What are Tier 1 Solar Modules?
Lightwave Solar customers often ask what brand of solar panels we install, and why we choose them over others. Just like our customers, we want to provide the highest quality, most efficient, and cost competitive solar panels available. While we can accommodate client requests for specific brands of panels, we only install Tier 1 solar panels. In this blog, we’ll discuss common questions we’ve been asked about the types of solar modules we install, like:
- What are Tier 1 solar panels?
- What brands of solar panels do you install?
What are Tier 1 Solar Panels?
Tier 1 solar panels refer to the top-tier classification given to solar panel manufacturers, primarily based on their bankability, history, and manufacturing scale. The “Tier 1” label is a benchmark established by Bloomberg New Energy Finance Corporation (BNEF). This classification does not necessarily consider the efficiency, durability, or longevity of the panels produced by these manufacturers.
Instead, Tier 1 manufacturers are those that have a proven track record of supplying solar panels to multiple large-scale projects and have been in the production business for a significant amount of time, usually at least 5 years. Investors and financiers are more inclined to invest in projects that use solar panels from Tier 1 manufacturers because they have a demonstrated history of reliability and performance.
It’s important to note, however, that just because a manufacturer is categorized as “Tier 1” doesn’t automatically mean it produces the highest quality panels, but rather that they have a strong financial and production standing in the industry.
What Brands of Solar Panels Do You Install?
At Lightwave Solar, we are always looking for the best solutions that meet our quality standards, supply chain security, and bankability of the supplier. We primarily install QCell solar panels because they are a leading manufacturer that makes high-quality panels just down the road in Dalton, GA. To provide the best value, we pool buying power with solar co-op Amicus to get the best pricing available.
All of the solar panel manufacturers we choose provide 25-year performance warranties that guarantee that the panels will produce at least 80% of rated output at year 25. They also provide 12-year workmanship warranties. Moreover, LightWave Solar provides a 5-year workmanship warranty.
Contact Lightwave for Your Solar Project
LightWave Solar customers know that their panels will perform as expected for decades, often exceeding our conservative estimates. If you’re looking to invest in a solar energy system, contact our experts today! Our team makes the installation process easy, so you can relax and enjoy the benefits of your clean energy system.
