An Overview of a 165 Watt Solar Panel: Working, Application, Types, and Pricing

Anyone who wishes to lessen their carbon footprint can make use of solar panels since they are clean options that use solar energy. 

Solar buyers obtain several estimates for a solar energy system before installation. Unfortunately, a newbie may find it challenging to compare offers. 

The brand and wattage of solar panels differ frequently. The type we will be explaining in this guide is a 165 watt solar panel. 

Dive in to understand all the features related to a 165 W solar panel, including its types, price, and uses.

How does a 165 Watt Solar Panel Work?

Few people know the science involved in converting sunlight into usable power through solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. 

Without going into many technicalities, let us understand the process in layman’s terms.

Numerous tiny photovoltaic cells make up solar PV panels, which can turn sunlight into energy. These cells are constructed from semi-conductive substances, most commonly silicon.

The basic steps involved in solar energy production and transmission are given below:

• Solar panels are illuminated by sunlight. 
• They convert sunlight into DC power.
• The produced power enters a conducting wire at the panel’s perimeter.
• The conducting material carries the electrical current to the solar inverter.
• The solar inverter converts DC power to AC power.

A 165-watt solar panel uses this same principle.

What Are The Different Types of 165-Watt Solar Panels?

Let us now go through the different types of solar panels of 165 Watts:

• Monocrystalline Solar Panels 

The cleanest solar panels are those composed of monocrystalline silicon. Due to the high quality of the semiconductor, this solar module has high efficiency. 

The efficiency ranges from 19% to 20%. Also, 165-watt monocrystalline panels will offer a higher power output and take up less area than 165-watt polycrystalline solar panels.

• Polycrystalline Solar Panels 

A polycrystalline 165 watt solar panel is created by melting unprocessed silicon, which is a quick and cheap method. 

This results in a reduced end cost but reduces the efficiency too: their efficiency is between 16% to 17%. 

• Bifacial Solar Panels

A Bifacial 165 watt solar panel uses monocrystalline cells. 

The design of these panels includes a reflecting back instead of the standard monofacial solar panels’ solid back sheet. 

As a result, they’re a lot more efficient: their energy efficiency is up to 22%.

What is the Pricing of a 165 Watt Solar Panel?

The price of a 165 watt solar panel varies by its model and type. Although solar panels may help you cut energy prices, it’s crucial to understand the whole setup cost of solar panels so that you can plan your finances.

• Monocrystalline Solar Panels: Their cost ranges from Rs. 4455 to Rs. 5445.
• Polycrystalline Solar Panels: They cost between Rs. 3786 to Rs. 4629.

Bifacial Solar Panels are less often used as they are a lot costlier than the other two types. 

What are the Specifications of a 165 Watt Solar Panel?

There could be many operational characteristics of a solar panel, but the most important ones are the warranty and types of cells used. Let’s discuss them. 

• The manufacturing defect warranty for a 165 watt solar panel is 2 to 5 years. 
• The output performance warranty for a 165-watt solar panel is 5 to 10 years. 
• The 165-watt mono panels and bifacial panels are made of mono cells.
• The 165-watt poly panels are made of multi-crystalline cells. 

Pros and Cons of a 165 watt solar panel

With the kind of options that keep solar enthusiasts entertained, it gets all the more important that you know the pros and limitations of 165W solar panels so that you make the best purchase. 

We’ve examined the pros and cons for you. Have a look and then decide!

Pros:

• 165-W solar panels are a lot less expensive than higher-wattage panels.
• They’re less bulky and can power up small appliances easily. 

Cons:

Speaking in terms of efficiency, these panels produce less energy output than higher-wattage panels. 

Their manufacturing defect warranty is also on the lesser side. The lesser the wattage, the lower the warranty period would be.

How Many Solar Panels Do You Need?

So, how do you decide the number of 165-watt solar panels you need to install?

The types of panels used (monocrystalline or polycrystalline) and their brands greatly impact how many solar panels you need. 

Still, there’s a formula that can give you an approximate idea about the required number of solar panels: divide the solar system’s wattage by the solar panel’s wattage. 

In a perfect situation, the computation of solar panels for a 1 kW solar system would go as follows:

1000 watts/165 watts = 6.060

Thus, a 1 kW solar system would need 6 165 W solar panels.

Similarly:

• You’ll need 12 panels for a 2 kW system (2000 watts/165 watts). 
• You’ll need 18 solar panels for a 3 kW system (3000 watts/165 watts).
• You’ll need 24 solar panels for a 4 kW system (4000 watts/165 watts).
• You’ll need 30 solar panels for a 5 kW system (5000 watts/165 watts) 

Applications of a 165 Watt Solar Panel 

A 165 watt solar panel is a terrific choice for supplying energy to a small house. You can power a battery to run small appliances, including microwaves, coffee makers, PCs, radios, and even small projectors.

Additionally, you can utilise 165W solar panels to run a compost toilet fan continuously throughout the day.

Subsidy on 165 Watt Solar Panel

Although a subsidy is usually offered for panels that are equal to or more than 330 watts, there can still be exceptions. 

In general, a subsidy on L1 rates is provided for homeowners and housing societies for the installation of on-grid rooftop solar systems that have ALMM-approved DCR solar panels. 

Here are the figures:

• For solar systems between 1-3KW: 40% of L1 rates. 
• For solar systems above 3KW and extending up to 10KW: 20% of L1 rates.
• For housing societies, the subsidy is 20% of L1 rates for solar systems up to 500 KW.

There’s no subsidy scheme for commercial establishments.

Conclusion

You now know what appliances a 165W solar panel can power. Based on the information, you can decide whether or not investing in a 165-watt solar panel is worthwhile for you.

FAQs

1. Which is the best type of 165W solar panel?

For locations with limited space, monocrystalline solar panels are the greatest option.  

Polycrystalline panels are more cost-effective and perform well in places with abundant sunlight.

2. What is the lifespan of a 165W solar energy system?

A 165W solar panel can typically survive hail, wind, and snow.  

The manufacturing defect warranty is 2 to 5-year warranty. The output performance warranty is 10 to 15 years. 

3. What can a 165 watt solar panel power?

Smartphones, electric fans, wifi routers, PCs, and other small gadgets can all be powered by this solar panel. 

Multiple 165 Watt solar panels are required for powering larger appliances like TVs and air conditioners.