Positive Only Tolerance for Solar Panels

Many of our clients here at Unique Energy have asked us just what positive only tolerance is when it comes to solar panels and why it's so important. 

For example, Hyundai is one of few solar manufacturers that actually feature panels that use a positive tolerance only grading system. For most other solar panel companies, they tend to use a plus / minus tolerance and this would be specified in the panel specifications. 

When it comes to a 170 watt panel with a plus / minus tolerance, it can very well be tested as low as 162 watts. However, this can still be a 170 watt panel. This is because there is a -5% tolerance on the spec sheet.

Because Solar panels are wired together in “strings”, the highest power of each string would be dictated by the lowest performing panel. That is, if just 1 cell of the solar panels was performing at 3% or 5% below the rated performance - the whole cell would be dragged down that performance.

With the panels we offer - Hyundai and LG - they are are guaranteed to achieve the rated watts or higher under industry standard test conditions (STC). This is because as a company, we want to offer you the best and the most secure investment you can get.