Sunpower X20-250-BLK-B-AC modules?

[derekj]

I'm starting to get quotes and one of the vendors quoted Sunpower X20-250-BLK-B-AC modules. I wasn't aware of the built-in microinverter before. It sounds like these are new and I was wondering if anyone had any "exposure" to them? They carry the 25 year warranty, and since they are one piece, if the inverter goes out, you'll get a new panel with it. I do have a little bit of shading and am more limited in space which is why I'm getting quotes from Sunpower dealers (but not just SP). This particular quote came in at $6.00/watt which there is no way I'm paying even though the vendor gets high marks. I was actually figuring with SP doing racks, no additional install for microinverter that the quote would be much lower since labor should be less. Anyway, this is the equipment sub-forum so just looking for insight into this panel or, at least, this type of panel.

[emartin00]

Sunpower recently acquired SolarBridge, the maker of the microinverter. SolarBridge has been around for a few years, and had been working with a number of module manufacturers to make AC modules. The big benefit to them is the install time. They are much faster to install than a traditional microinverter system. The downfall is cost. They tend to be a little more expensive, because they are still relatively new.
SolarBridge does have a good record for reliability, so if the price was right, I would go for it.

[derekj]

Thanks for the reply. I was not aware of the SolarBridge acquisition. Apparently, for these panels anyway, is that they are already in place from the factory. And bad inverter means new panel and inverter (at least according to the sales guy - would have to confirm that in the contract if I went with them).

Given they extend the warranty to the inverter, I'm willing to pay a bit more since it would not be an expected cost to absorb 10 years or so out. We'll see if I can get them down from the $6.00/watt install cost that is being quoted now. The Bay Area is expensive but this is definitely higher than my expectations given what I've read on this forum.

[Turbo]

Have you looked into the Sunpower X21 panel as well? My installer quoted the X20-250 panels for $4.71 a watt but wants an additional $1700 to upgrade to X21 panels. Other than efficiency, I can't seem to find any other significant differences.

[derekj]

This was mostly about the built-in inverter which I wasn't aware of. I did just get a quote today on E20 panels (with SMA TL) for $4.51/watt from another installer.

Something I did just recently learn, apparently the monitoring for these newer ACPV panels will not be available to the end user for per-panel data. That was pretty disappointing.

[jbarrick]

If you would like a quote on a similar system with Renogy panels, please contact me at your convenience. Renogy panels are high quality and compete with the tier 1 manufacturers. Please review our website:

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[davidfkim]

quote

This was mostly about the built-in inverter which I wasn't aware of. I did just get a quote today on E20 panels (with SMA TL) for $4.51/watt from another installer.

Something I did just recently learn, apparently the monitoring for these newer ACPV panels will not be available to the end user for per-panel data. That was pretty disappointing.

Hi Derek,

If you would like I can quote you for sunpower, just DM me and we can discuss it.

Thanks,

David Kim

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