Solar panels used in residential, commercial and utility-scale solar installations must comply with internationally recognized technical standards. These standards define requirements for module reliability, electrical safety, performance verification, and manufacturing quality.
IEC 62548-1:2023 sets out design requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays including DC array wiring, electrical protection devices, switching and earthing provisions.
Solar panel installations typically cost between $13,962 and $27,924 in 2026. The actual price tag depends on your home's energy needs, roof characteristics, local incentives and other factors, all of which we'll break down in this guide.
Wood Mackenzie has released its latest “ Global Solar Module Manufacturer Ranking ” report for the first half of 2025, which assesses solar panel companies on shipments, bankability and performance. JA Solar and Trinasolar jointly claimed the top rank, with scores of 91.
This guide breaks down the standard specifications for rooftop photovoltaic panel installation, helping homeowners and businesses make informed decisions. Discover key requirements, industry trends, and practical tips to optimize your solar investment.
In 2025, researchers found potential solutions to deficits in transparent, thin-film, and perovskite solar panels. They also discovered ways to tackle – and utilise – the effects of heat on solar installations. We've chosen our nine favourite advances to highlight and explain.
Solar panel manufacturing can release various pollutants, including heavy metals like lead and cadmium, as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and wastewater contaminated with chemicals used in the production process.
A modern 2026 Tier 1 residential solar panel weighs 41–62 lbs (18. 7 lbs per square foot (12–13 kg/m²). A complete rooftop array — panels plus aluminum rails plus brackets plus wiring — adds about 3–4 psf of distributed dead load.