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Upsolar is a global solar panel manufacturer, established in 2006. Though they started out in China, the company manufactures panels in a variety of regions, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia. In addition to manufacturing solar panel equipment, Upsolar also provides solar loans and develops large-scale solar projects.
Though relatively new to the market, Upsolar panels are becoming an increasingly popular option with shoppers on the EnergySage Marketplace. Because they make solar panel modules in North America, their U.S.-manufactured modules are exempt from Trump’s solar tariff.
Upsolar solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and smart modules
Upsolar offers a variety of solar panel options, including both monocrystalline and polycrystalline options. These panels range in power output from 250 watts per panel to 365 watts per panel. Upsolar also manufactures a line of smart module panels that are integrated with optimizers right at the panel site. Their smart module options include optimizers from either SolarEdge or Tigo, with the SolarEdge geared more towards residential installations and the Tigo more suitable for commercial projects.
How do Upsolar panels compare to panels from other manufacturers?
There are some important metrics to take a look at when comparing your solar panel options. The most valuable metrics to evaluate are efficiencies, performance, warranties, and price. EnergySage has reviewed the specifications of Upsolar panels available in the U.S. market to help make your solar research process as easy as possible. As the leading online marketplace for homeowners considering solar, EnergySage is uniquely positioned to evaluate the technical specifications of Upsolar solar panels and help you compare them to other manufacturers on the market.
Based on EnergySage’s analysis, Upsolar solar panels are a good investment for homeowners and businesses seeking reasonably priced panels for their solar installation. For solar shoppers with plenty of space to install, lower-wattage Upsolar products can be a good option, but the company also has some panels that offer above-average efficiency (which would come at a higher price). Upsolar also offers industry standard panel warranties.
Take a look at how Upsolar solar panels compare against other leading panel manufacturers that are frequently featured in offers to homeowners and businesses shopping for solar on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace. You can learn more about each of these criteria in the breakdown below.
Efficiency
The term “solar panel efficiency” refers to how well a solar panel captures sunlight and converts it into useful electricity. In the same conditions, a high-efficiency solar panel will produce more electricity than a lower-efficiency panel of the same size. For this reason, a higher efficiency rating is generally preferable.
The efficiency of your Upsolar solar panels will vary depending on the specific model that you choose for your system. Across Upsolar’s solar product line, panels have an efficiency rating of 14.9% to 19.4%. Most of Upsolar’s panels fall into the “standard” efficiency range for solar, but some of the panels on the higher end have a “premium” efficiency rating.
Performance (Temperature Coefficient)
For this portion of EnergySage’s Upsolar panel reviews, we use the temperature coefficient to evaluate solar panel performance. The temperature coefficient is an indicator of how well your solar panel can handle less-than-ideal conditions. Solar panels, like other electronic equipment, perform better when they are kept cool (ideally around 25° C/77° F). The temperature coefficient tells you how much your panel’s performance will change during hot sunny summer days.
For every degree above 25° C (77° F), your solar panel’s electricity production will decrease by its temperature coefficient. For example, the Upsolar UP-M315M panel has a temperature coefficient of -0.40%/°C. This means that, if the panel’s temperature increases by one degree from 25° C (77° F) to 26° C (79° F), its electricity production will decrease by 0.4%. If its temperature increases all the way to 35° C (95° F), electricity production will reduce by 4.0%.
Your solar panels will likely see more than a few hot and sunny days over the course of each year, so ideally, they will have the lowest temperature coefficient possible. As you can see in the graph below, Upsolar solar panel temperature coefficient ranges from -0.43 to -0.40%/°C.
Warranties
Whether you’re buying a TV, a car, or solar panels, the manufacturer should stand behind their product with a strong warranty. A solar panel’s material warranty (sometimes referred to as the product or equipment warranty) is a guarantee from the manufacturer that they will replace your panel if it fails as a result of manufacturing defects or environmental issues.
Most solar panel manufacturers offer a 10-year materials warranty, but some higher-end solar panels come with a 12, 15, 20, or even 25-year warranty. Upsolar offers a 12-year warranty against any defects in their solar panels – slightly stronger than the 10-year average, but not as high as premium panel brands.
How much do Upsolar panels cost?
For many homeowners, the final decision around the solar equipment you choose rests on cost. The total price you pay for a solar energy system with Upsolar panels will vary depending on the other equipment (such as inverters and mounts) used in the installation, as well as the characteristics of your roof.
To identify the range of prices for Upsolar PV systems, we analyzed quotes including Upsolar solar panels that homeowners received from installers on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace. Most Upsolar PV systems are typically priced between $3.10 and $3.22 per watt. This is in line with what you can expect to pay for panels of similar quality.
Upsolar solar panels compared to competitors
| UPSOLAR SOLAR PANELS | 25TH PERCENTILE | 50TH PERCENTILE | 75TH PERCENTILE | |
| Efficiency (%) | 14.9-19.4% | 15.7% | 16.2% | 16.8% |
| Temperature Coefficient | -0.43 to -0.40 | -0.45 | -0.43 | -0.41 |
| Warranty (Years) | 12 | 10 | 12 | 25 |
| Price ($/Watt) | $3.10-$3.22 | $3.25 | $3.50 | $3.75 |
This means that, for an average 5 kW system, your gross cost (before you subtract any tax credits or other incentives) would be anywhere from $15,500 to $16,100. Additionally, most homeowners end up paying much less than the total gross cost. With the 30 percent federal tax credit for solar, a 5 kW system with Upsolar panels would cost anywhere from $10,850 to $11,270. There are plenty of state-level solar incentives and rebates that can help you reduce upfront costs even further.
How to find the best price for Upsolar panels and more
The best way to determine whether Upsolar’s panels are the best solar panels for your home is to review multiple quotes with different solar equipment options before making a decision. When you compare all of your options on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace, you’ll find the right combination of price and quality that meets your needs.
Many of our qualified, pre-vetted solar installers offer Upsolar solar panels in their quotes to EnergySage users. When registering, simply note in your profile that you’re interested in receiving quotes that include Upsolar for your home.
Other EnergySage solar equipment resources
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