Waaree Solar Panels
Waaree solar panels are a brand manufactured in India and recently introduced to the United States through SunPower. Though they have not been widely used in installations yet, they are a mid-range cost option that should provide reliable performance for decades to come.
Waaree Energies Limited, founded in 2009 as a subsidiary of Waaree Group (established in 1989), produces a variety of solar products including inverters, solar street lights, and portable solar chargers. However, their residential rooftop solar panels are their flagship product in the US. Waaree has two facilities on the west coast of India, north of Mumbai, with a total manufacturing capacity of 12 GW.
Key Features And Benefits Of Waaree Solar Panels
Here are some of the key features and benefits of Waaree Solar panels:
High Efficiency
Waaree Solar panels are highly efficient, with a conversion efficiency of up to 20.6%. This means that they can convert a higher percentage of sunlight into electricity, which translates into higher energy output and savings.
Durability
Waaree Solar panels are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as high winds, heavy rains, and extreme temperatures. They are made with high-quality materials, such as tempered glass, anti-reflective coating, and aluminum frames, which protect them from physical damage and corrosion.
Longevity
Waaree Solar panels come with a long warranty period of up to 25 years, which ensures their longevity and reliability. The company also offers excellent after-sales service and technical support to ensure customer satisfaction and peace of mind.
Compatibility
Waaree Solar panels are compatible with different types of solar inverters, mounting structures, and other accessories, which makes them easy to install and integrate with existing solar systems.
Environment-Friendly
Waaree Solar panels are environment-friendly, as they use clean and renewable energy from the sun to generate electricity. They help reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a cleaner and greener planet.
Cost Of Waaree Solar Panels
Waaree solar panels’ cost is not well-documented in the US. However, early California interconnection database reports indicate that installations using Waaree solar panels cost around 10% more than the national average. Cash payments for a home solar system with Waaree solar panels are expected to be between $3 to $3.30 per watt, translating to $18,000 to $19,800 for a 6 kW solar system.
Available Model Of Waaree Solar Panel In The US
The WSMDi-400 is the only Waaree solar module currently available in the US. It was used in few installations during 2022, but as demand for home solar panels increases, more of these panels are becoming available.
The WSMDi-400 is a 400-watt solar panel made using 132 half-cut PERC solar cells with an efficiency rating of 20.03%. While this rating is average for the industry, it is not as high as the most efficient solar panels, which have an efficiency rating of 22.8%.
The Waaree WSMDi-400 modules have been referred to as being a part of the SunPower U-Series portfolio. SunPower, known for selling some of the highest-quality solar panels in the world, offers the U-Series as a more cost-effective alternative. However, neither business has confirmed this.
Warranty Of Waaree Solar Panels
In accordance with their 12-year warranty on solar panels, Waaree will either repair or replace any defective modules or pay the customer a prorated amount based on the number of years the defective modules have been in use.
The power output warranty guarantees that the panels will output no less than 98% of their rated output during the first year and degrade by no more than 0.55% per year from year 2 to year 27. By the end of 27 years, the panels must still exhibit at least 83.7% of their rated output.
Waaree solar panels are equivalent to those made by well-known companies like Qcells and Canadian Solar and use industry-standard technology. They may not be the most efficient, but they should perform reliably for at least three decades after installation.
It is recommended to pay no more than $3.30 per watt for a solar installation that uses Waaree solar panels, or around $3.90 per watt if financed. The additional 10% cost over the national average for a solar system may be justified due to the increased SunPower labour warranty protection.
Overall, Waaree Solar panels are a reliable and cost-effective choice for anyone looking to invest in solar energy for their home or business. With their high efficiency, durability, longevity, and environmental benefits, they offer a sustainable and smart energy solution for a brighter future.