Best Solar Panels Of 2021: review and comparison of the best models in Canada

Whether for your home or your van, installing solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity costs. The idea seduced you, and you prepared for it: you made your estimate, profitability study, and request for installation at the town hall. With all the cards in hand, you have to choose the model of panels suited to your needs. To help you decide, know that the current market is teeming with countless variations of solar panels. For example, the Renogy Solar Panels 100D-SS model is characterized by its slim size and high performance. Eco-Worthy 100W Solar Panel Kit is distinguished by its PWM controller for high circuit protection.

Buying Guide – How To Choose A Good Solar Panel?

Regarding your solar panel installation project, you don’t know where to go? Where to buy the best solar panel? Should we trust a price comparison? No more worrying about our advice. Below are the criteria to consider for a well-thought-out purchase.

The yield

A solar panel is used to generate electricity. There are three main types including:

Monocrystalline: these panels are composed of single and pure silicon wafers stacked on top of each other. And these slices contain black cells. This model is rectangular. It is the most powerful and efficient of the types of solar panels. Its yield is of the order of 16 to 24%. It is sensitive to diffused light.

Polycrystalline or multi-crystalline: these panels are made of a mixture of different molten silicon crystals. Rectangular in shape, they are covered with sheets of glass. They sport a bluish tint. This model is less expensive than its monocrystalline friend. It offers a yield of 14 to 18%. It is less efficient under overcast skies.

Thin-film or flexible: these panels are based on different types of materials, including CdTe or cadmium telluride, a-Si or amorphous silicon, CIGS or indium gallium copper selenide. This type of panel generates a yield of around 6%. Inexpensive, it can absorb diffused light and is suitable for mobile use. It is flexible because it is compact and can be installed on flexible supports.

The power

Before even establishing a quote and consulting a buying guide for the best solar panels, you must first define the application of your future materials. Opt for the crystalline model if you need a home energy source with low light and sunlight. The polycrystalline type is suitable for homes with good roof exposure to the sun. Turn to hoses for nomadic use: on a motorhome, van, etc.

To make your choice easier, you should also consider the size of the installation space (in m²). Opt for the high-efficiency single crystal types if you have limited m² available for a comprehensive and large-scale supply. A few plates of this model may be sufficient for a maximum of electricity.

Then, you have the “peak power” factor (in Wp). It is delivered by the panel at 25 ° C, with light close to the sun and power of 1000W / m². Knowing this index helps to determine the panel’s electricity production over a given period expressed in kWh. That said, this data varies greatly depending on your location, your energy needs and the amount of sunshine in your home. 

By correspondence, a monocrystalline panel has a peak power of 165 Wp / m² on average. For a polycrystalline panel, you have 100 Wp / m², and for a flexible panel, this power is around 60 Wp / m².

Significant secondary criteria

Apart from their general performance, you can also choose your solar panels, taking into account:

Aesthetics: in plain sight, they must be designed. If possible, avoid coloured panels so as not to impact their performance.

The brand: the big names in the sector such as Sunpower, LG Solar, Systovi, Panasonic and Tesla offer high-end, high-performance models.

The warranty: preferably, a model with a long warranty is preferred. 15, 20 or 25 years, this duration constitutes a guarantee of reliability of the panel.

Accessories: these elements allow the installation and use of the plates.

And if you’re wondering how to buy a better value solar panel in Canada, consider your budget, too.

The 5 Best Solar Panels (Reviews & Tests) of 2021

How do you find the most efficient and cheapest solar panels? Should we rely on the references of an online comparator for this? How do you choose the best solar panels for 2021? To answer these questions, we present our comparison of the 5 most popular models of the moment.

1. Renogy 100D-SS Solar Panels

Have you always wanted to live in a passive house with independent energy sources? If so, start small and take an eco-friendly attitude by installing eco-friendly signs on your roof. But which solar panel to choose? There are many models, but we offer you our favourite: that of Renogy.

