If you are looking for a place to buy wholesale solar panels, you’ve found it. A1 SolarStore offers PV modules from all over the world for competitive prices and with fast delivery. Let us tell you a little about the panels that we offer, how we deliver them and what kind of solar panel you might need.
There are three most popular types of solar panels on the market: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline or mono panels are the most reliable and efficient type, polycrystalline or poly panels are slightly cheaper, but less productive. Thin-film panels or flexible panels are special in a way that they are very light and bend well.
Monocrystalline panels are easy to distinguish by the black color of the cells. Their efficiency today varies from 16 to 22%, which means that mono solar cells convert into direct current from 16% to 22% of the sunlight that they receive. That’s the most popular type of panels — in fact, most top manufacturers don’t even sell anything else.
Polycrystalline panels are usually blue in color. They were dominant on the market 10-20 years ago, but today they slowly fade away. The reason for this is their low efficiency: 13%-17%. Manufacturing process is cheaper than it is with mono panels, but lower cost doesn’t quite justify low production levels. However, some brands still like to experiment with them and include them in their product line — for example, Canadian Solar offers both wholesale mono and polycrystalline solar panels.
Thin-film panels are a special thing. They are cheap and very easy to install, because they bend well and their weight is small. However, they are inefficient and their lifespan is considerably shorter than the lifetime of rigid panels. Usually, a flexible panel lasts for 10-15 years. They are quite popular in mobile installations, such as RV and boat systems. Because of their low price, wholesale lightweight solar panels can be a good choice for large projects, especially when the configurations of a surface make it difficult to install rigid modules.
While China is an undeniable leader on the solar market, the companies from all over the world offer competitive solar products and we keep the best of them in stock. So what are the most popular and reliable solar panels wholesale suppliers? Let’s take a quick look at a few brands.
Panasonic is one the oldest and most well-known brands in electronics. The Japanese company gained a great reputation over the years. Photovoltaic panels from Panasonic are very high quality, packed with innovations and are known for outstanding performance at high temperatures.
The Canadian brand was founded by Chinese scientist Dr. Shawn Qu. The panels that the company offers for sale aren’t too expensive, but they are quite powerful and perform well in low-light conditions, such as cloudy days, winter and fall.
This Chinese company competes in the Top-5 world’s largest solar brands. The panels from Trina Solar hold several world records for being the most efficient and productive. At the same time, the Chinese brand manages to keep the prices relatively low.
Norwegian brand REC is known primarily for its premium-class residential PV modules. However, it doesn’t limit itself to this: the product line is wide enough that you can use wholesale REC solar panels for building a strong commercial system, small or large. REC products are known for high quality, great warranties and innovations.
The Chinese brand aims to be the largest solar brand in the world. JA Solar offers cheap, efficient, high output PV modules for all kinds of applications, but especially solar farms. For instance, JA Solar wholesale 500 Watt solar panels are a great choice for systems of a large scope. They feature simple design, low price and high output.
Solar panels can be very different in terms of cost, and several factors impact the final price, such as wattage, brand, type of panel, warranties, etc. Whatever brand you pick, its solar panel wholesale price is lower than retail, so you end up saving a lot. Notice that at A1SolarSolar when it comes to the wholesale price of a solar panel, we show the cost per watt rather than per pallet or per panel.
Generally, solar market prices can be described like this: Asian panels, especially Chinese ones, are the cheapest ones. The most popular brands here are JA, LONGI, Trina Solar, ZNShine and many others. Asian PV modules are known for high efficiency and often provide very high output, which makes them probably the most popular choice when it comes to wholesale solar panels for sale for systems of a larger scope. However, their warranties for products are lower and quality issues are more frequent in comparison to US and European companies.
US manufacturers offer solar panels for a medium price. American PV modules aren’t always the most modern and they sometimes lack efficiency in comparison to the most advanced Chinese models. However, the quality is there and the panels are sturdy and resilient. You could say that US brands are a good middle-of-the-road choice. Among the most popular USA brands of wholesale solar panels we could mention Mission Solar, Canadian Solar and Silfab.
There are also a few brands that offer premium-class PV modules for home installations. These include Panasonic Eco Solutions, LG, SunPower, REC, Solaria and a few others. Generally, it doesn’t make much sense to build commercial systems out of them — they are too classy and expensive for that. However, you might save quite a lot by opting to go for their wholesale solar roof panels. They often come with the best warranties on the market, have great design and withstand all kinds of harsh weather — a great choice for your home.
