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Which Panels

Posted: 28 Jun 2011, 22:26
by JonB
We are currently getting quotes for our solar PV and hopefully thermal. Given the smaller size of our roof, if we did the whole thing (no thermal) we would have ~2KWp on sharp 245W panels, but ~2.5KWp with 250W Sanyo panels, according to quotes so far. Install would be proportionately smaller with thermal.
This is all grid tied.
Question is, is it worth going with the Sanyos? Are they worth the extra cost?
Thanks

Posted: 28 Jun 2011, 22:38
by biffvernon
You'll have to do your own arithmetic on the quotes you get but generally, where space is not an issue, best value are the cheaper, less efficient panels, but in your case where you don't have room to get the most advantage of the 4kWp FiT threshold, you're probably going to be better off with the most efficient panels available even if they cost a bit more.

Posted: 29 Jun 2011, 19:46
by JonB
biffvernon wrote:You'll have to do your own arithmetic on the quotes you get but generally, where space is not an issue, best value are the cheaper, less efficient panels, but in your case where you don't have room to get the most advantage of the 4kWp FiT threshold, you're probably going to be better off with the most efficient panels available even if they cost a bit more.
What I thought. We will only look for more efficient panels.
Anyone recommend an installer in the Warwickshire area?
Couple of OK ones so far, but most seem to be sparks turning their hand to the new big thing.

Posted: 30 Jun 2011, 09:49
by adam2
Any chance of useing the house roof for solar thermal only, and putting the PV on a large shed, garage, or storage building ?

Solar thermal needs to be on or close to the house.
PV can be some distance away.
A purpose built shed can of course be aligned exactly as required for maximum PV production.

Posted: 30 Jun 2011, 20:02
by JonB
adam2 wrote:Any chance of useing the house roof for solar thermal only, and putting the PV on a large shed, garage, or storage building ?

Solar thermal needs to be on or close to the house.
PV can be some distance away.
A purpose built shed can of course be aligned exactly as required for maximum PV production.
Alas, no. Front of house is SE facing. Garden gets a fair bit of sun as we are high on a hill, but nowhere has the sun as we'd like.