Costing / Reliability : Solar Panel and Inverter Choices.

abeezar

Hey...decided to get solar panels...done reads on the forums and on the websites.

I am also getting a few quotes, they all vary and with varied recommendations.

[Planning to install around 8KW Solar Panel on 50msq flat roof ( no shading), Annual consumption 7000Kwh]

*****Aim of this post to get a quote on the following basis.***********

[It's not about whether you can afford it,  but what is optimum and realistic and hassle-free system]

1. Solar Panels cost variations.    

    Warranty :

    LG/Sunpower - have a 25-year product warranty. -  they cost more.

    JA/QCell/Mid Range - have a 12-year product warranty.

        https://www.cleanenergyreviews.info/blog/best-solar-panels-review 

        https://review.solar/best-solar-panels-2020/              

 
    Requirement: You want maximum generation per sqm or also lower £/W at the same time

                          don't want the hassle of replacing them.

               

    Question: Is it worth paying extra for Tier 1 Panels? ( LG/Sunpower) ( Nearly 2K)

               (Ignore  Panel rating)

               

2. Inverters

      Warranty again ??  determines costing?

   

   https://www.cleanenergyreviews.info/blog/best-grid-connect-solar-inverters-sma-fronius-solaredge-abb

   Hybrid Inverters / String Inverters ( Fronius) offer a 12-year product warranty.  so maybe 2 Inverters in 25 years span + installation cost.

    Solar Edge: 12 + extended warranty (8 years) at cost.   

   Enhpahse: Micro Inverter 25-year product warranty.....    Enhphase ones cost twice the others...

   

      Question: Is it worth paying extra ?? ( Nearly 2K)

      (Ignore Peak dischrage)

        

 3. Warranty Claim

    Assume that the company that installed Solar is out of business.  

    How will one be offered stress-free product replacement with 12 yr or 25-year warranty and the associated installation cost with that.

       

    Kindly share your experiences.

TIA
AB

frozen_wastes

Be mindful of two things:
1.  In 12 years time, both the solar panels and the power electronics will be considerably cheaper.   So if the worst happens and you need to replace a panel out of warranty, I don’t think the hardware costs will be a big deal.

2.  The time taken to instal a panel is just a minor portion of the overall installation time.  The mounting system, tile profiling, and wiring is where the fiddly bits are.   Each panel is held on by six screws, and two connectors.  That’s not a big job.  Depending on your roof, the scaffold tower will be the biggest time consumer, and even that is quick to setup.

I’ve  gone with JA Solar panels on my roof.  The price performance is so much better than LG, and they appear to have a solid reputation.  In 12 years time, chances are you’ll have an appetite for a panel upgrade anyway.