What factors to pay attention to when choosing solar PV modules

When selecting solar photovoltaic modules, you need to comprehensively consider the performance, reliability, environmental adaptability, economy, and technological trends to ensure the long-term benefits and stability of the system. We combine the current development trend of the solar PV industry and the market situation, and analyze the solar PV module selection guide in detail:

I. Core parameters of PV modules

1. Module type

The current mainstream PV module types include:

Monocrystalline silicon modules

High conversion efficiency (20%-24%), suitable for scenarios with limited space or efficient power generation needs, such as rooftop PV systems.

Polycrystalline silicon modules

Lower cost but lower conversion efficiency (15%-18%), suitable for large ground power stations, but the market share is gradually declining.

Thin film modules (e.g. CIGS, CdTe)

Suitable for low-light or flexible applications, with efficiency between 10%-18%, but with relatively short service life.

2. Module power and conversion efficiency

Power

Currently on the market, the module power is between 400W-700W, the higher the power, the greater the power generation per unit area.

Conversion efficiency

It is recommended to choose high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon modules with more than 20%, such as TOPCon (22%-25%) and HJT (23%-26%).

3. Operating temperature and temperature coefficient

Temperature coefficient (Pmax)

The lower the temperature coefficient, the lower the attenuation of power generation in high temperature environment. The current temperature coefficient of advanced modules is about -0.30%/°C to -0.35%/°C.

Adaptation to the environment

HJT modules have a low temperature coefficient (-0.25%/°C) and are suitable for high temperature or desert environments.

II. Module Quality and Reliability

1. Module encapsulation materials

High transmittance glass, PID (Potential Induced Degradation) resistant EVA or POE encapsulation materials are used to improve the durability of the module.

Double-glass modules (double-sided glass encapsulation) have a longer lifespan (more than 30 years) and are suitable for humid or extreme climatic conditions.

2. Module Certification

Ensure that the modules pass international or regional certifications such as:

IEC 61215 (design and performance standards)

IEC 61730 (safety certification)

TÜV, UL certification (European and North American markets)

CQC certification (Chinese market)

3.Linear attenuation rate

Linear power attenuation standard for high quality modules:

Less than 2% in the first year

Maintain ≥80%-85% of rated power after 25 years

The attenuation rate of HJT and TOPCon modules is lower than that of traditional PERC modules, which is more suitable for long-term investment.

III. Anti-environmental adaptability of modules

1. PID resistance

Selecting modules with PID protection technology can extend system life and is suitable for high humidity or high temperature areas.

2 . Wind and snow load resistance

Select components with wind pressure resistance ≥2400Pa and snow pressure resistance ≥5400Pa, applicable to extreme weather.

3. Anti-Heat Spot Performance

Select low current density design, half or stacked tile modules to reduce the impact of hot spot and improve safety.

IV. Economy and Return on Investment

1 . Module Price

The current PV module price is between 0.8$/W and 1.5$/W. High power and high efficiency modules have lower LCOE and higher long-term returns.

2 . Warranty and After-sales

Product warranty: 12-15 years

Power warranty: 25-30 years (first year attenuation ≤ 2%, annual average ≤ 0.45%)

Choose well-known brands, such as LONGi, Jinko, Trina, JA Solar, etc. to ensure after-sales protection.

V. Module Technology Trends

1. TOPCon Technology

Conversion efficiency: 22%-25%

Characteristics: Compared with PERC modules, higher power, lower temperature coefficient, longer life, suitable for large-scale PV power stations.

2. HJT (heterojunction) technology

Conversion efficiency: 23%-26%

Characteristics: low temperature coefficient (-0.25%/°C), no LID (Light Induced Decay), double-sided power generation gain of 10%-20%.

3. Stacked Tile & Half Tile Technology

Characteristics: Improve module durability, reduce shading loss, increase overall output power.

VI. Suggestions for selection

1. Select PV modules with high conversion efficiency over 20%, such as TOPCon or HJT technology modules.

2. Considering environmental factors, choose low temperature coefficient modules for high temperature areas and high mechanical strength modules for high snow pressure areas.

3. Choose reliable brands and make sure that the modules have passed international certification and provide long-term warranty.

4. Calculate long-term return on investment, not only focusing on the unit price of the module, but also considering power generation efficiency, power degradation and maintenance costs.

5. Pay attention to new technology trends of modules, such as TOPCon, HJT, stacked wattage, etc., to improve the overall return of the system.

VII. Environmental adaptation and installation requirements

1. Geographic and climatic conditions

For high humidity areas, anti-PID components can be prioritized.

In desert, snow and other highly reflective areas, double-sided modules can increase power generation by 10%-30%.

2. Installation space and layout

Rooftop installation: need to match the module size (e.g. 182mm, 210mm wafer size) and reserve maintenance access.

Ground power station: optimize the inclination angle (local latitude ±5°) to ensure reasonable spacing of modules and reduce the impact of shading.

VIII. Economy and long-term maintenance

1. Cost and Return on Investment

High-efficiency modules have a higher unit price, but can reduce land/support costs and lower the LCOE (levelized cost of electricity) of the system.

Monocrystalline silicon modules have an average annual attenuation of less than 0.5%, with lower power generation losses over a 25-year lifetime, resulting in a more stable return on investment.

2. Warranty and after-sales service

Warranty: at least 12 years material and technology warranty, 25 years power warranty.

Manufacturer qualification: Priority is given to brands that have passed TÜV, IEC and other international certifications to ensure long-term stable supply.

IX. Sustainability and environmental protection

Select recyclable materials, such as lead-free soldering tapes and environmentally friendly backplanes, to reduce environmental pollution.

Pay attention to carbon footprint certification (e.g. EPD, Carbon Labeling) and comply with green building or ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards.

X. Summarize

When choosing solar PV modules, conversion efficiency, durability, environmental adaptability, return on investment and technology development trend should be considered. Different application scenarios, such as household rooftops, industrial and commercial distributed power plants, large-scale ground power plants, etc. have different preferred types of PV modules, how to choose PV panels, energy storage system, and PV inverters. It is recommended to use professional design software to simulate power generation and compare different brands and technology solutions to make the optimal decision in light of specific project requirements.