4 Advice to Choose a Perc Solar Panel Price

In the never-ending quest for increased solar panel efficiency, materials engineers try a lot of different things to make photovoltaic cells turn solar energy into as much electricity as possible. 

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One of the most important and mature technologies to do that is through something called PERC, which stands for &#;Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact&#;, and is also sometimes called &#;Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell.&#; 

Most people don&#;t really have a reason to care about PERC, but what&#;s important to know is that it&#;s becoming one of the most popular ways to manufacture solar cells. It is a simple and cost-effective way to make more power from the same amount of space. 

If you&#;ve gotten a quote from a solar installer and are choosing between different solar panels and price points, you might be interested to know about how high-efficiency PERC solar panels compare to other varieties of solar panels. 

What are PERC solar cells?

PERC is a technology which is used to improve the efficiency of solar cells by capturing as many extra photons as possible without fundamentally changing how a solar cell works. 

In ordinary crystalline silicon solar cells, electricity is produced when photons hit a layer of silicon, knocking electrons loose and then directed to flow along a wire. In general, modern monocrystalline silicon solar cells can convert about 19-20% of the incoming photons to electricity, but some photons pass through the silicon material without exciting electrons. 

When these cells are built into a solar module, the unconverted photons can hit the aluminum back layer and turn into heat, which reduces cell efficiency. Other photons excite electrons that end up getting recombined without flowing through the cell&#;s wires, meaning they don&#;t generate electricity. 

Typical silicon solar cells 

The diagram below shows a cross section of a typical solar cell built into a module. These are the layers, from top to bottom:

• Front contact

• Anti-reflective glass

• Negative (n-type) silicon layer

• Positive (p-type) silicon layer

• Back surface field (BSF)

• Rear contact

PERC solar cells 

To make a PERC solar cell, a manufacturer takes standard monocrystalline silicon cells and adds a passivation layer to the back that is designed to reflect photons back through the silicon layer. The cells are then micro-etched with chemicals or a laser to cut through the passivation layer so that the back contacts can reach it. A dielectric capping layer is added over the passivation layer to insulate the solar cell.  

When built into a solar module, the passivation and capping layers prevent electrons from hitting the back contact on top of which the cells are laid. PERC cell technology makes it so that more photons are captured by the silicon, meaning each cell makes a little more electricity than it would without the PERC layers. The maximum efficiency of PERC cells is about 23%, compared to about 21% for traditional monocrystalline silicon cells.

The diagram below shows a cross section of a PERC solar cell built into a module. These are the layers, from top to bottom:

• Front contact

• Anti-reflective glass

• Negative (n-type) silicon layer

• Positive (p-type) silicon layer

• Local back surface fields

• Passivation layer

• Dielectric capping layer

• Rear contact

Pros and cons of PERC technology

Pros

Cons

Increased efficiency

Could be subject to Light-Induced Degradation (LID)

Helps decrease heat in solar modules

Could be subject to Potential-Induced Degradation (PID)

Easy to produce

PERC technology is not a new technology, having been invented in by Australian scientist Martin Green and his team at the University of New South Wales. 

But commercially-available PV modules built using PERC solar cell technology are relatively new because materials scientists had to solve some problems before bringing the technology to market.

Pros 

As we described above, PERC technology reflects photons back into the silicon layers, causing the cell to produce more power and preventing electron recombination. These two benefits result in increased energy conversion efficiency and decreased heat in solar modules. They also ensure the cells work better in low light by producing meaningful voltage with less light than standard solar cells. 

Finally, PERC solar cells are relatively easy to make because manufacturers can use almost all of the same equipment and materials they use to make less-efficient solar cells. PERC technology can be added to both mono and polysilicon solar cells, and works well in bifacial applications, as well.

This ease of manufacturing has resulted in a sharp increase in PERC cell production since , and according to German mechanical engineering trade group VDMA, mono PERC and similar technologies now account for over 60% of the global PV cell marketplace.

Cons 

The cons of PERC solar cells have largely been mitigated in recent years, but it is important to point out why PERC didn&#;t catch on in the &#;80s when it was first invented. Chief among the concerns with this technology is a problem called Light-Induced Degradation (LID), which occurs in all silicon solar cells, but can be especially pronounced in PERC cells. 

LID occurs when boron from the positive silicon layer and oxygen mix, and usually results in a small, immediate reduction in power generation capability. This problem can be worse in PERC cells, which usually have extra boron, but all companies that produce and use PERC cells have come up with ways to fight it. 

