Need help choosing Longi Hi-MO X10 panels

[Actonite]

My present solar array is within a few years of the end of its life, so I'm researching replacement panels. I'm having difficulty getting accurate information about Longi panels. When I ask Longi, they just send me a link to their installation manual. Hopefully, people here are familiar enough with their product line to recommend specific model numbers. Here are the features I'm interested in: Shading Optimization: High efficiency: Low Temperature Coefficient; Low Degradation: Anti-dust: Back Contact. I have no need for anti-glare or bifacial features. I'm looking to get the biggest bang for my buck. I can go as large as the 72-cell version. My inverter is a Sunny Boy SB6000US, so I can input as much as 7500 watts from the solar panels. I've attached a photo showing the present panels shaded in the afternoon, along with a diagram showing how 72-cell panels could fit on my present rails. I live in the foothills of the high desert in north Los Angeles Country, California. I get snow and triple digit temperatures. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[organic farmer]

My present solar array is within a few years of the end of its life, so ...

What year was your system installed?

I am curious to hear how you calculated that your system is nearing its lifespan.




From my observation, modern installers are NOT craftsmen. Their business model is one that includes site assessment, system design and installation.

Anyone who already has solar power in operation will likely never be able to get an installer to respond.

They would rather contract someone else to rip-out your system, so they can do a fresh install.

[Actonite]

My present system was installed over 20 years ago. I'm seeing a reduction in energy produced, so I know it's just a matter of time before it needs to be replaced. I'll wait till I'm down to 5kw / day before pulling the plug. Two panels have already died on me, and the prorated warranty paid pittance. Here you can see how shading reduces the afternoon production with my present panels. It should be a better bell shaped curve.
You're right that most modern day installers aren't craftsmen. They just install what they're used to installing rather than researching the latest innovations. I don't have any problem finding installers to change out my panels. It's a simple job I could do myself, but I'm too old to lug these panels up on the roof. I guess I could hire a day laborer to bring my old panels down and take the new panels up. It makes no sense to remove fully functional rails the old panels were installed on. One company gave me a bid, but that was for Canadian panels, which don't have the shading feature and don't measure up to Longis in any area other than warranty. I am surprised Longi doesn't give a longer product warranty. Their power warranty is 30 years, like most others, but their product warranty is half that.

[organic farmer]

I have a neighbor whose system was installed in the 1980s. His battery bus is all 12vdc. The system uses a $4 Chevy voltage regulator, he keeps old car batteries in parallel. The house is all wired in 12vdc. He got household appliances from RV dealerships. It is a nice house. But his home stereo is tube radio from a Chevy Impala. If you spend time monitoring and maintaining them, photovoltaic arrays can last a long time.

[Actonite]

Newer solar panels are much more complex than the simple models of the past. They all degrade over time, and they're even rated on degradation. You're not going to see a 50 year lifespan, no matter how you maintain them. Most people are not willing to limit their home's electricity to 12VDC.

[bcroe]

My system was built in 2013, using then industry 6 X 6 in cells, in panels of 6 X 10
or 6 X 12 cells. Since both of these are the same width, the system is set up to
use either size, 12 smaller or 10 larger panels. The problem today is, the industry
has gone to cells larger than 6 X 6 in, so current panels will not fit directly into
my system. Panels also tend to be larger.

So I think you will be dealing with this type issue, and must see what current
designs can be fitted into your physical system. The voltage must also be
considered, esp if using the same inverters as before. I did buy an extra spare,
but now that a tree broke one, I run with no spare panels.

To me the brand is not a primary consideration. good luck, Bruce Roe

[Actonite]

I have a lot of flexibility when it comes to size of panels. I'm more interested in the shading feature that comes with Longi or Aiko.