One of the most fascinating and often most frustrating things with new technologies is how quickly they develop and advance, and how quickly older versions are surpassed, and solar panel technology is no different. Homeowners today have some of the most cutting-edge options for solar power available to them, but it’s easy to get lost in the constant forward march of technology and lose track of the latest advancements and top-tier options for home solar systems.
We’re going to take a look at solar panel technology and how it has advanced just in the last handful of years. We’ll dig into the newer and more high-efficiency panels, the upgraded appearance of new panels, and even upgraded components like inverters. We’ll also take a look at what the new panels are capable of, beyond simply generating power for your home, and where you can turn to have the latest technology installed in your home.
The Newest Solar Panel Technology
Higher Efficiency Panels
One of the biggest and most important advancements in solar panel technology has been the rapid increase in the maximum efficiencies of the average solar panel. This has led to increases in efficiency from an average of 14% just a few years ago, to a whopping 22% in some of the panels available now.
This has created much more powerful solar panels that produce much more power for the home. The previous panels that were often used in residential installations generated about 320w each, but the higher efficiencies have led to panels that now generate up to 400w in the same space.
Better Aesthetics
While some people may not put as high of a price on the look of their system, other homeowners often do. Older systems had aluminum frames that often gave a checkerboard or grid appearance to the installation. Newer panels are often a black-on-black, which produces a much more cohesive look in the end.
Micro Inverter Technology
One of the biggest advancements in solar power has been the appearance of micro inverters. Conventional panels have often been bound to using a single inverter at the end of the string of panels to create usable AC power for the homeowners. Micro inverters are now small enough to be built into a panel, allowing that panel to create usable AC power coming directly out of the panel and ready for use.
Panel Monitoring Abilities
Since panels now can create AC power with micro inverters, this allows a much easier way to provide comprehensive panel monitoring for each individual panel. This means homeowners can consistently monitor their home’s power generation abilities, but it also means that when the homeowner partners with a trusted local installer, they can also provide constant panel monitoring services so that they know as soon as a panel begins to malfunction.
The biggest benefit of this is the minimizing of potential power interruptions due to repairs, but there is another benefit of greater value. The monitoring company will be able to provide accurate records of the panels’ performance for warranty claims.
Barrett Can Help You Get The Latest Solar Panel Technology Installed
If the time may be right for your home to gain the benefits of solar power, the federal and state incentives have never been better, and the technology is more advanced than ever. To let Barrett become your trusted, local solar provider, reach out and discuss your power needs today.