Another type of problem that can occur in all silicon solar cells is called Potential-Induced Degradation (PID), which can happen when a difference in potential energy exists between the cells and materials of a solar module and the ground. 

It&#;s very complicated, but there is an international standard for module construction that manufacturers can follow, and all manufacturers worth their salt have implemented their own steps against PID. 

Your best bet is to choose a high-quality solar module manufacturer and read about the steps they take to mitigate PID and LID.

Who makes PERC solar panels?

Many solar module manufacturers use PERC solar cells in their products. Among the best of these are:

What are the alternatives to PERC technology?

PERC is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways solar cell engineers have found to improve the efficiency and performance of solar cells. 

As we discussed above, the technology does have its drawbacks, and overcoming them is not a trivial matter. PERC is also a relatively mature technology, and it can&#;t be used to push efficiency much higher than existing top-of-the-line cells. 

That&#;s why many solar manufacturers are using alternatives to PERC that each have their own benefits and drawbacks. Here&#;s a quick rundown of other mainstream technologies currently used to increase solar cell efficiency: Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact, heterojunction, and perovskites. 

Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) 

There&#;s that word &#;passivated&#; again. In fact, TOPCON technology is basically just the next generation of PERC, and like its forbear, it can be added to cells manufactured in the traditional way. TOPCon involves adding an ultra-thin layer of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and a layer of polycrystalline silicon doped with phosphorus. 

Because TOPCon is the next logical step after PERC, it does not add a great deal of additional cost to the finished product. It can produce additional gains in efficiency over PERC, but its theoretical maximum efficiency is 23.7%. It&#;s important to note that current TOPCon technology tops out at a little over 22%, though. 

Heterojunction (HJT) 

Heterojunction solar cells are made of alternating layers of traditional crystalline silicon and amorphous silicon, the latter of which is normally associated with thin-film solar panels. By combining the two different kinds of layers, HJT cells absorb more wavelengths of light, and the different layers work together to make the cells the most efficient on the market today. 

Unfortunately, HJT technology cannot be made in the same way traditional solar cells can, so it requires significant re-tooling and new industrial processes. This tends to make HJT solar modules quite expensive, although they do carry a reputation for premium quality and high performance. 

HJT solar cells have a theoretical maximum efficiency of greater than 26.7%, but current offerings from companies like REC Solar and Panasonic top out around 24%.

Perovskites 

Perhaps the most exciting and furthest-off technology to improve the efficiency of solar cells is called perovskites. 

Perovskites are a class of materials that have a certain crystalline structure that makes it extremely easy to produce and carry electrical charges in photovoltaic applications. This characteristic means a solar cell made using perovskites could have a conversion efficiency as high as 38%.

Unfortunately, many naturally-occurring perovskites contain lead, which is toxic. Safe artificial perovskites have been created using tin, but they are very difficult to work with and degrade much faster than their lead-based cousins. 

Oxford PV, the world&#;s leading perovskite solar cell manufacturer, has created &#;tandem cells&#; by embedding a layer of perovskites on top of traditional silicon solar cells. These cells set a world record for efficiency of 29.52% in December of . Oxford PV hopes to sell its products to the residential market starting in . 

If they can pull it off at a reasonable price, they might make PERC, HJT, and all the other technologies seem like old news. 

The final word on PERC

If you&#;re a homeowner in the USA who has been looking for quotes for solar, you&#;ll probably get at least one quote that includes PERC solar panels. 

As we&#;ve discussed above, these panels are likely to be more efficient than traditional solar panels, which means they&#;ll produce more electricity in the same surface area. If maximizing your roof&#;s potential for energy generation is important to you, modern PERC solar panels from a top manufacturer will be one of your best option

To help you narrow it down, we have a side by side comparison of popular two popular brands that offer PERC technology. Read here for more information: Q CELLS vs REC

The solar industry was shaken up over the last year, and it might have you confused.

The Inflation Reduction Act, providing a 30% tax credit for the cost of solar panel system installations, along with falling solar panel prices and rising electricity costs, makes the case for adding solar panels to your roof. Changes to net metering in California and elsewhere mean that the case for some people isn't as strong as it once was (though the argument for batteries might be stronger).

