Module sizes and makes

[saint]

What size and make of modules are people generally using. using a 180w or a 230w makes a big difference to the total KWp.
I'm pricing my first small job and i have space for 6 modules. I'm trying to get as high a KWp as possible for the available space. i've been looking at Schuco modules. Anyone got any experience with this make?

Thanks

 

[Markc]

Schuco are very good panels and I have fitted numerous, down side is they are on the higher price side.
Sharp is good but come with MC3 connectors so will need expensive crimpers or buy the MC3 to MC4 converter lead.
Moser Baer are good and you can get the higher wt per panel from these.
ET are china import and for the money don't complain. Had 4 out of 18 with a fault last time we used them but had 4 sent over night no problem and we had them for 9am in the morning. Just one of those things I think. Can happen with any panel.

More of a question is size of roof or area, customers investment and required output. Less space = higher wt panel. Moser Baer Poly 235 for example.
More space and average Kwp the Schuco Mono 190 is ok. Higher panel voltage so sometimes finding a compatible inverter is tricky. SMA don't like Schuco MPE190 due to voltage to current ratio.

We can get almost any panel from the cheaper china import to the all singing German. We promote the Schuco or Sharp in the main but if budget is an issue then the China ones are the option.

 

[Noshocks]

I have fitted many Yingli 230w modules, both for my own installs and other installers I have been subcontracting for, have never had one not test OK and within spec.

Prices for Yingli used to be at the budget end but they seem to be creeping up recently, not sure if to do with supply or popularity or other reasons.

Have fitted ET and again no problems, I usually offer the customer the choice of Sharp or Yingli for example and give them the choice, pricing for these two is now not much different anyway.

 

[saint]

Have been looking at the 215w Schuco rather than the 190w for obvious reasons. Think i will stay clear of sharp if i will have to buy expensive crimpers (i've seen the cost!). I assume the Schuco are the plug in version.

Will look into Moser Baer and china models. i'm strugling to find suppliers tbh but early days.

Thanks for advice

 

[Martin Dawes]

To be fair, you are going to need the MC4 crimpers anyway and you can always cut the ends off the Sharp panels and remake them into MC4 connectors instead.

I know what you mean about finding suppliers - I've had a right struggle. From what I can gather, things will change once you become MCS registered.

 

[Noshocks]

Your right Martin, before I was MCS registered I couldent even get people to talk to me, as soon as your on the MCS list all the wholesalers will email you prices instantly wether you want them or not, I get suppliers phoning me on a daily basis.

 

[saint]

Just to confirm. The mc4 connectors i have used on the mitsubishi modules have the snap in style connectors. i take it the sharp modules connectors need to be crimped?

My electrical wholesalers do the schuco for what seems like a reasonable price so i'll base my estimate on these while looking into other manufacturers mentioned above.

 

[Martin Dawes]

The Sharp modules come with MC3 connectors. They don't need crimping as long as they're being plugged into one another. Assuming that the rest of your installation is using MC4 connectors, the MC3 connectors at the - and + ends of the string will need cutting off and making off into MC4 connectors. It's not really an issue and I certainly don't think it should be a factor in which panel you choose.