Our customers use solar panels for residential, commercial and industrial projects — solar energy proves to be a reliable and efficient tool in different circumstances. The panels that are used in home and business systems differ in their output, size and type of installation. Let’s go over the basics.
Generally, homeowners pick panels in the 300 to 370 Watt power range. For example, a 350 watt panel is a very popular choice for home installations. The average size of a residential system in the USA is 5-6 kW, so you usually need around 17-25 modules to power your home appliances with solar.
When it comes to commercial and industrial systems, customers tend to go for wholesale high power solar panels. 500 watt panels or even more powerful ones is a common thing in large solar projects and solar farms. That’s only natural: the energy needs of enterprises are huge and there is no reason not to maximize the power output per square foot when you want as much energy as possible.
Panels for home systems usually have 60/120 cells. They are relatively small and it's easier to fit them on a house roof. Their dimensions are about 39 x 66 inches. A 120-cell panel is the same size as 60-cell panels because of the half-cut cell technology. Generally all panels with 300-370 Watts of power have 60/120 cells.
In systems of a larger scope 72/144-cell and 96-cell are used more often. Usually, space constraints are less of a problem with commercial systems, therefore there is no reason not to pick up larger panels with higher power output. 72/144 cell panels are approximately 39 x 77 inches in size.
400 watt wholesale solar panels are an interesting case. They are the middle-of-the-road choice and you can often see them both in residential and commercial installations. They often have 66/132 cells and their dimensions vary from 39 x 71 to 39 x 77 inches.
The majority of home solar systems are installed on the roof. It’s only natural: homeowners rarely use roof space for anything else. Larger systems are often ground-based, since massive energy production with powerful wholesale solar panels is a priority. Small and medium commercial systems are often installed on a flat roof, which makes a system similar to a ground-based one.
Almost all installations of a large scope (>10-15 kW) are grid-tie, which means that they are connected to the grid. An owner of a grid-tie installation is free to use commercial electricity, but he also can pump his excess solar energy into the grid and gain credits from his electric utility. When systems get large, it becomes too expensive to add batteries for support.
The majority of residential systems are grid-tie as well, but going off-grid is a reasonable option here. It makes sense when power outages are too frequent or there are no power lines available. A solar system can become the only source of energy for a house in a remote location: PV modules power the appliances during the day and at night you rely on energy storage. Just a couple of batteries is usually enough to back up a small size solar system.
You might be wondering — how exactly are we going to deliver the pallet? A1 SolarStore has a distribution network throughout continental US. We work with the top freight carriers XPO, FedEx, ODFL, R&L etc. The panels are shipped with LTL/Freight service. Freight orders are delivered in a manner called ‘curbside delivery’, which generally means that the carrier delivers the pallet to the end of your driveway.
Important things to remember:
Alongside wholesale solar panels for your home and business, we also ship batteries, inverters, charge controllers and addons with FedEx Ground.
When you receive a shipment or grab your order at our fulfillment center, it’s important to remember a few guidelines about how to carry and move solar panels around.
When you carry a panel, try not to apply too much pressure in one spot. Distribute the weight of a module across your shoulder, arm and back. The installation process should be handled by professionals. Generally, they use a mechanical lift to get the panels up on the roof and some workers use a ladder instead.
If you want to grab the panels yourself at one of our fulfillment centers, leave a note "palletized order" in request comments. The pallet is a bit bigger than a panel and it might not fit in the back of every car. If you want to take the panels as they are, prepare some sort of packaging to minimize the risk of cracking the module. You can use foam pads, bubble wrap, and even blankets. Don't put anything on top of the panels!
So where to buy solar panels wholesale? A1 SolarStore is a great choice for several different reasons.
All of this makes A1 SolarStore the best place to buy solar panels wholesale. Our staff is ready to help you with your purchase and answer all of your questions about delivery, warranties and availability.
Understanding solar panel specs is the key to picking a system that fits your home, budget, and climate. We’ve split the 18 parameters into two groups: Core Parameters for everyday users and Advanced Parameters for pros or those curious about the nitty-gritty. Each spec includes a definition, its real-world significance, and tips to guide your decision, sprinkled with analogies to keep things relatable.
These 10 specs are the most critical for most users, covering power output, efficiency, and durability. They’re your go-to for comparing panels and ensuring they meet your needs.
What It Is: The maximum power a solar panel can produce under ideal conditions (25°C, W/m² sunlight), measured in watts (W). Typical panels range from 250W to 400W.
