L
logical
Worcester I know what you mean. Having been a procurement specialist in the electronics industry for many years I have had my fill of the shiny suits and I think I can cut through most of the BS. I am not surprised at your cynicism, some of the things I have heard claim does beggar belief at times and cynicism is a form of protection but it can blind you to something that is of value. I have already mentioned the Photon tests and it is a good place to start. If a company is making performance claims their product should be in or near the top 10 consistently year after year. Some panels have a blinding year and then fall back down the performance list. Some panels will be in their 5th year of the run and some will be in their first. The Photon test gives some great information but it is open to interpretation.
Of course Joe Bloggs public is not going to do the proper research even if they think they do. There is so much misinformation and un-informed opinion in amongst all the good stuff. Even the most switched on customer would struggle. That is why the installer (not the shiny suit) is there to give value information to help the customer. They are the ones with hands on experience. They are the ones that should be doing the research. They are the ones that should be looking at the build quality of the panel, the quality of junction box, the quality of materials used. It is a matter of using ones eyes and judgement and asking the right questions of the manufacturer. If you can go on a factory visit go and see for yourself and understand what some manufacturers are doing and why. There are some large scale manufacturers who would not stand up to this scrutiny.
I feel for the OP as they were asking for a little guidance as to panel and inverter choice, they may or may not have been given advice by the installer they may have just been looking for re assurance. My point was go for quality every time. Now it is down to me to supply the installers with the tools that can help prove the quality of the panel. Something that will get through to the most battle hardened and industry bashed cynics.
Of course Joe Bloggs public is not going to do the proper research even if they think they do. There is so much misinformation and un-informed opinion in amongst all the good stuff. Even the most switched on customer would struggle. That is why the installer (not the shiny suit) is there to give value information to help the customer. They are the ones with hands on experience. They are the ones that should be doing the research. They are the ones that should be looking at the build quality of the panel, the quality of junction box, the quality of materials used. It is a matter of using ones eyes and judgement and asking the right questions of the manufacturer. If you can go on a factory visit go and see for yourself and understand what some manufacturers are doing and why. There are some large scale manufacturers who would not stand up to this scrutiny.
I feel for the OP as they were asking for a little guidance as to panel and inverter choice, they may or may not have been given advice by the installer they may have just been looking for re assurance. My point was go for quality every time. Now it is down to me to supply the installers with the tools that can help prove the quality of the panel. Something that will get through to the most battle hardened and industry bashed cynics.
