In this blog post, we will discuss some of the top 5 Solar Panels in India and provide a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision. India is a country with abundant sunlight, making it an ideal location for solar energy systems. Solar energy has become increasingly popular in India as a source of clean and renewable energy. With the government’s push towards promoting solar power, the demand for solar panels has increased exponentially. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to decide which is the best solar panel in India.

Choosing the Best Solar Panel:

When choosing the best solar panel for your needs, there are several factors to consider. These include:

Efficiency:

Solar panel efficiency refers to the amount of energy a solar panel can convert from sunlight into usable electricity. It is usually measured as a percentage of the total amount of sunlight hitting the panel that is converted into electricity. Higher-efficiency panels generate more electricity from the same amount of sunlight, which can help you save money on your electricity bills. The efficiency of solar panels has been improving over the years due to advancements in technology and manufacturing processes. Currently, the most efficient solar panels in the Indian market have an efficiency of around 21-22%. However, the average efficiency of most panels is around 18-19%.

Durability:

Solar panel durability refers to the ability of a solar panel to withstand various environmental conditions and maintain its performance over time. The durability of a solar panel is an important factor to consider when deciding to invest in solar energy. Most solar panels are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, and hail. They are also tested to withstand high wind speeds and extreme temperatures.

Performance:

Solar panel performance is typically measured by two factors: efficiency and power output. We have already discussed the efficiency that the higher the efficiency, the more electricity the panel can generate from a given amount of sunlight. Output refers to the amount of electricity that a solar panel can produce under specific conditions, such as a particular temperature and level of sunlight. The output of a solar panel is measured in watts. In general, you want a panel that can perform well in low-light conditions, such as cloudy or overcast days.

Price:

Price is also an important factor to consider when choosing a solar panel. You want to choose a panel that is within your budget but also offers good value for money.

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Types of Solar Panels Manufactured In India

There are 5 major types of solar panels available on the Indian market today: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and  PERC panels.

1. Monocrystalline solar panels

This type of solar panel (made of monocrystalline silicon) is the purest one and is made from a single pure silicon crystal that is cut into several wafers. Since they are made from pure silicon, they can be readily identified by their dark black color. The use of pure silicon also makes monocrystalline panels the most space-efficient and longest-lasting among all three solar panel types.

2. Polycrystalline solar panels

As the name implies, these come from different silicon crystals instead of one. The silicon fragments are melted and poured into a square mold. This makes polycrystalline cells much more affordable since there is hardly any wastage, and gives them that characteristic square shape. However, this also makes them less efficient in terms of energy conversion and space, since their silicon purity and construction are lower than monocrystalline panels.

3. Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) panels

PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) solar panels are an improvement of the traditional monocrystalline cell. The PERC solar panel works by adding an additional layer to a standard solar cell. This layer acts as a passivation layer, which reduces the recombination of electrons and holes. The passivation layer also helps to reflect more light back into the solar cell, which increases the amount of energy that can be converted from the sun’s rays.

PERC solar panels are more efficient than traditional solar panels because they are able to capture more energy from the sun. This means that fewer solar panels are required to generate the same amount of electricity, which can reduce the cost of solar energy systems.

By using the Mono-PERC cells following types of panels are manufactured :

1. Half-Cut Solar Panels

Half-cut solar panels, also known as split-cell solar panels, are a type of solar panel that is made up of two smaller cells that are connected in series to create one larger cell. These smaller cells are halved, hence the name “half-cut”. The benefit of using half-cut solar panels is that they can offer improved efficiency and reliability compared to traditional solar panels. By splitting the cells, the panel is able to reduce resistive losses and improve overall efficiency, allowing the panel to generate more power per square meter.

Traditional monocrystalline solar panels usually have 60 to 72 solar cells, so when those cells are cut in half, the number of cells increases. Half-cut panels have 120 to 144 cells and are usually made with PERC technology, which offers higher module efficiency.

2. Bifacial Solar Panel

 

A bifacial solar panel is a type of solar panel that can generate electricity from both sides of the panel. Unlike traditional solar panels that generate electricity from only one side, bifacial solar panels have solar cells on both the front and back sides of the panel. The advantage of using bifacial solar panels is that they can generate more electricity than traditional solar panels, especially in areas with high levels of reflective surfaces, such as snow or water. When the sun’s rays reflect off the ground or water onto the back side of the panel, the additional light can increase the energy output.

 

5 Best Solar Panels in India

 

Tata Solar Panels

 

Tata Solar is India’s No. 1 solar panel brand that provides the best quality solar panels at an affordable price range. solar power company remains an eminent leader in manufacturing one of the Best Solar Panels in India The company boasts a stronghold on residential rooftop solar units and has shipped about 1.4 GW of solar modules worldwide over the past 20 years.  They offer a range of solar panels for residential, commercial, and industrial use.

1.TP300 Series ( 288W- 330W):  Multi Crystalline, Monofacial, Efficiency – 14.8  to 17.2%

2. TP330 Black  Series ( 325W- 33WW): Mono Crystalline, Monofacial, Efficiency – 17%

Below are the technical specifications of Tata Solar panels:

a) Power output: Tata solar panels come with power outputs ranging from 288W to 335W.

b) Efficiency: Tata Solar panels have an efficiency range of 14.8-17.2%.

c) Durability: Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including hail, heavy rain, and strong winds.

d) Warranty: Come with a 10-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty.

