Are the LG 305w worth an extra $0.30/watt than Solar world 280w?

[dannieboiz]

same system output would cost ~$2k for the LG over SW panels but I have room for an extra 2 panels. In a couple years when 500+ watts panels are available and I need it then at least I know i have the space for at least 1 additional kw.

But beside the extra space, are they better panels as far as brand/reliability etc...?

[solar_newbie]

same system output would cost ~$2k for the LG over SW panels but I have room for an extra 2 panels. In a couple years when 500+ watts panels are available and I need it then at least I know i have the space for at least 1 additional kw.

But beside the extra space, are they better panels as far as brand/reliability etc...?

Here is the price you buy panel:
LG310N1C black mono (more expensive than LG300N1C-G4) : $1.37
SW 285 mono : $1.12/w
Canadian 260 : $0.9/w
SW 280 mono black : $1.27/w

[sensij]

But beside the extra space, are they better panels as far as brand/reliability etc...?

There is no evidence that I know of to support that LG's are better than SolarWorld. I would not spend extra on the LG's, and in fact, chose to pursue an even lower cost option (Canadian Solar). My system performance (over the first 6 months) is right in line with the performance of LG or other systems (including Sunpower).

[dannieboiz]

For my system it's about 2100 extra before ibcentives better off going with solar world it seems

[emartin00]

I think the only time it is worth the premium is if you are tight on space. LG gives you more W/m so you could get a larger system into the same area.

[J.P.M.]

I think the only time it is worth the premium is if you are tight on space. LG gives you more W/m so you could get a larger system into the same area.

Depending on how you pay for power, and if cost effectiveness is important, sometimes thinking out of the box reveals other options than a change to more area efficient panels.

1.) If on tiered rates, consider that the extra power from a larger Wattage but more area efficient system will probably cost more for every system Watt but the additional power such a system produces will only offset additional power that is the least expensive. That may be a lose/lose type situation. This can apply when comparing any quality panels as for this thread, but is usually and particularly true in the case of Sunpower stuff, which is the poster child for overpricing and also overhyping the benefits of area efficiency and perhaps better but probably irrelevant warranty benefits.

2.) It may be more cost effective to go with the less area efficient, but also less expensive panels, forego some additional power production that is at lower tier rates, and pay a bit more in annual power costs. A 100% offset may not be the most cost effective option. There's a lot of benefit between all or nothing.

3.) Depending on the POCO tariffs, T.O.U. rates and usage pattern(s), changing to T.O.U. can sometimes enable a smaller Wattage system to offset a larger $$ portion of an annual bill. The rub with this option is that it takes some work and diligence on the part of the consumer to understand and decipher the often cryptic and convoluted crap and hoops the POCOs seem to put in the consumer's way.

4.) Conservation is still the best, easiest (according to some) and most cost effective way to lower an electric bill.

[artemeus]

Perhaps one more point to consider is whether the look of the panel is relevant.
LG panels have very nice all black look which may matter to those who are installing them on the roof facing the street.
Call me crazy, but it is something I am willing to pay premium for.

[sensij]

Perhaps one more point to consider is whether the look of the panel is relevant.
LG panels have very nice all black look which may matter to those who are installing them on the roof facing the street.
Call me crazy, but it is something I am willing to pay premium for.

Eh, kind of crazy. A black framed blue-ish poly panel can look very good in a southwestern color scheme too, and costs much less.

20150326_163658.jpg
roof.GIF

[solar_newbie]

Perhaps one more point to consider is whether the look of the panel is relevant.
LG panels have very nice all black look which may matter to those who are installing them on the roof facing the street.
Call me crazy, but it is something I am willing to pay premium for.

SW280 mono black is also black

[dannieboiz]

Perhaps one more point to consider is whether the look of the panel is relevant.
LG panels have very nice all black look which may matter to those who are installing them on the roof facing the street.
Call me crazy, but it is something I am willing to pay premium for.

I also took this into consideration but I think if you have a 2 story house where most, the panels are not as visible as a single story. I see your point but I don't see people driving by admiring a house with an all black panel and say "wow look at those beautiful panels". I see it more as "wow that that house has solar" the mass market doesn't know a high end solar to a low end solar. All boils down to how many kw it can produce at the end of the day.

[dannieboiz]

Or another thing with all black panel is they may think they're solar pool heaters!

[artemeus]

SW280 mono black is also black

Good point on SW Black Mono!
Spec below - seems like we can get 290 out of this even though I am having hard time finding them for sale.
If they are $100 cheaper per panel than LG305 and above (retail prices seem to support this assertion), it may be worth to go with them instead!

http://www.freecleansolar.com/SolarWorld-Solar-Panels-s/70.htm

http://www.solarworld-usa.com/~/media/www/files/datasheets/series/sunmodule-plus-mono-black-datasheet.pdf

Does anyone know what discount do Solar Installers get on LG and SolarWorld panels compared to retail prices available to us?
Just trying to gauge how much profit cushion is there for a typical install.

[artemeus]

Or another thing with all black panel is they may think they're solar pool heaters!

Aha, neighbors would never look at me the same way again..

[artemeus]

Here is the price you buy panel:
LG310N1C black mono (more expensive than LG300N1C-G4) : $1.37
SW 285 mono : $1.12/w
Canadian 260 : $0.9/w
SW 280 mono black : $1.27/w

SW 280 Mono Black seems a little cheaper here at 1.18/w:

http://www.freecleansolar.com/SolarWorld-Solar-Panels-s/70.htm

I bet that if you buy in bulk and as an installer, the prices are much lower though.

[solar_newbie]

SW 280 Mono Black seems a little cheaper here at 1.18/w:

http://www.freecleansolar.com/SolarWorld-Solar-Panels-s/70.htm

I bet that if you buy in bulk and as an installer, the prices are much lower though.

It just estimate for related comparation. 1 month from now, I could see different prices. Go to different vendor you can see different price. I just get the price from 1 supplier to provide related cost.