What to Look for When Buying Solar Panels, Inverters, and Batteries

What to Look for When Choosing Solar Panels, Inverters, and Battery Systems

A solar setup is only as good as the components and workmanship behind it. Below are the key technical and practical criteria that ensure your system is efficient, durable, and safe.

Solar Panels – What Matters Most

Module Type:

Monocrystalline: Best efficiency, especially in small roof areas

Polycrystalline: Cheaper, but needs more space

Thin-film: Avoid for rooftops in the tropics – too low yield

Power Rating:
Choose 450–600 W panels for modern systems – fewer panels needed for same output

Warranty:

25 years on power output (80–85 % retention)

10–15 years on materials and workmanship

Brand Quality:
Stick to Tier 1 manufacturers like:

JA Solar

Trina Solar

Jinko

REC Solar

Canadian Solar

Anti-PID + Salt Mist Resistant Coating
Tropical humidity + sea air can degrade cheap panels. Ask for IEC 61701 certification.

Inverter – The Brain of the System

Type:
Choose hybrid inverter if you want both grid connection and battery support

Efficiency:
Look for >97% conversion efficiency (DC to AC)

MPPT Inputs:
More MPPTs = more flexible panel layout (useful for different roof angles or partial shading)

Brand examples:

Solis

Growatt

SMA

Huawei

Fronius

Monitoring Capability:
WiFi-enabled systems with app/web interface are ideal for tracking power use and faults

Surge Protection & Islanding Function:
Prevents damage and improves safety during brownouts or lightning

Battery – If You Include One

Chemistrie:

LiFePO₄ (Lithium Iron Phosphate) preferred for home use: safe, long cycle life

Avoid traditional lead-acid unless budget-limited (shorter lifespan, heavier, less efficient)

Capacity:
Choose based on evening + nighttime use – typically 5–10 kWh for a small home

Cycle life:
Aim for 3000–6000 full cycles (8–12 years average daily use)

BMS (Battery Management System):
Prevents overcharging, overheating, and unbalanced cells

Expandable:
Choose brands that allow you to add more batteries later

Installation and Workmanship

Certified Installer:
Only use licensed solar technicians – improper wiring = fire risk

Proper Breakers & Fuses:
DC breakers, surge arresters, grounding – don’t skimp on safety

Conduit & Cable Quality:
Use UV-resistant cables with correct sizing – oversized is better than undersized

Panel Angle & Orientation:
Optimal in the Philippines: 10–15° tilt, facing south or southwest, avoid afternoon shading

Roof Load Assessment:
Light metal roofs (yero) may need reinforcement – especially for typhoon-prone areas

Summary: Checkpoints Before Buying a Solar System

Component Check for

PanelsTier-1 brand, 25-year warranty, monocrystalline, salt resistance

InverterHybrid, WiFi monitoring, MPPT, surge protection

BatteryLiFePO₄, cycle life >3000, BMS, expandable

InstallerLicensed, with references and full warrantyElectricalProper wiring, breakers, grounding, neat & safe layout
 

Autor: Nils Deden