In the photovoltaic market you can find 3 different types of solar panels considering the quality of them:

• Panels Grade A: Without any manufacturing defect.
• Panels Grade B: With some manufacturing defects that do not affect performance. Its price is lower than Grade A.
• Panels Grade C: With manufacturing defects affecting performance. Its price is the lowest of all.

Today we will focus on panels Grade B. Although the output is the same as that of a Grade A panel of the same power, the price of the panels Grade B is between 20% and 30% less than a panel of Grade A, a fairly significant difference given the competitiveness of the PV market.

Below we indicate the most common manufacturing defects that characterize panels Grade B:

Defects in PV panels Grade B

• Cell’s corner chip out
• Foreign materials in the module
• Ribbon misalignment
• Row of cells alignment is too wide or too narrow
• Tiny bubbles in EVA
• Too close to edge of aluminium frame

If you want a panel grade B, go ahead. We know they are highly demanded and fit nicely in certain markets even with manufacturing defects, but if you are looking for panels Grade A, make sure you do not buy Grade B for the price of Grade A. Unfortunately, it seems a common practice.

Have you ever had problems with your solar panels? Tell us about it!