As an entrepreneur, you want the very best solar panels on your roof. But how do you know if the quality is good? Jan Aernoud van Eeken, technical director of Energy Shift, know all about it. This year he visited several factories in Asia, where almost all solar panels are produced.
One factory is not the other. In the production of solar panels, the details are decisive. Just like a small production error, a production environment that is not clean or optimal can have major consequences for the quality of solar panels. All top brands work with a fully automatic production process and extensively test the solar panels to guarantee quality.
Solar panels consist of two layers of silicon (melted sand). Using special EVA foil, the producers generate electrical voltage between the layers. Glass plates and profiles complete the panels. The EVA film must be processed within a day. If it is exposed to light for a longer period of time, the power of the panels will drop considerably after about 7 years.
Choose an experienced specialist
There are many providers, but they do not all deliver the same quality. For large installations, definitely choose a specialist with experience in your industry, check the certifications and ask about the brand of solar panels the company works with. Doubts? Also check with your bank. After all, only projects from reliable companies and suppliers can be financed.
Maximum return
A inverter converts the generated energy into alternating current. With central inverters, the panels form a series and the yield of the solar panels is determined by the weakest solar panel. This is disadvantageous, for example, in the case of pollution or shade.
More and more entrepreneurs are opting - partly on the advice of insurers - for an installation with so-called Power Optimizers† These are intelligent boxes that get the maximum efficiency from each individual panel and automatically switch off in the event of a fire.
Quality in the meter cupboard
With large installations, as is often the case with agricultural companies, a lot has to be done in the meter box. The bar is set high, because the safety and well-being of humans and animals are paramount. The installations must also meet strict requirements of insurers. Quality is also reflected in the meter cupboard. For example, do you use cables that just meet the standard? Or do you take the slightly thicker ones? Real specialists choose the very best cables and equipment and lay everything neatly. So no spaghetti on cables.
Recyclable solar panels
Energy Shift gives a 25-year warranty on our solar panels. After that, you can enjoy it for years to come, but the power will slowly decrease. If you replace the solar panels, you can return the old ones free of charge. Solar panels on the roof works together with PV Cycle, an organization that recycles the panels. A sustainable solution for a sustainable product.
Consultancy
Would you like to know more about your situation and how large the return you can get from an investment in solar panels on your roof? For tailor-made advice, please contact Energy Shift, a specialist who has installed more than 600 solar panels in the Netherlands and has applied for and received subsidies for more than 460.000 solar panels.