Let’s Get to Know REC
REC Group, a prominent European solar panel manufacturer, has been a trailblazer in the solar industry since its establishment in Norway in 1996. Over the years, the company has expanded globally, establishing a presence in the United States, Asia, and Australia. Its commitment to innovation and sustainability has cemented REC Group as a trusted name in solar technology.
One of REC Group’s groundbreaking advancements was the introduction of half-cut cell technology in 2014. By splitting solar cells into two halves, this innovation enhances efficiency and performance, setting a new standard in solar panel design and functionality.
REC Group’s primary manufacturing operations are based in Singapore, producing high-quality solar panels tailored for diverse energy needs. The launch of the Alpha Pure-R series in 2022 marked another milestone, demonstrating the company’s dedication to advancing solar technology.
REC Group currently offers four main types of residential solar modules:
- Alpha Pure-R: Their latest innovation, combining high efficiency with an environmentally friendly design.
- Alpha Pure: Known for premium performance and exceptional reliability.
- N-Peak 2: A module designed for consistent power output in varying conditions.
- TwinPeak 4: A cost-effective option with advanced technology for optimized energy production.
These panels are recognized for their durability, efficiency, and consistent performance. As a result, REC solar panels are a preferred choice for solar installation companies like 8MSolar, offering customers reliable and sustainable energy solutions.
The success of REC Group demonstrates the growing importance of renewable energy technology and the global nature of the solar industry. Their journey from a Norwegian startup to a world leader in solar panel production illustrates the rapid advancement and increasing adoption of solar energy solutions.
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What kind of REC solar panels can you get?
REC offers a selection of solar panels designed to cater to residential and commercial needs, although they are less commonly used for utility-scale systems. Their lineup emphasizes cutting-edge technology and high performance, with the Alpha Pure and Alpha Pure-R series standing out as top-tier options for homeowners.
REC Solar Panel Series:
- REC Alpha Pure-R
- REC Alpha Pure
- REC N-Peak 2
- REC TwinPeak 4
Overview:
All REC panels utilize monocrystalline technology, which employs single silicon crystals to enhance efficiency and temperature adaptability compared to polycrystalline alternatives. While monocrystalline panels typically come at a higher price point, their performance benefits make them a preferred choice for long-term energy production.
Unique Features:
- Cell Type:
- N-Peak 2: Uses n-type silicon, incorporating phosphorus for higher efficiency and durability.
- TwinPeak 4: Utilizes p-type silicon, which is boron-based and cost-effective.
- Advanced Cell Technology:
The Alpha series integrates heterojunction (HJT) technology, blending traditional crystalline silicon with thin-film layers. This approach boosts power density, efficiency, and durability while extending the panel’s lifespan. - Environmental Considerations:
- Panels in the Alpha series are lead-free, earning the “Pure” designation. This eco-friendly feature reduces environmental impact, minimizes hazardous waste, and simplifies recycling.
Comparative Performance:
The Alpha series surpasses the N-Peak and TwinPeak panels in power output and efficiency due to its cutting-edge HJT technology. This makes the Alpha models ideal for homeowners seeking maximum energy yield and sustainability.
REC panels stand out for their combination of innovative technology, environmentally conscious design, and reliable performance, making them a trusted choice for residential and commercial solar installations.
How do REC solar panels measure up?
When assessing solar panel quality, there are four primary metrics to consider: efficiency, performance, warranties, and cost. Let’s delve into what each of these entails and see how REC solar panels fare against the competition in the solar industry.
Efficiency
The term “solar panel efficiency” denotes a panel’s ability to capture sunlight and transform it into usable electricity. Given similar conditions, a high-efficiency panel will yield more electricity than a less efficient panel of the same size. Therefore, panels with higher efficiency ratings are generally preferred.
The efficiency of your REC solar panels will be contingent on the specific model you select. The most efficient panel boasting 22.8% efficiency. In comparison, REC’s product line boasts an efficiency rating between 19.1% and 22.3%:
Performance (temperature coefficient)
The temperature coefficient is a key measure of a solar panel’s performance in non-ideal conditions. Solar panels function best when cool, around 25°C (77°F). This coefficient shows how much a panel’s output decreases as temperature rises.
For every degree above 25°C (77°F), a panel’s electricity production drops by its temperature coefficient. REC’s Alpha Pure-R panels have a coefficient of -0.24%/°C, the best in their range. This means:
At 26°C (79°F), output decreases by 0.24%
At 35°C (95°F), output decreases by 2.4%
Since solar panels often face high temperatures, a lower coefficient is preferable. REC panels’ coefficients range from -0.34 to -0.24.
Warranties
Just as when you’re purchasing a television or a vehicle, the manufacturer should back their product with a robust warranty when buying solar panels. The materials warranty of a solar panel (also known as the product or equipment warranty) is an assurance from the manufacturer that they’ll replace your panel if it fails due to manufacturing defects or environmental factors.
REC provides a 25-year product warranty under their ProTrust warranty on any panels installed by a REC Certified Solar Professional installer, a standard in line with other top solar panel companies such as Panasonic, SunPower, and Q CELLS. However, if you opt for a solar installer that isn’t REC-certified, you’ll only receive a 20-year product warranty, but don’t worry 8MSolar is REC-certified! They also furnish a 25-year power warranty, guaranteeing that their panels will still generate at least 86% to 92% of their initial output by the end of the warranty period, depending on the product series:
We suggest checking out our comprehensive review of REC’s warranty and see how it measures up to other leading solar manufacturers.
How Much to REC Solar Panels Cost?
For many homeowners, the ultimate deciding factor when choosing solar equipment is the cost. The total amount you pay for a solar energy system with REC’s solar panels will depend on other equipment (like inverters and mounts) used in the installation and the features of your roof.
As of now, the average price of solar panels (across all brands and types) ranges from $2.40 to $3.22 per watt. That said, REC solar panels are usually priced slightly higher than the average, reflecting the premium technology and efficiency they offer. On average, you could expect to pay between $2.75 to $3.50 per watt for REC solar panels before applying any incentives or rebates.
Please note that the costs mentioned here are just the average costs of the solar panels themselves and don’t account for other solar equipment costs like inverters, mounting hardware, labor costs, permit fees, potential tariff fees, and other factors that could affect the total cost of a solar power system.
The best way to know precisely how much a solar energy system will cost with REC panels is to call 8MSolar for a quote.
Are you Ready for REC?
Even though REC solar panels might come with a slightly higher initial cost, the investment could pay off in the long run. With their high efficiency, robust warranty, and excellent performance under various conditions, REC solar panels can provide a great return on investment through higher electricity production over the system’s lifetime.
Moreover, the total cost of your solar energy system can also be brought down significantly through various solar incentives. In the U.S., the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to deduct up to 30% of the cost of your solar energy system from your taxes. There are also many state-level incentives and rebates that can help reduce the cost of going solar.
REC Group is a well-established player in the solar industry, and their solar panels are a great choice for homeowners looking for a high-quality, reliable, and efficient solar solution. While they might be a bit pricier than some other options, the long-term benefits and return on investment could make REC solar panels a wise choice for your solar energy system. If you think REC is right for you, and you are looking for a solar installer in North Carolina, give the experts at 8MSolar a call.
If you would like to learn more, check out our article on the equipment 8MSolar carries.
