Why Sharp
Choosing solar modules—the important factors
Companies in the solar industry provide potential customers with many data and labels on their products. But what data is important and what makes a good solar module?
Solid company with reliable quality
A solar energy system is a long-term investment. In order to be satisfied with your decision for a long time, you should be able to rely on the quality. Sharp’s 100 year history and more than 55 years of experience in solar technology give you confidence for your investment. With Sharp Energy Solutions Europe, a centre of excellence for innovative energy solutions for the European market has emerged.
Financial stability
Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) has established a rating system for the classification of solar module manufacturers. Companies for which the bankability is evaluated as being positive are classified as first-class manufacturers. Sharp Electronics was included in the list of Tier 1 solar companies in May 2015 and thus stands for financial stability. This in turn is an important indication of the warranty compliance.
Top PV brand award
EUPD Research awards PV brands for brand awareness, customers’ choice and distribution. Sharp Electronics ranks among the top PV brands in the United Kingdom according to the latest survey.
Local Presence
Since 1968, Sharp has had a local branch in Europe. Through the local technical service and the large installer network, you will be advised comprehensively.
Performance
Pmax is the power of each solar module. It is stated in Wp (watt peak) and refers to the output from the solar module electrical peak power under standard test conditions. Sharp offers different modules of 250 Wp to 300 Wp. The respective values are specified on the type label of the module or on the data sheet.
Efficiency
The efficiency is the ratio of input (sun energy) to output (solar power). Normally, the module efficiency is compared. However, some manufacturers also specify the cell efficiency. For this reason, you should make sure to compare the correct values to each other. A higher performance and greater efficiency are especially recommended when space on the roof is limited. Sharp solar modules achieve a very high efficiency of up to 19,8%.
Quality and environmental certificates
There are different quality labels in the market. For the end user, it is often difficult to see by which organisation they were issued and for what criteria.
Sharp solar modules offer the following quality seals:
IEC: Issued for safety, quality and durability (IEC/EN 61215 and IEC/EN 61730) by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). TÜV and VDE carry out these certifications, among others
ISO: Issued for quality standards (ISO 9001) and environmental standards (ISO 14001) by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
CE: The manufacturer declares that the product complies with the European directives.
MCS: Accreditation for sales in the UK
Cell technologies
There are two prevailing technologies in the market: polycrystalline and monocrystalline cells. Monocrystalline cells are usually more efficient, but more expensive to manufacture, whereas polycrystalline cells can be produced more cost-effective, but have a slightly lower efficiency. Ultimately, it depends on the space on your roof which technology is most beneficial for you. If space is limited, you can achieve the highest power generator line with monocrystalline modules.
Guarantees
Solar manufacturers specify two different guarantees: the products guarantee and the performance guarantee. The output of a solar module normally decreases during runtime. The maximum reduction is regulated by the performance guarantee. Sharp offers a 10 year warranty on the product and a 25 year linear performance warranty. Some manufacturers specify a staggered performance warranty. With Sharp’s linear performance guarantee, you have good planning security for your solar system.
Robust product design
Depending on where solar modules are installed, they are exposed to particular environmental influences and must therefore be highly resistant.
Sharp therefore uses high-quality components in production, which were approved for difficult ambient conditions.
Sharp offers a wide range of photovoltaic modules. Ask for attractive package offers by Sharp, which include the solar modules as well as the storage solution and the inverter.
Financial Benefits
Rising electricity prices, lower costs for solar systems – both together make the purchase of a PV system a meaningful investment in the future, ecologically and financially.
The news of declining feed-in tariffs in many countries has led to the impression that the production of solar energy is no longer worthwhile. But in addition to feed-in tariffs, other factors make the operation of a solar power system economically attractive.
In recent years, the cost of electricity from the public grid has risen rapidly in Europe, by an average of 4.3% per year. Further increases are expected. At the same time, the prices of solar panels have fallen significantly, which in turn has a positive effect on the investment costs.
This means that the production costs of solar electricity have been reduced in principle. Solar power is now more affordable than conventionally produced electricity and this financial advantage will increase with rising costs for purchased energy. A private solar system ensures fundamental independence from other-directed prices.
The news of declining feed-in tariffs in many countries has led to the impression that the production of solar energy is no longer worthwhile. But in addition to feed-in tariffs, other factors make the operation of a solar power system economically attractive.
In recent years, the cost of electricity from the public grid has risen rapidly in Europe, by an average of 4.3% per year. Further increases are expected. At the same time, the prices of solar panels have fallen significantly, which in turn has a positive effect on the investment costs.
This means that the production costs of solar electricity have been reduced in principle. Solar power is now more affordable than conventionally produced electricity and this financial advantage will increase with rising costs for purchased energy. A private solar system ensures fundamental independence from other-directed prices.
Governmental funding
Depending on government programmes, some European countries offer funding programmes to support the energy revolution. Ask your installer for options in your country.
Tax savings
Depending on the national tax law, in some European countries the purchase of a solar system (PV panels and battery storage) can be beneficial concerning tax deduction. Ask your tax consultant concerning the conditions in your country.
Future energy networks
Some manufacturers of storage solutions are working on additional benefits for the future. One of our partners in Germany has already started to set up a programme with which it will be possible to store and use excess energy from the public grid for free. Having your own storage solution provides the chance to exploit future opportunities.
CO2 Footprint
Taking responsibility for tomorrow
The topic of climate and environmental protection is now firmly anchored in the collective consciousness. And is therefore one of the main arguments for the production of clean energy.
A large majority of scientists assumes that CO2 emissions cause the increase in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and thus global warming. This temperature rise not only endangers the stability of the global climate system but also the nutritional basis of the world’s population, the existence of coastal settlements and the diversity of animals and plants.
(Source: Fraunhofer Institute).
Many people already rely on the totally emission-free and clean production of electricity by one of our solar systems. And thus make – regardless of financial or political aspects – a significant contribution to the preservation of our environment and the lives of future generations.
Your personal contribution
Example: A 2-person household has an average power consumption of 2,500 kWh per year. If solar power is used instead of conventional electricity, savings are as much as:
an average tree converts into oxygen per year
an average car emits at a distance of 8,750 kilometers
(Source: www.klimanko.de)
Solar expertise at Sharp
Sharp has been working on solar energy since 1959. Our sense of responsibility for the environment makes Sharp a global driving force in the research and development of photovoltaics.
Sharp PV modules are installed in private homes, in public buildings and apartment blocks, in satellites, in lighthouses, in road traffic and industrial applications. The wide range of applications proves the fact that Sharp PV modules can be integrated into many different environments.
-
2014
Foundation of "Sharp Energy Solutions Europe". Centre of competence for innovative energy solutions
2013
Development of a solar cell with the world's highest efficiency of 44,4%
2011
Start of operation of one of the largest solar power plants (73MW) in Thailand
-
2010
International IEEE milestone award for Sharp's commercialisation and industrialisation of solar cells
(IEEE = International Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)2008
First in the world to achieve cumulative production of 2 GW of solar cells
2005
Development of solar cells that admit light and can be used as building materials for windows
-
2000
Worldwide-leading manufacturer of solar cells/modules
1992
Development of polycrystalline and monocrystalline silicon cells
1980
Development of amorphous thin-film technology
-
1976
First calculators with solar cell batteries released
1970
Start producing space-use PV cells
1959
1963 Success in mass producing solar cells