Solar panel efficiency is an important measurement to look at when calculating the return on your investment in solar panels for your home. Solar panel efficiency refers to the amount of usable energy your panels are able to produce from available sunlight.
Nevada is one of the sunniest states in the country, making it ideal for solar energy. But there are different factors that affect a solar panel’s efficiency – and more available sunlight does not equal efficient energy production. In fact, high temperatures can actually make some solar panels less efficient.
So which models of solar panels are best suited for a hot, dry climate like Clark County, Nevada? Let’s dig in!
What Solar Panels Work Well in Hot Climates?
Monocrystalline solar panels are a better choice for hot areas because they produce the most power even in extreme temperatures and can withstand temperature swings better than other types of solar panels.
There are various monocrystalline solar panel types, so you must choose which one best meets your needs. We’ll discuss the solar panel brands that are most efficient in hot climates.
1. SunPower (Maxeon) X-Series
The SunPower X-Series panels, which are now sold under the Maxeon brand, have an industry-leading efficiency rating of 22.7%. They not only produce the most energy, but they also have the lowest temperature coefficient (-0.29%/degree C), the highest positive-only power tolerance and the highest energy output.
To increase power production, these high-efficiency panels employ half-cut monocrystalline solar cells. They not only outperform every other panel on the market in terms of power output, but they also provide industry-leading coverage, ensuring only a minor loss in efficiency over several years of hot weather.
Although these panels are relatively expensive, the federal tax credit has recently increased to 30% for 2022, making them more affordable.
2. Panasonic Evervolt
The only other solar panel series to reach 22% efficiency is Panasonic’s Evervolt line, which debuted recently and is only slightly less efficient than the X-Series at 22.2%. The solar panel manufacturer backs up this efficiency with a 25-year warranty, ensuring that your panels continue to generate at least 92% of their initial power output.
Panasonic Evervolt panels have a good temperature coefficient, measuring -0.26%/degree C. These monocrystalline, half-cut solar panels are an excellent choice for homeowners in places like Nevada, where temperatures can quickly rise.
3. REC Alpha
The REC Alpha panels are among the most efficient solar panels currently available. REC is a well-known brand in the solar sector. These mono panels are 21.7% efficient and have half-cut cells to increase energy output, which allows you to benefit from the intense sunlight that is likely to be seen in hotter areas.
REC Alpha panels, in particular, have a temperature coefficient of -0.25%/degree C and an annual deterioration of only 0.25%.
In terms of power generation in hot weather, the Alpha panels are near the top of the field.
Additionally, REC provides a 25-year guarantee that power production will match these figures.
Solar Optimum’s Performance Guarantee
To be precise about how much clean energy your home can generate, we use the industry’s most trusted and leading-edge tools to design, analyze and monitor your system’s energy potential. And unlike other solar companies, we guarantee this – and put it in writing before you give us your commitment!
Contact us today to speak with one of our Energy Coordinators today and we’ll design a customized solar system built specifically for your home.
