Solar Panels & Equipment

Many Maine homeowners use solar panels to produce clean power. Sundog Solar installs some of the most reliable solar panels on the market that include comprehensive equipment warranties. With a variety of solar panels available for our customers, we find the right products for each project.

Solar Panels

Hanwha Q Cells

Combining high quality and low prices, Q Cells are a popular product among Sundog Solar customers. Most of these solar panels are between 16 and 18 percent efficient and have a 12-year warranty for defects, two years longer than the industry standard.

LG

With a reputation for producing high-quality electronics, their solar panels follow suit. These panels are between 18.4 and 22 percent efficient and also have a 25-year warranty for defects. Within the solar industry, LG is considered one of the best panels available.

REC Group

Our customers appreciate their industry-leading 20-year product warranty. Also, certain models have high solar panel efficiency.

Solaria

Manufactured in the United States and South Korea, Solaria panels are gaining popularity with Sundog customers. With less wasted space a high shade tolerance, these panels can produce 20 percent more energy. Due to their all-black appearance, solar system owners appreciate their sleek appearance. Solaria solar panels also come with a 25-year industry-leading warranty.

Telsa

These solar panels pair well with the Tesla Powerwall solar battery, for a home that is powered 100% by renewable energy. Tesla solar panels have some of the best warranties in the industry and are manufactured in the United States. With a sleek, all-black appearance, the array blends well with the roof.

Vikram Solar

This tier-1 solar panel manufacturer has performed very well on rooftops and in lab reliability tests. Sundog Solar has a direct relationship with Vikram Solar, allowing us to source discounted solar panels. These panels come in an all-black model for a sleek look.

Solar Energy Equipment

Outback

As a leading manufacturer of advanced electronics for renewable energy applications, Sundog customers appreciate their product reliability. Outback inverters, batteries, and balance of system components

SMA Solar Technology

Founded in 1981, SMA has a long track record for providing high-quality string solar inverters and power optimizers. These inverters use maximum power point tracking for higher solar energy output, and one model provides a secure power supply during utility outages.

Schneider Electric

Providing a balance of system solutions, Schneider Electric manufactures quality inverters, charge controllers, and other solar components for grid-tied systems with batteries and off-grid solar systems.

SolarEdge

These popular solar products are known for increasing the power yield from solar systems. SolarEdge inverters and power optimizers mitigate the effects of shading and obstructions, boosting overall solar energy output.

Solar Batteries

Sundog Solar team installs several highly-quality batteries from LG Chem, Blue Planet, Rolls Surrette, Rolls Surrette, and Sonnenbatterie for hybrid and off-grid solar applications. We tailor each solar battery solution for the energy storage needs of your home or business. Sundog Solar installs two types of innovative lithium battery technologies throughout Maine: lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC).

Blue Planet

This innovative lithium iron phosphate battery features rapid recharge, allows for 100% discharge, and has excellent safety characteristics. The Blue Ion 2.0 lithium batteries have a 21-year expected lifespan and are available in an 8 kWh and 16 kWh version.

LG Chem

The RESU lithium-ion solar battery line ranges in capacity from 3.3 to 10 kWh. It is ideal for hybrid solar systems (grid-tied systems with battery backup) and comes with a 10-year warranty.

Rolls Surrette

The world’s most trusted lead-acid battery is an ideal solar energy storage solution. The AGM batteries feature a non-hazardous, sealed construction and are designed to handle extreme temperatures.

SimpliPhi Power

SimplePhi Power offers scalable residential and commercial energy storage options. Home and business owners appreciate that they are lightweight, safe, efficient, non-toxic, durable, and easy to recycle.

Sonnenbatterie eco

This solar energy storage system includes the inverter and smart energy management software for seamless integration. This lithium iron phosphate battery comes with an unlimited 10-year warranty and is available in a range of sizes, from 4 to 16 kWh.

Tesla Powerwall

This solar storage battery is produced in Nevada and can be seamlessly integrated with new and existing solar energy systems. With 13.5 kWh of capacity and a 10-year warranty, it is an excellent energy storage solution. 

What is an inverter, and do I need one?

Inverters used in solar electric systems convert DC power to AC power. Inverters are necessary if you want to use AC-powered appliances and devices, such as washing machines, lights, computers, televisions, and solar contractors install them reinstalled in all grid-tied solar systems. In the case of off-grid solar, some people choose to use DC-powered appliances. Thus the inverter isn’t needed because the devices directly draw DC power from the battery bank. In this case, the source of energy is always a battery bank. Inverters come in various sizes, some as small as 12 Volt/100 Watt inverters up to 48 Volt/6000 Watt inverters.