Renogy 100D-SS 100W 12V solar panel is made of reliable material with a multilayer lamella sheet. This constitution optimizes the performance of its monocrystalline cells and ensures its durability. This panel is resistant to strong winds of 2400 Pa and high snow pressure of 5400 Pa. 

Versatile is ideal for an off-grid application such as in the mountains while travelling or at the beach. Small in size and super slim, it is also suitable for installing RVs, boats, motor homes, etc. It is quick and easy to install with its pre-drilled holes. It is also compatible with all Renogy fixing devices. All this means that you no longer have to worry about where to buy a new solar panel.

2. Eco-Worthy 100W Solar Panel Kit

Between a Sunpower model and an LG Solar, it is not always easy to know the best brand of solar panels. Between a solar panel kit and a plate sold alone, on the other hand, we naturally turn to packs. If you think of it this way, this model will spark your interest.

This solar kit is mainly characterized by its capacity to generate 0.4 kWh per day with exposure to full sun for 4 hours. It embeds components intended for installation on RVs, trailers, boats, cabs, sheds, etc. It comes with a 20A PWM type USB charge controller, a monocrystalline solar panel with cables, a pair of solar cables and a set of Z brackets. 

Its 100W solar panel is easy to install with its pre-drilled holes. It is equipped with a very resistant aluminum frame. This design allows it to withstand violent gales of 2400 Pa and heavy snow loads of 5400 Pa.

3. Xinpuguang Kit solar panels 200 W 12 V

Between buying a plate solar panel alone or a solar kit, the choice seems to be made. Acquiring a package is far more convenient and saves time. If you like all-in-one products, this one from the Xinpupuang brand is sure to make you happy.

This kit consists of 2 flexible solar panels of 100 W each, 1 charge controller 12V / 24V / 20A, 1 set of 3-meter cables with a 2.5 mm² PV connector, 1 3-meter cable with a 2.5mm² alligator clip, 1 2-in-1 adapter set, and an instruction manual. 

The panels in this kit are composed of monocrystalline solar cells. They offer high performance. These are flexible for curved supports (up to 30 °) of motorhomes, boats, trucks, trailers, etc. These sheets with a frosted PET surface are very resistant to water and wear. They withstand bad weather well.

4. SunHeater Smartpool S120U Solar heaters for swimming pool

The current market is not limited to the sale of solar panels for homes and off-grid use; there are other applications for this equipment, such as heating a swimming pool. If you are looking for the best solar pool heater panel, consider this model from Smartpool.

This SunHeater brand solar panel heats the water in your pool via a polypropylene heat collector. It increases the temperature by 6 to 10 ° F. The maximum temperature of the swimming pool is around 80 ° C for daily exposure of 5 to 6 hours. This panel works in conjunction with the pool water pump. 

Its system includes stainless steel clamps, 2 end caps, 1 roll of Teflon tape and a connector. Its universal design is suitable for both above-ground and in-ground pools. This solar panel for the swimming pool is supplied with an installation manual available in French, Spanish, and English.

5. Coleman 40W 12V Crystalline Solar Panel

Has the idea of ​​replacing your solar plate system been appealing to you for a long time? But where to buy a new one? And above all, what is the best solar panel on the market for 2021? To help you make your choice, we present this Coleman 40W solar panel to you.

This Silver colour model is supplied with a stand. It has a 7A charge controller on board. The latter uses an integrated blocking diode preserving its battery from any nocturnal discharges and overcharging.

It stands out for its good weather resistance. It is a portable model that is easy to move. It is a perfect RV (recreational vehicle) solar panel for off-grid application and a backup power source. 

It is suitable for equipping a motorhome, a boat or isolated accommodation. It is made up of high-performance crystal cells. Its plates are encased in a durable metal frame. It is equipped with unbreakable tempered glass.

