If you are planning to invest in solar panels, you must want to go for the best solar panels in Sydney that will last for at least 25–30 years. You want robust and reliable solar panels that function seamlessly, panels that you don’t have to worry about once installed. In case any problem happens, you can get them replaced with the warranty in place. For this, you need to understand the different tiers of solar panels.
Classification of Solar Panels into Different Tiers
During the search for the best solar panels in Sydney, you may hear solar panel manufacturers being referred to as Tier 1 solar panel manufacturers, Tier 2 solar panel manufacturers, or maybe even Tier 3. Let’s understand the reason behind this type of ranking system in place and its meaning.
Components of a Solar Panel
A solar panel is made of the following components:
- Junction box
- Back sheet
- Encapsulant–EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate)
- Solar cells
- Tempered glass
- Aluminium Frame
Depending on how the solar panel components are sourced and assembled and the manufacturing process involved, solar panels are classified into Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3.
Tier 1 Solar Panel Manufacturers
They represent only a small portion (2%) of the total number of manufacturers in the market. They are vertically integrated, which means they manufacture everything from the ground up and do not just assemble the different components by procuring them from different sources.
- Make use of top-grade materials
- Use an advanced robotic process to control manufacturing
- Use of high-quality silicon results in superior performance
- Invest heavily in research and development
- Use innovative technologies to improve products and processes
- Have a history of manufacturing solar panels for at least 5 years or more
- More than 1 GW of annual production capacity
- More expensive that other Tier manufacturers
Tier 2 Solar Panel Manufacturers
They are small-to-medium-scale solar panel manufacturers. They do not manufacture all the components of solar panels in-house and they usually buy solar cells from Tier 1 solar panel manufacturers. Compared to Tier 1 solar panel manufacturers, they are less vertically integrated.
- Make use of moderate-grade materials
- Use of a partial robotic process in manufacturing
- Manual processes have a higher risk of failure
- Invest less or no money in research and development
- Have been producing solar panels for 2–5 years
- Solar panels are moderately expensive
- Offer solar panels with moderate quality
When looking for the best solar panels in Sydney, choose wisely. You need to focus on two key things:
- Physical solar panels that will generate electricity and the product and
- Performance warranty offered by the manufacturer, specifying the performance year on year.
Choosing a trusted brand from Tier 1 solar panel manufacturers would mean that you get the best solar panels in Sydney and don’t need to worry about any major risks involved.
Read Next Blog:
