obviously the low light production of the bifacials or high end panels is much better,, but they are way bigger and heavier for a diy project. meanwhile, a few extra cheaper panels are a 1/3 the cost. hmmmmm
Even at twice that rate of degradation, it would still be well above 80% production at year 25. For 1/3 the price, it's hard to argue the economy of the cheaper panels. Replace them entirely at the end of 25 years, and do it again in another 25 for the same price as the triple-priced panels...then do the math. Hmmm....75 years for the price of ? years?True, but you also have to compare the degradation of the panel output over time. For example an REC Alpha panel is designed to retain 92% at year 25. Spec sheet lists this as 0.25% annual degradation. Lower cost panels can loose power at twice that rate or more.
This is why Price and Value are not the same.
I think some people require the more efficient panels due to space limitations. They require a certain level of production, but have minimal space for it, thus necessitating a larger budget for the superior panels. If one has no space limitations, the pricier panels make less economic sense. There are also some people who just want the best of everything, and have the budget to get it--for them, economy is not a concern.obviously the low light production of the bifacials or high end panels is much better,, but they are way bigger and heavier for a diy project. meanwhile, a few extra cheaper panels are a 1/3 the cost. hmmmmm
Price per watt tends to favor the large panels. The amount of efficiency has reduced the size somewhat but the difference among most new panels is marginal when you are talking 20 =>23% efficiency. 1sqm being 200W versus 230W I would be suspicious of a 1/3 price difference as possibly being a false wattage representation.obviously the low light production of the bifacials or high end panels is much better,, but they are way bigger and heavier for a diy project. meanwhile, a few extra cheaper panels are a 1/3 the cost. hmmmmm
But is it really better? It's a marketing game.obviously the low light production of the bifacials or high end panels is much better,, but they are way bigger and heavier for a diy project. meanwhile, a few extra cheaper panels are a 1/3 the cost. hmmmmm
It's usually cost/W which matters most, but as already said you need to think racking, wiring, Voc vs inverter, available room, local weather, roof vs ground installation too. Panels are usually the cheap part, so savings aren't that big there.obviously the low light production of the bifacials or high end panels is much better,, but they are way bigger and heavier for a diy project. meanwhile, a few extra cheaper panels are a 1/3 the cost. hmmmmm