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If you're trying to make sense of it all, start with our tips for calculating your savings, finding an installer, deciding if a battery is right for you and what ome improvements you might want to tackle before jumping to solar. Read on for all that and more.

Can solar panels save you money?

Interested in understanding the impact solar can have on your home? Enter some basic information below, and we&#;ll instantly provide a free estimate of your energy savings.

How solar panels work

Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight into electricity. The sun emits solar radiation, which is absorbed by the photovoltaic cells. Electrons within the solar cell are energized, escape their bonds and form an electric current. That current, which starts as direct current, is switched to alternating by the solar system's inverter. From there, it's used up in the electronics in your home or sent back to the grid.

"It's not a magical technology, but it seems like it because you just stick something in sunlight and it makes electricity for you," said Joshua Pearce, a professor at Western University in Ontario and co-author of To Catch the Sun, a free e-book on DIY solar systems. "Even being a scientist who works on this stuff all the time, it's amazing that these things actually work."

The benefits of solar panels

Why would you want solar panels at home?

• Savings on energy: The most direct benefit is that you can gain the opportunity to power your own home outside of the electrical grid. That saves you money, and if you generate extra power, you might even be able to get credit on your bill from the electric utility via net metering. The average payback period for solar panels is six to 12 years, according to some sources.
• Abundant power source: According to the US Department of Energy, just 1 hour of noon summer sun meets the annual US electricity demand. Depending on your situation, turning it into electricity can save on your electricity bill.
• Help with your home value: If you plan to sell your home down the line, having home solar panels can be a major perk to buyers and can help increase your home's value.
• Key step toward going green: Since solar is a renewable resource, you can shrink your carbon footprint.
• Independence from grid failures: Some areas have electrical grids that are less than reliable. If you experience frequent power outages in your area, your own solar power and battery can keep the lights on.
• Provide power to your campsite: Some small solar panel arrays fit right onto RVs, or you can take them camping so you have electricity, no matter how remote the location.

Where to buy solar panels

Many businesses specialize in selling and installing solar panels for homes. Search online to locate solar panel suppliers and installers in your area. You can start with CNET's best list of solar panel companies. You can even shop for solar panels at major home goods stores like Home Depot. Stores like this can set you up with professional installation to help you get a residential solar panel setup.

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Major installers often offer solar financing options, too, though you might be best served by shopping around for a loan, especially with high interest rates. Many solar installers also offer solar panel leases or power purchase agreements, which you can enter with no money down (though savings over the lifetime of your panels are typically lower). You can also apply for the federal solar tax credit, which will give you up to 30% of the cost of your solar back to you on your taxes, assuming you have that much tax liability.

Solar panel installation

Most residential solar arrays are installed by a professional. Installing solar panels yourself is technically possible, but you run the risk of voiding warranties. You should only attempt it if you have the necessary expertise. If you opt for a professional installation, be sure to shop around for the best deal. Compare the warranties installers offer along with price, customer service and how well their proposed plans meet your needs.

A reputable solar installer will advise you on the age of your roof before installation. Replacing your roof before installation may ultimately be the cheaper option, since removing the panels to replace the roof will be an additional expense.

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11:13

Care and lifespan of solar panels

Many solar panels are warrantied to last 25 years, though their useful life is likely longer. On top of that, they're fairly maintenance-free, just requiring that you keep them free of obstructions like dirt, leaves and snow. More extensive repairs may be covered by warranty.

Considering Solar Panels?

Our course will walk you through how to go solar

 

Solar panels become less efficient over time, though that downward trend is not necessarily a problem. A typical manufacturer's warranty will guarantee that your solar panels won't lose more than 2% efficiency in the first year and not more than 0.5% per year in the next 24 years. That means your panels are guaranteed to produce at 84% their original capacity after year 25. Some panels will set a higher benchmark &#; like 92% &#; after 25 years, but you'll still be getting plenty of electricity out of them two decades on.

Do you need a solar battery?

Installing a solar battery in your home will allow you to store excess energy produced by your panels. However, they are currently almost as expensive as a solar panel system (from $12,000 to $22,000), so while a battery is nice to have, it's not a necessity.

There are instances where a solar battery is worth the investment. Those who live off the grid will need a battery to use solar power. And if your area is prone to frequent blackouts or you have medical needs that require refrigerated medicine or machinery, a battery may be worth the cost.

