) have the lowest degradation rates in the industry and come with a 40-year warranty – a full decade longer than any other panel on the market.
Customers can receive a personalized quote by filling out a short online form and then working with a SunPower agent. This typically takes place over the phone Household Power System or online, although site visits may occur. During the process, customers will learn how much their system will cost and how it will save money over the long term.
LONGi Solar
Longi solar is one of the world’s biggest solar manufacturers and a leader in developing new and better solar cell technologies. Its massive production capacity helps to drive down the cost of more efficient wafers and solar panels, delivering a range of cost-effective options for homes and businesses.
The company has a strong focus on R&D and innovation, with impressive developments in high-efficiency monocrystalline PERC technology. In addition, its bifacial panel offerings are also highly competitive.
Longi’s manufacturing facilities are located in six countries, including the USA, Australia, China, Brazil, India, and Germany. It has a wide range of product capabilities, including PV system solutions and life-cycle O&M services.
Its solar panels are backed by a 25 year performance warranty, which is higher than the industry standard. However, Longi does not have a UK office, so support can be tricky to get hold of.
Sunrun Inc.
Sunrun offers solar energy systems, including panels and battery storage, to homeowners. Its services include property assessment, design, permitting, utility interconnection and installation. Sunrun also provides maintenance and monitoring for solar-related equipment, including racking systems, batteries and inverters. The company offers its solar systems under lease and power purchase agreements to homeowners.
The company’s services are available in 20 states and two U.S. territories. Sunrun sells its solar systems through The Home Depot and Toll Brothers, and through other partnerships in select markets. Sunrun has also partnered with several builders to pre-install its solar systems in new homes.
The company primarily installs third-party owned options (solar leases and PPAs) and prides itself on “hassle-free solar.” Many customers highlighted the simple process and friendly salespeople in their reviews. However, some customers experienced delays in the installation process and poor customer service. These complaints are being addressed by the company.
Maxeon Solar Technologies
Maxeon solar panels cost more than most other brands, but the company says they last 40 years or more and are backed by a 35-year warranty. In addition, the company is committed to environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) and has won numerous awards and accolades over its 35-year history.
The company was spun off from SunPower in 2020 and uses the SunPower brand in certain markets, but it is now an independent public company with its own sales operations. It designs, manufactures and sells its Maxeon and Performance line of interdigitated back contact and shingled solar cells and panels for the global rooftop and power plant markets.
The company is planning a new facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, that it hopes will leverage the transformative industrial-policy incentives in the state’s Inflation Reduction Act. The project is expected to bring $4.2 billion to the area over 10 years.