Finally got a quote- is it good.

Martyn1981

bret_cooper wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. I called the firm that quoted, the reason for the Benq is that although they have a larger wattage they also have a smaller footprint so they will fit between a velux window and a small dormer window that I've got.
I asked about the shading from the window and he said that by the time the sun got there the panels would shut off.

Bret

Hiya Bret, I see you are still looking at quotes (such as the Panasonics) where you pay a lot more per Wp for what are physically smaller panels in total.

But, as Tunnel asked at the beginning, is total roof space limited? I read the above to mean a single panel squeezing between a 'small' gap, but perhaps you meant all of the panels have to fit in this 'large' gap?

I only ask, as the cost of these panels adds a very large amount to the total. It may well be worth it, if it's the only way to get a decent total kWp on your roof. But if regular panels can be used, then you gain nothing, but pay out several extra thousands.

Mart.

albyota

Mart, just heard that a company in Swadlincote have 14 x 235 Watt AHEAD panels for a 3.3kW system with Fronius inverter fully installed for around £5k, if in the South Derbyshire area, shout if you need more info.

AL

bret_cooper

Just got an email with a further quote


16 Rec solar panels 250w
power one inverter
I boost
£6500


Cancelled order to be fitted on the 14th Feb


I cant find any information or reviews on the panels so im not sure of them. found little information on the inverter but I think I prefer the Solaredge inverter and the power optimisers


Anyone know of the panels and would the solaredge inverter be much more.


thanks


Bret

tunnel

bret_cooper wrote: »

Just got an email with a further quote


16 Rec solar panels 250w
power one inverter
I boost
£6500


Cancelled order to be fitted on the 14th Feb


I cant find any information or reviews on the panels so im not sure of them. found little information on the inverter but I think I prefer the Solaredge inverter and the power optimisers


Anyone know of the panels and would the solaredge inverter be much more.


thanks


Bret

Hi Bret,


If I'm honest, most 250w panels are pretty much the same. I've had a look at the REC data sheet and they're pretty average. I have Jetion 250w panels(black on black) and believe that Martyn also has the same. They're not expensive.


Back to your inverter, IF you have ANY shading issues whatsoever then you really do need to look at solaredge or micro inverters. As I've said previously, I can't comment on the micros but solaredge, love it, the online monitoring is great.


I'd like to think that 16 panels, solaredge and an I-boost(or similar) you'd get change from £7k, be surprised if you didn't!!


HTH

Martyn1981

bret_cooper wrote: »

Just got an email with a further quote

16 Rec solar panels 250w
power one inverter
I boost
£6500

Cancelled order to be fitted on the 14th Feb

I cant find any information or reviews on the panels so im not sure of them. found little information on the inverter but I think I prefer the Solaredge inverter and the power optimisers

Anyone know of the panels and would the solaredge inverter be much more.

thanks

Bret

Hiya Bret, regarding panels, 'pays your money, takes your chance', but if it's helpful, REC are pretty big. Article here placing them (in volume terms) within the top 10, but it's a little old, and relates to 2012. But it does give a bit of info on REC.

Top 10 Solar PV Module Suppliers Of 2012

This issue came up a while back, and it was pointed out (quite rightly) that size doesn't mean quality, but hopefully, it does at least give a little re-assurance, and some background.

All the best.

Mart.

PS, great to see you're now into decent prices/quotes. Well done. M.

[Deleted User]

bret_cooper wrote: »

Just got an email with a further quote


16 Rec solar panels 250w
power one inverter
I boost
£6500


Cancelled order to be fitted on the 14th Feb


I cant find any information or reviews on the panels so im not sure of them. found little information on the inverter but I think I prefer the Solaredge inverter and the power optimisers


Anyone know of the panels and would the solaredge inverter be much more.


thanks


Bret

I have black REC panels which on the face of it are fine, never been disappointed if that helps...

bret_cooper

Just had another quote which I think im happy with


16 240 Panasonic panels
solar edge inverter
16 power optimisers
I boost
£7400 or 16 Enecsys Micro inverters for £300 less
or a standard inverter £6600.


Thinking of the solar edge route but does this seem a good price and combination.


Thanks


Bret

tunnel

bret_cooper wrote: »

Just had another quote which I think im happy with


16 240 Panasonic panels(too dear) Whats up with REC apart from being £60 per panel cheaper
solar edge inverter £700 for 4kW SE4000
16 power optimisers £37.50 each or £600 for 16
I boost don't know but say £4-500



Bret

The prices above are trade prices but you should get the idea. You've been given advice on REC panels including a member who has them yet your still looking/getting quoted on far more expensive gear....why?


Why not ask the installer who quoted the REC's for a price with solaredge, should be around £4-500 more than having a power one inverter.

bret_cooper

this was a different installer who has just quoted, im trying to get as many quotes locally as possible.


With the REC I was offered a SMA inverter but he didn't seen interested on the solar edge.


I don't mind paying a bit extra now for a product that will last and is more reliable, but also willing to pay extra for a warranty.


Is the solar edge worth the extra money - performance and warranty wise.


im getting all confused with looking at different systems and what they do.


Think will stick with the REC and push for solar edge.


Thanks


bret

tunnel

Bret,


There's normally a 10 year warranty on the inverter and 25 year on the power optimisers(solaredge). Most panels come with around a 5-10 year warranty.


Its worth every penny to me as I'm already seeing an increase on generation compared to the SMA inverter I used to run. Watching the playback on the online monitoring I can see panels going in to shade and only generating a small percentage of what the others are doing, had this been the SMA then one panel brings the rest down with it.


You really do need to check though to see if/how bad you have any shading(just go outside when the sun is out at different times of the day and look where your looking at putting panels). There's no point in the extra cost if its only very minimal.