Working in the energy sector in America can be fast paced. It is primarily focused on reducing homeowners energy bills. Cost is king. My days are filled with contracts, panel spec sheets, emails, and calls. My solar clients tend to be middle class or upper class.

They are typically homeowners with high energy use. This means pools, air conditioning, large homes, and other energy hogs like entertainment systems.

However, I recently had the opportunity to see another side of solar…the live-changing nature of it.

Last month, I had the privilege of helping to install a small, off-grid solar system in Nepal. The microgrid installation was located a day’s drive into the Himalayas outside of Kathmandu. As we drove to the site location, I saw less and fewer lights until I saw the literal end of the electrical grid…and then we kept driving into the mountains. The dirt road got bumpier, we took detours when the cliffside bridge collapsed, and we drove through rushing water across the road.

The village is called Madji Gaon, which means “Fisherman’s Village.” It is a group of around 52 homes in a valley near a riverbank, surrounded by peaks. The river has recently been dammed upstream. This has significantly reduced the amount of fish available to the village. This in conjunction with the lack of electricity is causing the village to shrink in population. Able-bodied men are leaving to work in the coal mines of nearby India to make ends meet. There is a distinct lack of men in the village between the ages of 14-40. 

I traveled to the site with a small group of solar professionals from America. We each had different roles within the solar industry – finance, sales, interconnection, site procurement, owner/operator, etc. We work in different, and sometimes even competing for solar arenas. We were there under one name, the non-profit GivePower.

“GivePower has had a dual meaning from the beginning, which is to give electricity to the recipients but also agency and empowerment to the givers. We intentionally design our programs to allow people from all departments of a company, not just the technical or field staff, to engage in energy access problems. This is critical to … engage the full scope of skills needed to deal with problems of energy poverty and climate change.”
-Barrett Raftery, Executive Director of GivePower Foundation

There was also a Nepalese crew with us consisting of translators, cooks, solar experts, and a small film crew. The film crew was there to document the changing cultural narrative of the village, and the impact electricity might have on its future. Something like electricity can bring commerce, healthcare, and stability to the growing village.

“[The] impact can’t be told in the very beginning. Once there is electricity in the village people will start exploring the opportunities. The opportunities for lights and mobile charging, the opportunities for income generation through productive energy use like money transfers, e-banking, agro-processing mills. Slowly it will happen. …Once they have it, they will start to explore.”
-Kishor Rimal, Project Manager for all GivePower Nepalese solar installations

GivePower facilitates the people, finances, supplies, and labor of the project. It takes significant coordination to pull together a solar project of this magnitude in this location. Numerous groups and organizations came together to make the installation possible. The villagers themselves contributed significantly to be eligible for the install.

• They were required to:
• Prepare the installation site
• Construct the building housing the inverters and batteries
• Provide labor to run powerlines to each home
• Dig holes and pour concrete for power poles
• Begin constructing the basic mounting brackets

By the time I arrived at the installation site, significant work and preparation had taken place.

The GivePower team got to work on the solar array. We fortified the existing aluminum frame to make it sturdier and more weatherproof. Then we began mounting and securing the solar panels onto the ground mounted frame. With limited tools and supplies, there was a lot of problem solving and innovation to make sure the system was secure, safe, and functioning well.

As the week went on, we finished mounting the panels and began installing various fittings and finishings to the system. We dug a deep trench for and installed a grounding stake to prevent the system from being damaged by electrical storms. We designed and built a rack for the battery array to protect it from water damage. We trenched and ran underground conduit to connect the solar array the inverter and battery structure. Part of the group began mounting the inverter to the internal wall. Another small group was clipping and taping wire and fittings to create the connections between batteries. Later in the week, we helped to wire the school for electricity for fans and light bulbs we assembled.

Outside the school is the main village square. Students play soccer and chase roaming dogs. Women sit on the grass eating snacks and talking. It is the center of the community.

On our last night, we all gathered outside the school in the grassy lawn. The entire village was there. Some of the young women had on their traditional clothing reserved for special occasions and performed dances for us. The cooks were busy cooking a special meal for the occasion, goat. Tonight was the night we turned on the solar system.

The village brews hard alcohol called “Roxy.” We were each given a small metal cup with it, and we began the countdown. 3….2….1…and the string of lights over the grassy lawn lit up! Let the dancing begin!

We danced until late into the night under those lights. The village women were grabbing my hands and hips, showing me how to dance to the Nepali music. There wasn’t any speaking as we didn’t know each other’s languages. But the tears of joy, hugs, and huge smiles said plenty.

Fun Fact: Did you know Nepal is the only country in the world that doesn’t have a rectangular flag!?

There are so many details to take into account when choosing the right solar system for you. One of the most important factors is, of course, your solar panels! You may be thinking to yourself, what makes one solar panel company a better choice over another?

Choosing the right solar panel company and solar panels may seem like a difficult decision to make, so here at Solar.com, we’ve made a list of the most important things to evaluate when making your decision.

Why Is Bankability So Important?