Why It Matters: Pmax tells you how much electricity a panel generates. A 300W panel can produce 1.2-1.5 kWh daily (assuming 4-5 hours of sunlight), enough to power a fridge. Higher power means fewer panels for the same output, saving roof space.
Watch Out: Higher Pmax often means higher cost. Balance power with budget. Actual output depends on sunlight, weather, and installation.
Savings Calculator: Estimate savings with this formula: 300W × 5 hours sunlight × 0.8 (efficiency factor) × 365 days × $0.15/kWh = ~$65/year saved per panel. (Note: Actual savings vary by location and conditions.)
Analogy: “Pmax is like a car’s horsepower—the bigger the number, the more power you get, but fuel (sunlight) matters too!”
What It Is: The percentage of sunlight converted into electricity, typically 15%-23%. Monocrystalline panels typically achieve 18%-24% efficiency, while polycrystalline ones are generally in the 15%-18% range (though polycrystalline is becoming less common in new installations as mono prices have dropped and efficiency has soared).
Why It Matters: Higher efficiency means more power from less space—perfect for small roofs. For example, a 20% efficient panel generates more electricity per square meter than a 15% one. However, high-efficiency panels cost more.
Watch Out: If budget is tight or you have a large roof, lower-efficiency polycrystalline panels can be a cost-effective choice. Efficiency improves yearly, so check for the latest models.
Analogy: “Efficiency is like a chef’s skill—great chefs (high-efficiency panels) make more from the same ingredients (sunlight).”
What It Is: The physical size (around 1.6m x 1m) and weight (18-20kg or 40-44 lbs) of a panel.
Why It Matters: Size determines how many panels fit on your roof, while weight affects structural requirements. A standard home system might need 10-20 panels, so space and roof strength are key.
Watch Out: Check your roof’s load-bearing capacity, especially for older homes. Consult an engineer if unsure.
Analogy: “Choosing a panel is like buying a sofa—measure your space and make sure the floor can handle the weight!”
Quick Tip: Size and weight impact installation costs, so plan your layout early.
What It Is: The rate at which power output drops as temperature rises, measured in %/°C (e.g., -0.3%/°C).
Why It Matters: Hot climates reduce panel efficiency. A -0.3%/°C coefficient means a panel loses 3% power at 35°C compared to 25°C. Lower coefficients are better for sunny regions.
Watch Out: Prioritize low temperature coefficients in hot areas like Arizona or southern China.
Analogy: “A low temperature coefficient is like an athlete who doesn’t sweat under pressure—stays strong in the heat.”
Quick Tip: Look for panels with coefficients below -0.4%/°C for hot climates.
What It Is: Two types—product warranty (10-12 years for defects) and performance warranty (25-30 years, guaranteeing ~80% power output).
Why It Matters: A long warranty ensures reliability and protects your investment. Top brands offer robust warranties, reflecting quality.
Watch Out: Check the manufacturer’s reputation and local service network. A 25-year warranty is useless if the company vanishes.
Analogy: “A warranty is like car insurance—pick a trusted provider to cover you for decades.”
Quick Tip: Opt for brands with strong warranties, like Longi or JinkoSolar.
What It Is: The panel’s ability to withstand snow (e.g., 5,000Pa, ~2-4 feet of snow) and wind (e.g., 2,400Pa, ~141mph).
For more information, please visit Shanghai Gulier.
Why It Matters: Ensures durability in harsh weather. High snow loads are key in snowy regions, while high wind loads suit coastal areas.
Watch Out: Check local weather patterns. Coastal or snowy areas need panels with robust load ratings.
Analogy: “Load ratings are like a house’s earthquake-proofing—built to stand firm in storms or snow.”
Quick Tip: Look for 5,000Pa snow load and 2,400Pa wind load for extreme conditions.
What It Is: The type of solar cells in the panel—monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin-film. Monocrystalline typically offers 18%-22% efficiency, polycrystalline 15%-18%, and thin-film <15%.
Why It Matters: Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but pricier, ideal for small roofs. Polycrystalline offers better value for larger spaces. Thin-film is cheapest but less efficient.
Watch Out: Choose monocrystalline for limited space, polycrystalline for budget-friendly systems. Thin-film suits niche applications.
Analogy: “Monocrystalline is like a sports car—fast but expensive. Polycrystalline is the reliable family car—affordable and solid.”
Quick Tip: Check models, as efficiencies are improving.