Vikram Solar Panels

 

Vikram Solar is a leading solar panel manufacturer that produces a wide range of solar panels suitable for various applications. They serve over six continents, Vikram Solar is one the largest solar energy companies providing mono and bifacial solar panel modules. They have installed & commissioned over 1355 MW of solar projects across India. They have over 1 GW solar panel manufacturing capacity and a 10 kW floating solar plant in Kolkata.

Below are the broad technical specifications of Vikram Solar panels:

a) Power output: The company offers solar panels with power outputs ranging from 315W to 670W.

b) Efficiency: Efficiency range of 16.23 % to 21.72%.

c) Durability: Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including hail, heavy rain, and strong winds.

d) Warranty:  Come with a 12-year product warranty and a 27-30 year performance warranty.

Following are the four of the most popular Vikram Solar Panels available in 2023:

1. SOMERA ( 345W to 610W):  Monocrystalline, Monofacial, Efficiency – 19.45  to 21.55%

2. PARDEA ( 525 to 670W ):  Monocrystalline, Bifacial, Efficiency –  20.75 to 21.72%

3. PREXOS ( 340-560W ):  Monocrystalline, Bifacial, Efficiency – 18.34- 21.72%

4. ELDORA ( 315-350W ): Polycrystalline, Monofacial, Efficiency – 16.23 – 17.78%

Adani Solar Panels

 

Adani Solar belongs to the 15 largest utility solar power developers worldwide. They manufacture solar cells and modules with 1.5 GW+ of cell and module capacity at Mundra, Gujarat. Adani solar is one of the largest solar panel installers in India. Adani Solar offers a wide range of solar panels for residential, commercial, and industrial use.

Below are the technical specifications of Adani Solar panels:

a) Power output: Power outputs range from 325W to 670W.

b) Efficiency: Efficiency range of 17.1% to 21.22%.

c) Durability: Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including hail, heavy rain, and strong winds.

d) Warranty: Come with a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty.

Following are the different series of  Adani Solar Panels available now:

1. ETERNAL PRIDE( 630W -670W): Mono-PERC, Half-cut, Monofacial, Efficiency – 20.23-20.87%

2. ETERNAL SHINE ( 520W-545W): Mono-PERC, Half-cut, Monofacial, Efficiency – 20.25 to 21.22%

3. ELAN PRIDE ( 630W – 650W):  Mono PERC,  Half-cut, Bifacial, Efficiency – 20.23 to 20.87%

4. ELAN SHINE ( 520W-545W):  Mono PERC, Half-cut, Bifacial, Efficiency – 20.25 to 21.22%

5. Encore Multi-crystalline ( 325W-345W):   Poly Crystalline, Monofacial, Efficiency – 17.1%

Waaree Solar Panels

 

Waaree also produces high-quality solar panels and their panels are available at a competitive price, making them a popular choice for many Indian households and businesses. The Waree Solar Panel model series includes 3 different models:  Arun, Ahnay, and Arka. Each of these models has its own unique specifications and features, making them suitable for a variety of different applications.

Below are the broad technical specifications of Waaree Solar panels:

a) Power output: Power outputs ranging from 40W to 665W.

b) Efficiency: Efficiency range of 10.58% to 21.29%.

c) Durability: Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including hail, heavy rain, and strong winds.

d) Warranty:  Come with a 12-year product warranty and a 27-year performance warranty

Following are the key features of the 3 most popular models available:

1. ARKA ( 515 – 665W):  Mono PERC, Commercial, and Industrial Use, Efficiency – 19.32- 21.29%.

2. AHNAY (380 – 665W ): Mono PERC, Bifacial, Commercial, and Industrial Use, Efficiency – 19.02 – 21.29%.

3. ARUN ( 40 to 235W ):  Poly Crystalline, Monofacial, Residential use, Efficiency – 10.58 – 15.93%

Renewsys Solar

 

Renewsys Solar is a prominent integrated manufacturer of Solar PV Modules and their essential components, which include Encapsulants, back sheets, and Solar PV Cells. The company can make 2 GW of solar panels, 1 GW of solar cells, 3 GW or more of encapsulants, and 4 GW or more of back sheets.

Below are the broad technical specifications of Renewsys Solar panels:

a) Power output: Power outputs ranging from 40W to 590W.

b) Efficiency: Efficiency range of 13.83% to 21.02%.

c) Durability: Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including hail, heavy rain, and strong winds.

d) Warranty:  Come with a 10-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty

Following are the key features of the 4 most popular models available:

1. DESERV SGALACTIC ( 430W-590W): Mono-PERC, Half Cut, Monofacial, Efficiency – 19.76%  to 21.02%

2. DESERV EXTREME (430W -590W):  Mono-PERC, Half Cut, Bifacial, Efficiency -19.99 to 21.02%

3. DESERV MONO ( 315W-400W): Mono-PERC, Full Cell, Monofacial, Efficiency – 17.59 to 20.7%

4. DESERV MULTI ( 40W – 345W):  Multi / Multi PERC, Full Cell, Monofacial, Efficiency – 13.83 to 17.38%