Advice on choosing a PV array

[SolarCity]

Okay, some comparisons:

4kWp system comprising of 16no Sanyo 250w panels and IG TL 36 inverter:

3,759 kWh

4kWp system comprising of 16no Suntech 250w panels and IG TL 36 inverter:

3,727kWh


3.92kWp system comprising of 16no TG Solar 245w panels and IG TL 36 inverter:

A whopping..... 3,388kWh


I hope you didn't buy too many.....

 

[liquidity]

How about Sharp panels?

 

[SolarCity]

3,393kWh with 16 Sharp 245s and an IG TL 36 inverter.

This is on a WSW roof that I a currently working on and the location is Cornwall - unshaded.

 

[liquidity]

great; thanks

 

[OdeTheBear]

Just to add my newly learned opnion to this thread... I am having installed panels soon and going through the quotes and info about all related thing like panels right now. Couple of days ago I made up my mind to go for the Sharps but today I finally changed my mind and probably go for the Suntech ones as the best ones, Sanyo, are too expensive for me.

Why did I change my mind? Because mostly the advice given by pros, in this forum and by the installers providing quotes for me, is that they aren't that good - there are better ones available. This morning one company that I asked quotes for even said that they will install any other panel I ask for but not Sharps because they, apparently, have given them trouble in previous installations.

At the end of the day the only one I have so far found recommending them (edit: Sharp panels) appares to be an installation company that is a Sharp distributor.

 

[SolarCity]

Suntech are an excellent option that I would strongly recommend. However, take a look at the other recent forum and the worries about the cosmetic look of the new batch of panels. I'm hoping it's just a bad batch and not going to be a characteristic of the panel.

 

[northernsun]

I'd have to say you have made a good decision there Ode! In my opinion there are'nt really any rubbish modules and you will do well with a pv installation even with a cheaper panel. However, there are better panels. One of which is the Sanyo. Yes it is more expensive but should make up for that over time and give a higher payback. Suntech are very good too.
Sharp- I'd say the name is the best thing going for them. They are good panels, but nothing more and there are many, many I would choose before them for most peoples needs, whether it be budget, performance or quality.

 

[dansk]

Good move - Suntech is the largest PV supplier out of the three tier 1 Companys in China, Its then Yingli and Trina.

 

[solarfred]

Suntech are an excellent option that I would strongly recommend. However, take a look at the other recent forum and the worries about the cosmetic look of the new batch of panels. I'm hoping it's just a bad batch and not going to be a characteristic of the panel.

I understand that batch should not have been sold into the general market and were recalled but didn't make it back!. They were a test batch and had cosmetic irregularities which had nothing to do with their performance. I have nothing to do with them either for the record.

 

[SolarCity]

I spoke to our supplier yesterday and he informs me that this is a feature of the 'Black Pearl' panels and not a faulty batch. It is also something that will only affect the Black Pearl range and none of the others.