What It Is: Standards like IEC or UL, ensuring safety and performance, often tied to reputable manufacturers (e.g., Longi, JinkoSolar). Learn more about industry standards at SolarReviews.
Why It Matters: Certifications guarantee quality and reduce risks. They’re a sign of a panel’s reliability and compliance with global standards.
Watch Out: Avoid non-certified panels—they’re like buying untested electronics.
Analogy: “Certifications are like a food label—skip the ‘no-name’ brands with no credentials.”
Quick Tip: Look for IEC and UL certifications for peace of mind.
What It Is: The panel’s temperature in real-world conditions (800W/m² sunlight, 20°C air, 1m/s wind), typically 45°C-50°C.
Why It Matters: NOCT reflects actual performance better than lab conditions (STC). Panels with lower NOCT perform better in hot climates.
Watch Out: Prioritize NOCT data in warm regions for realistic output estimates.
Analogy: “NOCT is like a marathon runner’s real pace, while STC is their sprint speed in a lab.”
Quick Tip: Compare NOCT with STC to gauge real-world efficiency.
What It Is: The deviation between a panel’s rated power and actual output, typically ±3% to ±5%.
Why It Matters: Lower tolerance (e.g., ±3%) means more consistent performance. A 300W panel with ±3% could output 291-309W.
Watch Out: Choose low tolerance for predictable power output.
Analogy: “Power tolerance is like a kitchen scale—small deviations mean more reliable results.”
Quick Tip: Aim for ±3% or lower for stability.
Core Parameters Summary: Focus on power, efficiency, and size for your energy needs and roof space. Prioritize low temperature coefficients in hot areas, strong load ratings in harsh climates, and long warranties for reliability. These specs drive your decision—check them first!
These 8 specs are more technical, often handled by installers. They’re key for system design but less critical for casual buyers.
What It Is: The maximum voltage a panel produces with no load, typically 30V-50V.
Why It Matters: Voc determines compatibility with inverters and system wiring.
Watch Out: Ensure Voc fits your inverter’s voltage range. Leave this to your installer.
Quick Tip: Trust your installer to match Voc with system components.
What It Is: The maximum current a panel produces at zero voltage, typically 8A-10A.
Why It Matters: Isc guides wire and fuse sizing for safety.
Watch Out: Installers handle Isc calculations to prevent electrical issues.
Quick Tip: Leave Isc to the pros for safe system design.
What It Is: The voltage at maximum power output, usually 70%-80% of Voc.
Why It Matters: Vmp, paired with Imp, determines Pmax (Pmax = Vmp × Imp).
Watch Out: Ensure Vmp aligns with your inverter for optimal performance. For common mistakes in inverter connections, see Solar Inverter and Battery Connection: Common Mistakes DIY Users Make.
Quick Tip: Let your installer optimize Vmp compatibility.
What It Is: The current at maximum power output, typically 8A-10A.
Why It Matters: Works with Vmp to calculate Pmax.
Watch Out: Handled by installers for system efficiency.
Quick Tip: Focus on Pmax; leave Imp to the pros.
What It Is: The designed operating voltage (e.g., 12V, 24V), mainly for off-grid systems.
Why It Matters: Ensures compatibility with off-grid controllers. Less relevant for grid-tied homes.
Watch Out: Grid-tied systems rarely use nominal voltage—check with your installer.
Quick Tip: Relevant for off-grid setups only.
What It Is: A graph showing voltage-current performance under different conditions.
Why It Matters: Helps pros analyze panel behavior for system design.
Watch Out: Found in technical manuals, not everyday use.
Quick Tip: Leave I-V curves to engineers.
What It Is: Lab conditions for testing panels (25°C, W/m², AM 1.5).
Why It Matters: STC is the industry standard for comparing panel performance.
Watch Out: Real-world conditions differ—check NOCT for accuracy.
Quick Tip: Use STC for comparisons, NOCT for reality.
What It Is: Parts like tempered glass, junction box, frame, and backsheet (e.g., PVF, PET).
Why It Matters: These affect durability and safety. Tempered glass resists impact, and backsheets (like PVF, PET, or newer composite materials) enhance weatherproofing, electrical insulation, and contribute to the module's overall fire rating.
Watch Out: Choose panels with high-quality components for longevity.
Analogy: “The backsheet is like a suit of armor—strong materials keep the panel safe.”
Quick Tip: Check for robust glass and waterproof junction boxes.
For more information, please visit wholesale space solar cells.