Solarworld 280 vs Sunedison 325

[tru2logan]

I am trying to select the best system for the price. I have 7 quotes and have narrowed down the choice to two companies.

Company A is established 30 year old company that offers complete roof and system 30 year warranty (inverter 12 years).
9.8kw
35- 280 watt solarworld mono black panels (USA made not Germany version)
SMA sunny boy inverters
Cost $3.38/watt

Company B is a newer 3 year old company that offers a 10 year roof (Not entire roof but only system area) and system 20 year warranty (inverter 12 years).

9.75 KW
30- 325 watt Sunedison panels
SolarEdge 10kw inverter with optimizers
Cost $2.93/watt

What are you thoughts on Solarworld vs Sunedison panels? I started off really wanting the SW but I'm thinking they are not worth the extra $$$/watt I'm being quoted. Any thoughts on the sunny boy vs solaredge with optimizers?

[emartin00]

I would go with Company B without a doubt personally. Panels are just about all the same these days. Unless roof space is at a premium, there isn't much reason to pay extra. Plus with a SolarEdge inverter, if you ever have a bad panel, you can replace it with anything, it doesn't need to match the rest of the panels on the roof.

[J.P.M.]

Since you ask: Mostly agreeing W/Emartin00, I'm of the opinion that most reputable mfgs. produce about equal quality panels in terms of reliability and performance rolloff with time. The panels, IMO, are mostly a wash.

However, I would spend more time researching for info to help determine why, besides the SMA inverter, vendor A's offering is $ 0.45/Watt more, and in what ways, if at all, that premium is worth it to you.

While not knocking vendor B, a good and established vendor is worth a premium, and 30 years is a long and telling number. Probability is greater they have staying power and will be around for the long term. However, that's still a big premium.

On the other hand, depending on where you are, $3.38/Watt before ITC or other rebates, etc., is about the going rate, in my area for a decent quality product, maybe coming down a bit. And, you do get what you pay for (or less, depending on diligence and product knowledge). Buy cheap, buy twice. Contrary to common (non)thinking, a major purchase is always more about most bang for the buck than the short term view that considers lowest initial cost alone. Think long term.

Bottom line: I'd counter offer vendor A something closer to vendor A without revealing vendor A's pricing (you may get lower, but not if you reveal), and see what they say. Since you have vendor B in your pocket, you've got nothing to lose. I'd suggest you reveal vendor B pricing only as a last resort and only (seemingly) on the way out the door from the negotiations.