Pros

• Charge controller: Thanks to this element, the battery does not risk overloads or nightly load losses. This preserves its performance in all circumstances.
• Resistant: This solar plate appears to be made to easily withstand changing weather conditions. It is weather resistant and is ideal for nomadic uses.

Cons

• Restricted use: Given its size and power, this Coleman solar panel is primarily intended for nomadic use such as RVs and for small applications (phone charging, lights, etc.).

frequently asked Questions

Q1: How does a solar panel work?

A solar panel generates electrical energy by converting solar radiation or diffused light. For this, it uses the photovoltaic effect. To create an electric flow, the silicon electrons stimulate and tear off the energy stored in the photons of the solar rays.

The panels are made of silicon, a semiconductor material that produces direct current (DC) electrical charges. An inverter or micro-inverter will convert the DC to AC (alternating current) as soon as a panel captures this current. This transformation is essential for the electricity generated to be usable by a house or van device.

Q2: How many solar panels power a house?

The number of solar panels needed to supply a house with electricity depends on several factors, including the reception area of ​​the roof. This number also depends on the electricity needs of the home or vehicle.

To quantify these needs, calculate the power consumed by your devices. To do this:

1. Multiply the wattage of each device used on a daily use basis (W).
2. Add the values ​​obtained (Wh).
3. Divide the result by the average number of hours of sunshine in your area.

You then get the number of panels to buy.

Otherwise, you can refer to:

 – 8 panels for 3 kWp and 14.4 m²

 – 16 to 17 panels for 6 kWp and 30.6 m²

 – 24 to 25 panels for 9 kWp and 45 m²

* number of panels = peak power of the installation/peak power of a panel (350 Wp per panel)

Q3: How to install a solar panel?

In general, photovoltaic panels are placed on the roof of a house with an inclination of 30 ° to 35 ° and a south orientation. On the other hand, their installation varies according to their fixing system, the housing configuration, and the required accessories. A simplified installation on a frame (ISB) consists in putting the panels directly on the tiles. But for an efficient and durable installation, opt for a built-in integration. This method consists of:

 – Unwrap the panel installation area

 – Place the lower and side flashings by fixing the battens with screws (if necessary, add a batten along with the location of the panel)

 – Install an under-roof screen or a waterproofing system

 – Fix the rails on the rafters with hooks

 – Install the panels on the rails with hooks or bolts, then fix the upper flashing to replace the missing tiles

 – Connect the inverter to the panels

 – Do not forget to install the batteries

Q4: How to install solar panels for a motorhome?

Before installing a solar panel on a motorhome, first, check the car’s mounting systems. If possible, opt for removable mechanisms but offer good stability.

As for the installation itself, here’s how it goes:

 – Rigid panel: roughen with sandpaper and degrease the panel’s surface with acetone or other products, glue the panel to the angles of the vehicle roof with a dedicated sealant.

 – Flexible panel: roughen and degrease this product as with the rigid plate, glue the panel by making studs at its ends and in its middle

Once the plate is attached, install your regulator on non-fireproof support or near the battery. Then connect the regulator and the battery with cables less than 5 meters long. Do the same with the regulator and the panel. Remember to place your fuses and voltage converters to transform direct current into AC (alternating current). Finish by connecting the devices to the LOAD output of the regulator, then test.

Q5: Poly or mono solar panel?

In comparison, a mono panel has a higher conversion efficiency of 1 to 3% more than a poly panel. If the same physical size, the former produces more energy. With equal power, it requires less installation and exhibition area. Mono is suitable for small areas, while poly is suitable for large properties. Also, a mono panel is more versatile and suitable for different geographical situations. A poly panel only achieves its optimum capacities in hot regions.

If you have to choose a 300Wp model, be aware that the cost difference is relatively small between mono and poly. Certainly, the single-crystal one is more expensive but offers high-end performance. In addition, it is more durable. On the other hand, poly is cheaper and uses less energy.