Which panels and inverter to choose?

[zcacogp]

Chaps,

I'm the original poster, and have re-read this whole thread again.

Many thanks for the advice offered. Particularly to Biggs Solar and BruceB, both of whom have been exceptionally helpful.

As it was, we went for the Sanyo panels. And they are, as of yesterday, installed! AND (even better), we have just produced our first KWH of juice. This morning I had the pleasure of watching the disk in our (old-fashioned) electricity meter turning the wrong way. (OK it was moving slowly, but it really was going backwards!)

I expect I sound like a kid with a new toy. For which I don't apologise!

The fitting was done in a day; two strings on two different rooves of a Victorian terrace house, with wiring to the inverter in the loft and from there to the electricity meter in the basement. Done by two chaps, both of whom worked hard all day. (They were expecting it to take two days, but I helped where I could and was happy for them to make a mess as they worked, which made things quicker and saved tidying up time.)

I am very pleased, both with the workmanship (and I am fussy when it comes to quality of workmanship) and the end result. To be honest I don't know how competitive their prices were but I am very happy to recommend them. I'm not sure whether I am allowed to put their details on this forum, and am aware also that they will be competitiors to BruceB and Biggs Solar, so maybe it's best if I don't. However if anyone wants to know then PM me and I'll send you their details.

I know I will never make a fortune from solar panels, but npower (our 'leccy supplier) announced an increase in prices yesterday - the day we had the panels fitted, and I couldn't resist a bit of a wry smile ...

Thanks again for the input and advice.


Oli.

 

[SolarCity]

Welcome to the club, Oli!

Glad we have helped.

 

[jgtec]

The real output of Suntech and Sanyo 250W panels

Hi!

I am looking at a 3kW system at the moment and I would appreciate some guidance. I understand that different panel types work best in different conditions.

My question is: Would a Sanyo or Suntech system work best? I am in North Kent and the roof faces SE with no shade.

From what I have read, the Sanyo panels work pretty well in the typically cloudy days that we have in Kent (Met Office say we have 4.5hrs sunshine a day on average - so mostly cloudy!). How about the Suntech panels? I am minded to go with the Sanyo system as they seem to produce about 10% more power than most other panels. I am just not sure how they compare with the Suntech ones.

Hope you can help. Thanks!

 

[zcacogp]

jgtec,

I have no reference point to compare with, but we went with Sanyo panels in the end. The advice seemed to be that they were worth the extra money given the UK weather we have!

I think that if you want a comparison between the two (Sanyo and Suntech) you would need to look at the specifications; given the number of other variables in an installation (shape, location, inclination, shading etc) you will never find two to make a direct comparison.


Oli.

 

[SRE]

Very quick & crude response - if you've got loads of cash and nothing that you desperately want to spend your cash on go Sanyo - over the years they will provide a greater return. If you've got some cash but still a list of things you'd like to do - go for Suntech not quite as good return but significantly less upfront costs. Everyone is different and we put a lot of both of those panels in. If you're planning to install before the end of October ask for a Fronius inverter with extra warranty - you'll get 20 years for the price of 10 - a bargain at the minute!

 

[jgtec]

Thanks both!

I think I'll go for the Suntechs as they are much cheaper (I now have some quotes in) and the differences in output seem hard to quantify. I am not limited space-wise, taking away another reason for going with the Sanyos.

John

 

[jag1972]

Hi All

Been following various discussions on panels and inverters over time. Am in the process of fleshing out the details of he system we shall be getting installed. We are looking at a 4kWsystem using Sharp 250w panels and a Fronius IG TL 3.6 inverter. Can anyone offer a view on the inverter proposed for a 4kW system? Should I be looking at the requesting a Fronius IG TL 4.0 or even two smaller inverters? Any advise grateful received!

 

[SolarCity]

I'd say that the IG TL 36 is perfect for this size of system. I certainly wouldn't advice using two smaller inverters either.

Do you mind me asking why you're choosing the Sharp panels?

 

[jag1972]

Not at all. Sanyo out of our price range and to be honest it is probably the familiarity with Sharp as a brand as opposed to some of the others on the market.

Btw, thanks for the advise!

 

[SolarCity]

No probs

 

[jag1972]

Any view on the panels? As I say, I've gone for Sharp out of familiarity but how would you rate the Sharp panel against say the Suntech (I take it it's not as simple as that though!)

 

[SolarCity]

I'd say that brand familiarity is the only thing going for Sharp panels. They don't compare with Suntech in any way at all.

There are better panels than Suntech, but not in the price range. I've yet to see better options than Sanyo (as a high end, high yield panel) or the Suntech (impressive yield for fantastic price) although I'm always on the look out.

 

[jag1972]

Plenty to think about!

 

[dansk]

Hi jag1972 - read this http://www.electriciansforums.net/p...s-green-energy-forum/41716-sharp-nu-r250.html

 

[jag1972]

dansk

Thanks for that. I had planned to go for the Sharp panels but will certainly think about my options before proceeding.

 

[jag1972]

Just an update chaps. I've spoken to my installer and he's come back with the Suntech STP250S-20/Wd+ panels as a options. As I said earlier, I'm not as familiar with Suntech but the performance and warranty on these panels looks impressive. Cheaper than the Sharp as well!

 

[dansk]

Cheaper than the Sharp as well!

Better than sharp as well!!

 

[jag1972]

I now have full quote on the Suntech's:16 x Suntech Wd+ 250w
1 Fronius IG TL 3.6 Inverter (Plus extended warranty)

Fully installed £10,666 (inc VAT).

Am I allowed to ask whether anyone knows or has experience of the company I am proposing on going with?

 

[MorganPVI]

You may want to check the leadtime on the Suntechs, some suppliers are quoting Oct/Nov delivery.

Thats a great price, almost too cheap.

 

[teknocomp]

Hi all, I've had three quotes from different companies, I live in south Wales but not sure which to go for, one company has quoted

10 x Canadian solar 240w panels £8120.00
Or
10 x sanyo 250w panels £9140
Or
14 x upsolar 190w panels £7980
All with fronius inverter would the upsolar setup be better as it's 2.66kw