{"id":6322,"date":"2017-12-28T07:53:00","date_gmt":"2017-12-28T07:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.portal.solar.com\/learn\/3-solar-panel-innovations-to-look-for-in-2018\/"},"modified":"2023-02-21T12:22:16","modified_gmt":"2023-02-21T12:22:16","slug":"3-solar-panel-innovations-to-look-for-in-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solar.com\/learn\/3-solar-panel-innovations-to-look-for-in-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Solar Panel Innovations to Look for in 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"

Solar energy is taking shape across industries and geographies. Engineers at top solar panel companies are hard at work developing innovations making solar even more practical and accessible.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this post, we highlight solar panel innovations from three industry leaders: LG<\/a>, Sunpower, and First Solar<\/a>. Here are their exciting new solar panel products to look for in 2018. <\/span><\/p>\n

1. LG\u2019s Highly Efficient Panels for Residential Solar<\/span><\/h2>\n

LG introduced its new LG NeON R panels. More than just a catchy name, these panels boast up to <\/span>350 to 365 watts at 20.8 percent efficiency<\/span><\/a>. The 365-watt model offers <\/span>29 percent more power<\/span><\/a> than the average panel at just 290 watts. <\/span><\/p>\n

LG accomplished this using technology previously exclusive to <\/span>SunPower<\/span>. SunPower and LG are in fairly constant competition for the title of \u201cbest solar panels.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"LG<\/span><\/p>\n

Efficiency is obviously one of the top considerations homeowners factor in when looking for the best solar panels for their home. The more efficient the panels, the fewer panels are needed to power your home. Of course, as we’ve explained in our SolarBook guide<\/a>, high-efficiency panels come at a cost premium that isn’t necessary for homeowners with enough room on their roof. These panels are a better option for a smaller house lacking roof space.<\/span><\/p>\n

But other factors beyond efficiency also play into how much power a panel can produce in real-world settings. LG\u2019s new panels are currently the <\/span>highest rated for weathering snow and wind in the industry<\/span><\/a>. They also keep producing through a wide range of temperature fluctuations.<\/span><\/p>\n

NeON R panels are built to withstand light degradation better than most on the market. Wire-free NeON R ACe panels, equipped with WiFi, will be available early 2018.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. SunPower\u2019s New Solar Panel Carport<\/span><\/h2>\n

On the commercial solar front, SunPower introduced a new highly efficient solar carport. These panels are featured in <\/span>BuildingGreen\u2019s list of the top ten recommended products for 2018<\/span>, which features innovations \u201cin health and environmental performance across all major building product sectors.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

SunPower claims they can generate <\/span>\u201c45 percent more energy in the same space over 25 years when compared to conventional panels.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Solar carports are gaining popularity<\/span> for significantly minimizing energy costs while maximizing space.<\/span><\/p>\n

The normally dead space of a parking lot can generate clean electricity, reduce energy costs, protect cars, and contribute toward LEED credits–all while making a statement to the community about committing to clean energy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Add-on features include rainwater collection for reuse, EV charging stations, and even energy storage.<\/span><\/p>\n

The multifunctional, conscientious design has earned SunPower\u2019s new carports the <\/span>Cradle to Cradle Certified\u2122 Silver<\/span><\/i> achievement<\/span>. It\u2019s the only solar company to achieve this status thus far. <\/span><\/p>\n

3. First Solar Introduces Series 6 Thin Film Model<\/span><\/h2>\n

First Solar is the <\/span>largest U.S. solar product manufacturer<\/span><\/a>. Their <\/span>series 4 model<\/span><\/a> has been a staple in the commercial solar panel industry, producing 122.5W and 17% efficiency. The <\/span>series 6 model<\/span><\/a> can produce 420-445W at 17% efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n

The efficiency is about average for the commercial market, but having more watts per unit makes it far more powerful.<\/span><\/p>\n