Haitai Panels (HT Solar)

[Jd3030]

I've received a few quotes for a 10kW grid-tied system in New Brunswick (Atlantic Canada). The installer I'm leaning towards is quoting Haitai panels (HTM385MA-72). Other than the datasheet from the manufacture (Haitai or HT Solar) I'm having a hard time finding any information on the equipment or the company itself. Wondering if anyone here has any experience with HT Solar? The rated efficiency for the 385W panel (19.83%) compares well other panels.

Any insight would be appreciated. Link below to the datasheet.

http://www.htsolargroup.com/uploadfile/2019/0912/20190912110517358.pdf

[solarix]

Solar PV technology is quite mature and there are hundreds of companies worldwide that are scaling up to build them. So far the track record has been very good and virtually all manufactures have proven to be able to produce modules with amazing reliability. I've never heard of HT Solar, but their website and facility look reputable. The Chinese government has done ten times more than everyone else to invest in this industry and there are a plethora of Chinese PV panel manufacturers now. Almost every solar manufacture is very difficult to get any warranty satisfaction out of. Your main concern is whether the manufacturer is still going to be in business for the next 25 years - not whether their panels are going to last that long. To my mind the decision is more of a political one whether you want to encourage local manufacturing or not - that is up to you...

[RobS]

Got a similar quote for the same HT solar panels here in Halifax, from East Coast Solar. solarix makes a good point about the value of warranties. And it can be tricky getting service if the installer disappears too.

[JSchnee21]

Here in the States, Trina, Jinko, Hanwha, LG, Panasonic, and SunPower are all very popular and offer very good quality. Some brands are more expensive than others (SunPower, Panasonic, LG Neon R, etc.). Most of these panels are made in Asia, which is fine, save for newer Hanwha's (USA) and SunPower (Mexico?).

Generally a more expensive panel will get you a better warranty (which is often not worth the paper it's printed on), better efficiency (if you have space constraints), better thermal efficiency (sometimes, not that relevent for your climate), and perhaps better reliability.

There are lots of "cheaper" brands, too, which, as many have said, are likely "good enough." There's also Canadian Solar.

Is this a residential or commercial application? While you can certainly do it, 72-cell panels are not very frequently used for residential applications.

Totally ignorant about your climate and incentives, but given rain, fog, clouds, snow, and latitude, are you sure that solar makes financial sense?