What is the difference between Class A and Class B solar panels? And other classes?

2025-05-19

Solar panels can be divided into A, B, C and D grades, and A-grade solar panels can be divided into A+ and A-grade. The same is true for B-grade solar panels. The cost difference between solar panels of different grades is also very large. So what kind of solar panels are called A-grade and what kind of solar panels are called D-grade? Bonada will give you a brief introduction below:

A-grade solar panels: A-grade cells are the highest quality grade and can be used in modules;

B-grade solar panels: B-grade cells are slightly lower than A-grade, and the modules can be downgraded to use complete cells;

C-grade solar panels: C-grade cells are seriously poor in appearance and missing corners. They are only suitable for cutting cells into small modules and supplying them to customers with special needs;

D-grade solar panels: D-grade cells are broken pieces and are supplied to customers with special needs or special treatment.

How to judge the grade of solar photovoltaic panels?

1. Look at the surface

Carefully check the surface of tempered glass. The products of small manufacturers are relatively rough. The residual silicone on the surface will reduce the power generation efficiency of the panels.

2. Check the cells

Check whether the cells have broken edges and hidden cracks. There are many irregular manufacturers who use broken cells to splice. This method has great risks and will affect the safe use of the entire panel.

3. Check the back

Check the quality of the back pressure. If there is unevenness after pressure, such as bubbles, wrinkles, etc., it is considered a relatively low-quality product.

4. Check the frame

Whether it is straight. Due to the low entry threshold of the solar panel industry, many small manufacturers use manual framing, which does not form a strict rectangle and greatly reduces the firmness.

5. Check the silicone

Check whether the silicone around the back is evenly distributed and whether it penetrates tightly into the gap between the back panel and the frame.

6. Check the welding

Carefully observe whether there is any leakage in the string welding of the cells. At the same time, check whether the arrangement of the cells is regular.

7. Check the junction box

Finally, check whether the junction box is firm, whether the junction box cover can be firmly and tightly attached to the junction box, and whether the lock of the outgoing wire can rotate freely and can be tightened.

So what are the A, B, and C grade components generally used for?

A-grade solar panels: mainly used for ground power stations, distributed power stations, household systems, etc., with a lifespan of more than 25 years.

B-grade solar panels: mainly used for street lights, off-grid systems, battery vehicles, etc., with a lifespan of 5 years. This type of component is a downgraded A-grade component or produced with B-grade materials.

C-grade solar panels: mainly used in areas with underdeveloped electricity consumption, such as remote areas, Afghanistan, the Middle East, South Africa, etc., with an unknown lifespan.

Therefore, when choosing photovoltaic power station components, you should not focus on small profits, ignore the quality of components to save costs, and keep your eyes open so as not to be deceived by irregular merchants.

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