BruceM Posted June 18, 2017 Share Posted June 18, 2017 Researching 100W monocrystalline solar panels I see quite a variance in cost. Have we reached a stage in monocrystalline solar panel evolution that they’re all basically the same? For instance, my reading indicates that ‘some solar panels group the cells into blocks each with a bypass diode to avoid a shaded portion of the solar panel adversely effecting a non shaded portion’. Is this sort of variance still the case or do they all now have the same spec these days? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Posted June 18, 2017 Share Posted June 18, 2017 I asked a similar question to Photonic Universe as they sell two panel types, both monocrystalline but one is made by Bosch and is 50 pounds dearer. I'll see if I can paste the answer here... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Posted June 18, 2017 Share Posted June 18, 2017 Thank you for your interest in our products, They both have bypass diodes in the junction boxes, so in this respect the solar panels are similar. If you have any doubts we suggest buying the SPA-150M for £144.99 - it is a great value for money. This solar panel has got a lot more reviews on Amazon compared to SWD-150M simply because, being a cheaper product, it is affordable for a wider customer group and it is purchased more frequently. They are both very good quality solar panels, the difference in cells would mainly come in: - cloudy weather performance when Solarworld (SWD-150M) cells would produce slightly higher output - potentially a bit slower degradation of performance in the course of say 10-20 years (though it has not been confirmed yet that the solar panels are different in this aspect). In bright direct sunlight, their performance is identical - they will both produce up to 150W, Kind regards, Igor Engineer Photonic Universe Ltd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Posted June 18, 2017 Share Posted June 18, 2017 The Bosch panel is over £200. Some panels are really cheap on eBay but do they have a glass front? Or perspex? And is the frame they're mounted on aluminum? Or plastic? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BruceM Posted June 18, 2017 Author Share Posted June 18, 2017 Therein lies one of the issues, a lack of comprehensive specific information and in particular the lack of a spec sheet. They’re no doubt all made in China and some appear to tick some of the boxes. For instance http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100W-solar-panel-5m-cable-for-12V-battery-motorhome-camper-caravan-boat-100-watt-/111504448877?hash=item19f62edd6d:g:JRMAAOSwyTZUWWBC which is a mid-range (cost wise) aluminium framed panel though with no mention of a glass front and which appears to be a white labelled product provided with the supplier’s branding. Quite possibly a technical spec sheet would be provided on request and it may even be identical to the Boch product other than the branding. It does all make comparison a bit of challenge though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Posted June 18, 2017 Share Posted June 18, 2017 I'm going with the non Bosch , Photonic Universe panel, it's reasonably priced and the many Amazon reviews speak for themselves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuartO Posted June 19, 2017 Share Posted June 19, 2017 I had a domestic system installed last year using German-made panels and the installer told me these would be the last from that source. All solar panels are apparently now manufactured in China. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Posted June 19, 2017 Share Posted June 19, 2017 Yes Sunworld (old Bosch factory) has gone bust. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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