Bankability – Solar panels are long lasting technology. In fact, there are solar panels still in place that have been operating since the ’70s! Since these panels last such a long time, picking the right solar company is essential. When you purchase solar panels, they’ll come with a 25-year linear performance guarantee from the manufacturer. Most performance guarantees are very similar, and state that by year 25 the panel must be producing at least a certain amount, (usually 80-85%) of its nominal power output.

If the panels are not producing the energy they’re guaranteed to; the solar panel company will replace that module for you at no cost to you within the 25 years of the warranty.

One of the most important things

to take into account is making sure you are choosing a solar panel company who is going to be around for at least the next 25 years to honor these warranties when needed. If your system is not producing what it is supposed to at year 12 and your panel manufacturer is out of business, you could potentially be out thousands of dollars in costs.

The longevity of the company is critical when it comes to your checkbook. Since solar panels are a big purchase, making sure your warranties are valid is crucial. Some of the larger, more bankable solar panel companies will even take out insurance policies to back their product in the event of bankruptcy and give the consumer added protection and peace of mind, i.e., Canadian Solar, JinkoSolar.

In the scenario that the solar manufacturer goes out of business, their warranties are still intact and backed by the insurance policy.

What it does do, is give an indicator as to how well a company is doing, and how secure they may be in the market. The more modules shipped, the more confidence is instilled in the company’s ability to deliver a solution that is continually desired and bought by consumers. A solar system is a long time purchase, and you want to make sure you’re going with a reliable company who will be around for a long time.

How Long Has The Solar Panel Company Been in Business?

Where a quality solar installation company may be less than ten years old in the relatively young residential solar market, with the actual solar panels it is a different story. Solar panel technology has been around for quite some time, with the first photovoltaic cells made in 1954, and the solar industry is currently made up of hundreds of panel manufacturers. With competition like this, it is proven that solar panel companies who aren’t able to keep a successful business model, wide installer network, and large enough market share, will go bankrupt. With a product that lasts 30 plus years, you want a stable company to stay relevant and alive in the industry.

An established solar panel company should have at least ten years under their belt. This length of time gives an indication that the brand has shown its ability to survive in the industry, and should continue to do so. Some of the most bankable brands in the industry have been producing solar panels for 30-50 years. Premium brand LG has been producing solar panels since 1958. Other brands such as Panasonic (40 years) and Q CELLS(18 years) have shown their ability to withstand in the competitive solar industry.

The Diversity of the Solar Panel Company

Companies that offer many different products and different types of models are more likely to stay relevant in the industry. Having a brand that can withstand changes in the market means building a diverse portfolio. A premium brand like Sunpower heavily markets its high-efficiency modules, all in one system with built-in microinverters, and its bumper to bumper warranties.

For many homeowners, the price point for these panels just isn’t worth the perks provided. Since Sunpower’s premium brand occupies a certain niche in the market, it is more easily susceptible to being hurt by changes in the solar industry.

Sunpower’s stock has shown its struggle to maintain profit in the industry when compared to another premium brand competitor like LG, who has a much wider selection of not only solar panels but appliances, etc. that help to keep the company successful from all angles. Read our blog post here on Sunpower versus a diverse brand like LG.

Price of Solar Panels vs. Quality of Solar Panels

Price is a huge factor in determining the best panel manufacturer for you. Some solar panel companies, such as Panasonic or LG will offer premium panels for a higher price point. Typically these panels are very efficient (18.5% to 22%) with higher power outputs, and are a great option for someone with limited available roof space looking to maximize the energy production of that area.

For example, if you only have room for 7-8 solar panels on your roof, and using a standard panel will only reduce your electricity bill by 80% – a premium panel may be the way to go, as they will net you more power output. The price point on these panels is usually considerably higher than a standard option, due in part to the brand premium, and the high-quality nature of the panel.

All things considered, if you have enough roof space to reduce your electricity bill using a standard wattage panel, there is no need for a higher wattage or premium panel.

If you have room on your roof for ~ 30 solar panels, and you only need x20 280 watt panels to reduce your electricity bill by ~100%, then a standard panel does the job. It is typically the most cost-effective option, and you’ll still get the energy you need.

A standard panel is typically 250 watts or higher, with an efficiency rating of 16% or higher. Anything with specifications lower than this is a low-quality option for residential homeowners. Examples of a standard panel manufacturer include Hyundai, Canadian Solar. Since all solar panels will come with a 25-year performance guarantee, if you’re looking at a bankable company offering a standard panel versus one offering a premium, you should be comparing the energy (kWh’s) produced and the price you’re paying for it.

Some Top Solar Panel Brands Offered Through Solar.com:

• Q CELLS – 18 years – Manufactured in Germany
• Hyundai – 10 years – Manufactured in Japan (Hyundai as an entire company has been in business since 1947)
• LG – 59 years – Manufactured in Korea
• Panasonic – 40 years – Manufactured in Japan

Solar.com Can Help!

Here at Solar.com, we’ve done all this research for you beforehand so that you don’t have to. Not only do we offer a wide range of options when it comes to solar panel brands and companies, but we also are constantly researching and watching trends in the industry, so our solar experts are well equipped to advise you on the best brands for your home.

We have an extensive installer network that has access to many different brands, and based off of your particular needs and preferences, we will show you multiple options so that you can find the best panel fit for you.