Which solar inverter is right for me?

We size your solar inverter by determining the number of appliances and devices you want to run simultaneously. For example, if you run your washer and your well-pump and television simultaneously, you might need a 4,000-watt inverter. If your use of appliances is more sporadic, you could utilize a smaller inverter. Sundog Solar offers several quality brand inverters, and our solar energy experts can help you determine which inverter is best for your energy needs.

What is a solar charge controller?

Almost every PV system that uses batteries requires a charge controller. They manage battery charging within the batteries’ limited charging capacities while protecting them from overcharge and over-discharge.  Batteries in PV systems in Maine experience a range of operating conditions and must be regulated to maximize their performance and lifespan.

Do I need batteries for my solar system?

This depends if you want emergency power during grid outages or if you are connected to the power grid. Batteries are a crucial component in off-grid PV and grid-tied solar systems with battery backup, serving as the energy storage device. The Sundog Solar team can help you match battery power capabilities to your energy needs.

Sundog Solar offers batteries from several reputable companies, including Tesla, SimpliPhi Power, Rolls Surrette, and LG Chem. We provide several different types of batteries, including lithium-ion and deep-cycle lead-acid batteries (including Absorbent Glass Mat or AGM batteries), for various applications. We use batteries with comprehensive warranties to protect your solar energy investment. For example, the Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem batteries both come with a 10-year warrant.

How do solar equipment warranties work?

Sundog Solar installs solar panels, inverters, and batteries with equipment warranties. When selecting what solar equipment to install, we examine warranties, test data, product durability, and value. Also, we provide a 5-year labor and service warranty.

Solar panel warranties

One of the most expensive and crucial components of a solar system is the solar panels. If you don’t have a solar battery, the solar panels are likely the most costly component of your solar system. Solar panel performance is essential for energy performance.  Your solar panels will be on your roof for decades, enduring the elements and UV light, so installing high-quality solar panels is essential. We only use solar panels with an excellent track record and long warranties. Solar panel manufacturers offer two types of warranties on their products. 

Solar panel power performance guarantees

Even the very best panels gradually produce less solar electricity over time due to module degradation. Although all solar panels are less efficient over time, the rate of degradation varies by the module. Power performance guarantees ensure that the solar panels produce a certain percentage of their original capacity after a designated period. Many solar panel manufacturers guarantee 90 percent of the original power production after ten years and 80 percent after 25 years. 

Solar panel product warranties

Solar PV module manufacturers offer protection from defective equipment, environmental issues, and premature wear. Many solar panels include a 10 or 12-year equipment warranty on the panels themselves. If a solar panel fails within this period, we can swap out the panel for you.

Solar inverter warranties

Sundog Solar installers often use a string inverter or a centralized inverter manufactured by SolarEdge. Most of the inverters we use include a 10 or 12-year warranty. This manufacturer offers the option to extend the warranty period to 20 or 25 years for an additional fee.

Solar battery warranties

Solar battery manufacturers offer warranties to ensure a certain level of performance over a given period. Although our solar installation team uses a variety of equipment, the Tesla Powerwall and the LG Chem battery are two popular options. Both are advanced lithium-ion batteries that do not require ongoing maintenance. 

Both products offer:

• End of warranty capacity rating: This guarantees that your solar panel battery can hold a certain percentage of its original capacity during the warranty period.
• Throughput warranty: This relates to the total amount of energy the solar battery is expected to deliver during its lifespan. The throughput warranty uses the measurement of megawatt-hours (mWh) which is 1,000 kilowatt-hours. This warranty is valid until the storage battery has delivered that amount of electricity.

Keep in mind exposure to extremely hot or cold conditions can void your solar battery’s warranty. The Smart Solar Energy installation team can assess the best place to install your solar battery bank for optimum performance and longevity.

Tesla Powerwall 2

This solar battery has a usable capacity of 13.5 kWh, and is a very popular energy storage option. The Powerwall comes with a ten-year warranty that ensures the solar battery retains 70% of its ability to hold a charge during this period. It also has a throughput warranty of 37 MWh.

LG Chem Solar Battery

The LG Chem RESU battery has 9.3 kWh of usable capacity and is a wonderful option for backup power during blackouts. LG offers a ten-year warranty on the battery, which ensures it will retain at least 60% of its original capacity to hold a charge during the 10-year period. LG also provides a throughput warranty of 22.4 MWh.