If net metering has been eliminated or weakened where you live, a battery might make solar a better proposition. Since you won't be compensated as much for the energy you send to the grid, storing more of it to use later can save you more money, despite increasing the initial cost of the system.

How to pay for solar panels

There is a variety of options for paying for the installation of residential solar panels, aided in part by the 30% federal tax credit. Homeowners can pay out of pocket for the entire project, then receive money back from the government. There are also plenty of solar loan options that also allow you to claim the tax credit. Interest rates have shifted higher over the last year or so, which means you should shop around for the terms that best fit your needs. Other financing options include bank loans or a home equity loan, but given their higher interest rates, consider these financial tools carefully.

For those without the financial means to buy or finance a system, there are solar leases and power purchase agreements. A solar lease is similar to that of a vehicle, where you pay a set amount each month for a system that will be owned by the installer. Under a power purchase agreement, you pay a set rate for the energy that is generated by the solar panels (the rate may increase after a certain amount of time), rather than the system itself. The drawback of these mechanisms is that you won't own the solar panels yourself, and hence won't get any of the tax credits or have the ability to sell renewable energy certificates.

Jumpstart your solar journey by exploring home equity and HELOC rates from multiple lenders

How the solar tax credit works

The federal residential solar energy credit, which grants a 30% credit to homeowners who install panels on their home through . (If your entire project costs $30,000, you'll be granted a credit of $9,000). The credit applies to homeowners who purchase a system with cash or through financing. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, you should seek professional tax advice to determine your eligibility, then fill out IRS Form following the instructions.

Improve your home efficiency first

Before you start the process of going solar, you should try to improve your home's energy usage in other ways.

"Solar is an exciting type of infrastructure, but if the ultimate goal is to save money on your electricity bills, I encourage homeowners to think about efficiency upgrades first," said Gilbert Michaud, assistant professor at Loyola University Chicago's School of Environmental Sustainability. "Those could include insulation, upgrading and replacing windows or other things that are maybe less fun, but can help you realize savings immediately and lower costs. Once you've done those efficiency retrofits or upgrades, maybe solar is a good idea."

These upgrades will give you a clearer idea of how many solar panels you'd need to power your home, too. That means you'll likely need less panels &#; reducing the cost of the installation &#; than if you didn't do efficiency upgrades first. Here's some suggestions.

• Check your insulation: Inside your walls is a layer of material meant to keep hot or cold air where it is. In the winter, this means the warm air from your heating system stays inside your house, and vice versa for cool air in the summer. If there are leaks in your insulation, hot or cold air is escaping or getting in, which makes your HVAC system work harder and costs you more money.
• Upgrade or replace windows: Much like insulation, your windows play a large role in keeping your home heated or cooled. If your windows are out of date, air could be coming in or out, which is not great for your energy bills.
• Replace old household items with efficient ones: If you have older appliances, thermostats or light bulbs, replace them with newer, more efficient ones to realize energy savings.

Solar panel FAQs

How much money will solar panels save me?

Many experts say that homeowners will see a return on investment on a solar panel installation in a period between seven to 12 years. That's when the money saved from paying your energy bills will exceed the initial money spent on a solar project. Those who go solar through a lease or power purchasing agreement should see savings practically immediately.

Is it better to buy or lease solar panels?

If you have the funds, it's better to buy solar panels rather than lease, and that's mostly due to tax credits. The federal government will provide a 30% tax credit for the total cost of the project. This will take a huge chunk off the bill. The sooner solar panels are paid off, the sooner they provide "free" energy. With a lease, you'll get the benefits of reducing your energy bills but not the credits that accompany solar power, and you will typically save less money over time.

Do you need a permit to install solar panels?

It depends on where you live. Within many municipalities (or if you have a homeowners association), you'll likely need to get a permit before work can start. Most installers take care of this process for you.

How long do solar panels last?

Many of today's solar panels have warranties guaranteeing their use for 15 to 25 years. Panels are likely to still work after this period of time, although at slightly less efficiency.

How much maintenance do solar panels need?

Solar panels need very minimal maintenance. The only care required would be to clear them of any dirt, leaves or snow, but this is not something you'd have to do regularly.

Can you get solar in an apartment or a rented home?

That will be up to the property's owner, but even if they're opposed to installing panels there are ways for renters to access solar. There are smaller solar devices you can use at home. You can also check if there are any community solar options in your area, which will allow you to buy electricity from a nearby solar farm to reduce your energy bills.

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