What is the best solar panel?

[littleharbor2]

We are reviewing proposals that are sized 3-5% over current t energy use. Yet these panels denigrate efficiency over time. In 10, 20, 25 years where will we be? Shouldn’t they be sized appropriately to take this into account?

All depends on what your production goals are. If you are aiming at staying in the tier 1 billing area due to a poor reimbursement plan from the POCO. it makes little sense to overproduce.

[GoingElectric]

I live in Massachusetts where net metering is mandated. We have a 3-story building with a flat roof, so no obstructions. Proposals now from Panasonic, Waaree, SunPower, Qcells. Any recommendation? Inverters are Enphsse, SunPower, Solar Edge HD Wave. How much over current electric use should this be sized for? Currently I have proposals from 103%-109%.

Since you are free of obstructions (no chimney or vent tube either?), a single String Inverter is an excellent option. Optional "Optimizer" may not be needed either.
Most installers are jumping on the microinverter bandwagon for everything when in a String Inverter would be more cost effective.

As for panels, the Q-cell are most attractive to me right now
For example Q.PEAK DUO XL-G10/BFG
Do NOT get a the "BLK". AVOID!! It has "cosmetics" that make it look nice, but that reduces W and Life.

Also the "Bi-Facial glass (BFG) also increases power out.

[jflorey2]

We are reviewing proposals that are sized 3-5% over current t energy use. Yet these panels denigrate efficiency over time. In 10, 20, 25 years where will we be? Shouldn’t they be sized appropriately to take this into account?

I'd say no. Instead I would just add panels when your production drops off in a few decades. You won't need many; degradation is slow, under a percent a year.

Or just slowly invest in more efficient appliances as your existing ones wear out.

[bcroe]

We are reviewing proposals that are sized 3-5% over current energy use. Yet these panels denigrate efficiency over time. In 10, 20, 25 years where will we be? Shouldn’t they be sized appropriately to take this into account?

Here for decades, there have regularly been found ways to cut
energy use. Could be better energy star appliances, better
ways to use them, more insulation. Unless your place is
already built to latest, most efficient standard, you likely will
find ways too.

Some power cos do not limit your system to your recent past
consumption. I built to about 5 times electric use, because
the HVAC would be converted from propane to heat pumps.
With good results for a decade now, heat and electric total
are about $15 a month.

A net metering solar system often is rated by inverter AC
output capacity. With a string inverter system, you might be
able to plan, how to add a few panels to the existing inverters
(as I have done), no change to AC output rating.

Realize with all the variables, system performance is not
going to be very predictable in the second decimal place.
Bruce Roe

[GDunk]

We bought a newly renovated condo so little room for greater energy efficiency. “I built to 5x electric use” I find interesting. I’m exploring solar proposals that are 5-10% above current use. I would like the ability to expand panels in the future should demand require this.

[GDunk]

Q CELLS DUO BLK ML-G10+ 400, Panasonic EverVolt H series Solar Module 400-Watt, or SunPower?

[Old_Man]

Longi or nothing.

[J.P.M.]

Longi or nothing.

Like garage door openers and garbage disposers, reasonable quality PV panels are now and have been for a long time, a commodity.

But, opinions vary. Just that some are more informed.

[Calsun]

My focus when I put in a system was getting as much output from the available space on my roof. To that end I bought 327 Watt panels which at that time were only sold to businesses doing commercial installations. I would check with the local solar installers as to which panels they are authorized to install on residential buildings and then check the dimensions and create a layout for your roof.

It can cost thousands of dollars to remove the panels and put on a new roof so I opted to have a new roofing installed where the panels were going as part of the overall job. Check the fire codes relating to roof panels as the firefighters need access to move around on the roof in the event of a fire (from any source).

I would never trust a solar salesperson to make any decisions as to the overall design and configuration and equipment.

[GDunk]

Q CELLS DUO BLK ML-G10+ 400 or

Panasonic EverVolt H series Solar Module 400-Watt?

[GoingElectric]

Q CELLS DUO BLK ML-G10+ 400 or

Panasonic EverVolt H series Solar Module 400-Watt?

Q CELLS DUO ML-G10+ (non-BLK)

Panasonic has excellent reputation also, so either will be fine

[HowelGrace]

Hey there! When it comes to finding the best solar panel, it can be a bit overwhelming with all the options out there.

[J.P.M.]

Hey there! When it comes to finding the best solar panel, it can be a bit overwhelming with all the options out there.

Beyond some basic level of quality, panels are a commodity.
Spend more time evaluating installers.
A poor install will always have a larger probability of lots of problems than panels.
Also, for a roof mount, get your roof inspected/serviced/reroofed as necessary.
A good install will last a long time.
Give your roof the highest probability of lasting as long.

Overall, be informed about PV. Doing so is your best and probably only defense against getting screwed.

[peakbagger]

I saw a recent article that Q cells seems to be the current favorite of installers.

[Ampster]

Any tier one panel will work. Price and availability may depend on region. To paraphrase one philosopher, the best solar panel is the one producing power on your house today.