Best Solar Panels: Kyocera KD315GX LPB

What’s the best solar panel? In recent testing, the Kyocera KD315GX-LPB solar panel has performed well. This is a good-looking black panel, black frame, polycrystalline module that offers a robust solar efficiency, a useful warranty and easy maintenance.

This version of Kyocera Solar’s solar panels brings a vigorous 16 percent solar efficiency to produce plenty of electricity for your home. This is not the highest percentage of solar efficiency for modules on the market, but it is quite high. Over the lifetime of your solar panels (given typical use), this level of solar efficiency should result in some welcome savings when it comes to your residential electric bills.

These rooftop panels generate a maximum of 315 watts of power, a maximum voltage of 39.8 and a maximum power current of 7.92 amps. There are 80 cells in each panel. You get a satisfactory warranty with these Kyocera solar panels. The product itself and the workmanship are covered for the first five years you own them.

The company also will extend warranty coverage for 10 years, promising a power output of 90 percent of the minimum rated power that the system had when first installed. For 20 years, the Kyocera Solar warranty covers power output at 80 percent of the minimum rated power.

Kyocera officials decide if any reported problems or claims are, in fact, covered under this warranty. The warranty is also rendered void if the panels are installed improperly, moved from the home on which they were originally placed, if any repairs are done that do not meet Kyocera’s specifications for such work, if they are placed on any type of structure for which they were not intended, and more.

These well-built panels can deal with a maximum load of pressure: up to 113 pounds per square foot, which is a solid maximum load, and is generally considered to be the standard for the industry. It also can withstand 1-inch hail blown by winds of up to 51mph; again, typical for solar panels.

These solar panels have dimensions of 65.43 inches in length, 51.97 inches in width and a depth of 1.8 inches. A single panel weighs 60.6 pounds.

These solar modules can stand up to bone-chilling temperatures of 40 degrees below zero Fahrenheit and can hold up against hot weather highs of up to 194 degrees F. The panels are made of tempered glass and the frame is anodized aluminum.

These panels are not self-cleaning in the sense that it takes only rainwater to wash away dust and dirt. However, this is generally true of most solar panels since even those advertised as self-cleaning have instructions buried in their installation manuals advising homeowners to use a soft cloth or sponge to gently wipe while rinsing the panels with water to do a better job of getting rid of any grime. The cleaner the panels are, the more efficiently they will function.

That said, the Kyocera KD315GX-LPB solar panels are fairly easy to maintain. If any layers of dust or particulates from pollution settle on them, the panels will sparkle after a gentle washing using water, mild ordinary detergent, and a soft cloth. The installation manual for this brand also recommends that you check the wiring and mounting hardware once a year to make sure there are no loose connections and the hardware is tightly secured.

Definitely one of the best solar panels on the market in my opinion.