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Problem being 29 Sunpower panels do not string with an SMA 7000 inverter. 24 would work if strung properly.
Problem being 29 Sunpower panels do not string with an SMA 7000 inverter. 24 would work if strung properly.
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Can you be more specific about what it is about the SunPower panels that makes you so happy? Do you feel that you SunPower panels are doing something that other high-end panel brands (say, LG or SolarWorld) could not have? And/or did you have a specific reason for choosing SunPower? Would you be even happier if the total cost of your solar system was significantly less while providing the same solar production?Comment
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Hello sdhomeowner and welcome to Solar Panel Talk.
This thread is a bit old so gsxmike might no be around much anymore. You should be aware that there are those who lurk on the forum trying to get people to buy from the installer they used as they get a referral fee, much better off doing your own homework.
A good place to start is by using the services of our site sponsors, www.solarreviews.com enter your zip code and or www.solar-estimate.org that one spits out a rough quote and an installer will call or email to go over in more detail.
Read up on solar there is a lot of good info to sift through here, understand that conservation is the best and most cost effective way to reduce your electricity bill, you might want to try googling solar for dummies apparently there is a free version of this online somewhere and its good for beginners to get a clue on how solar works.Comment
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Here's the difference between your install using your "established local contractor" and cheap panels vs a sunpower system: If John the electrician shuts down his company, it goes out of business, whatever, you're &^%$#. Good luck calling Yingli and getting them to do warranty work. A huge part of the attractiveness of Sunpower (which yes, you pay a premium for) is that you'll never have to deal with that kind of stuff. Even though SP uses local installers, because their warranty is comprehensive even if whoever did your install is gone you're still protected. A defective panel doesn't mean a new one on a pallet in your driveway (like it does with EVERY OTHER MANUFACTURER IN THE INDUSTRY), it means a new panel installed on your system. I guess that kind of security just appeals to me. People like those on a forum like this areprobably the opposite; you guys are all very involved in your installations and probably wouldn't mind sourcing a new contractor to install a replacement panel 10 years from now. Me? lolnoComment
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I think you are both right
I think the chance of having an issue with the panels is pretty slim. That said..
I was debating between having a contractor install Sunpower and doing LG myself. For a number of reasons, I ended up choosing Sunpower and contractor install. Warranty was one of the reasons. I would read through the warranties very carefully, they are all available online.
I believe the Sunpower warranty is better than LG because:
1. 25 years SP vs. 10 years LG on panel
2. SP degradation warranty is slightly better
3. SP warranty can be transferred to another owner, LG cannot
4. I'm not sure if LG will pay for another installer to complete repairs if the original goes out of business. Sunpower will.
Good luck!Comment
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I had a similar system (to option B and C) installed for $3.36/watt (23 LG305 panels) so I think your quoted price is good. I shopped around for a while and got mostly quotes around $4/watt ($3.81-$4.36 for various different systems around 7kWh) and then someone on this forum put me in touch with his installer.I just received the following quotes from one of the most reputable installers here in So Cal:
Option A: SolarEdge 7600 Inverter, P400 Optimizers, 25 year warranty on the Inverter, Wi-Fi monitoring, with 24 SunPower 327 watt panels for $36,000. That's a 7.85kWh system, for $4.58/watt.
Option B: Same inverter setup (w/P300 Optimizers) with 26 LG300 panels (7.8kWh system) for $26,500 (that's $3.39/watt)
Option C: Same inverter setup (w/P300 Optimizers) with 28 LG300 panels (8.4kWh system) for $28,420 (that's $3.38/watt)
In addition, this is from one of the most reputable installers here in So Cal. Thoughts?
The system has been up and running since mid-June and I am very happy with its performance (produced almost 1.2MWh in July and August).
I went with the LG (over Sunpower) not only because of the price but also for some excellent reviews they got from members of the forum plus I believe in the general quality of LG products (I have several LG appliances and TVs and all work flawlessly).
Thanks,
KayComment
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Do Sunpower bypass diodes eliminate the advantage of power optimizers like Solar Edge?
Sales rep explained to me that power optimizers are not necessary on SunPower panels because SP panels have bypass diodes at every one of the 96 cells within each panel. Does this makes sense that the large number of bypass diodes eliminates the advantage of optimizers?
Bigger question... Quote A for SP panels came in at $5.11/W. Quote B came in at $3.20/W for LG315 panels that include SolarEdge power optimizers, individual panel monitoring, and inverter.
System size is approx 8KW. Am I crazy to go with Quote A?
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