Hanwha Vs Talesun Panels?

[dave01978]

I have found this site a few weeks ago, and I have learned a whole lot about solar over the last month or so. I am sure there is a lot more to learn, I do have a few quotes, and most where Hanwha panels, which from what I read is a good panel. After working with a company, I found a group buy program called solarize chicago (it appears to be sponsered by midwest renewable energy association, and the Illinois citizens utility board). So I hear about this program, and the company that won the bid on the project was a same one that quoted me the Hanwha panels, and asked them about it. With that program they are all Talesun TP660M-300 panels. I am not really finding much discussion on line about them. Not sure if it would be worthwhile with them, and figured I would ask the experts on this.

They have not done a physical site survey, and actually on the roof yet. But there specs on the talesun with solar edge inverter is
10.5kW with a 13,325kWH year 1 production which is 35 panels, and 105% offset pre incentive price of $2.60 per W total of $27,300 (this price may go down based on number sold in the group buy (i did not get a number, but it appears it might be a couple cents per watt at most)

the Hanwha with solar edge inverters is as follows
10.24kW with 13395kWh year 1 production with 32 Hanwha Q CELLS Q.PEAK DUO BLK-G5 320 105% offset as well pre incentive price of $2.90 per W total of $29,696

The main question is are the Talesun a good panel, and worth going with the $2396 savings? Also if my math is right on a loan outside of them with the interest and everything the overall is $3185 savings (payback would be 10 months earlier on the Talesun total monthly payment is only $16.37 difference. (I know most of the numbers really just concern me but what to put them out there to get opinions)

Thoughts and opinions on Talesun vs Hanwha panels?

[J.P.M.]

Beyond some basic level of quality, panels are pretty much a commodity that don't fail beyond a somewhat unusal infant mortality.
Bigger issue is the vendor and if they are local, a licensed electrical contractor that's been around for more than a few years and sold PV for at least 5+ yrs. A good vendor is worth a premium. How much ? - What's a crappy, troublesome system and a leaky roof worth ?
Other issues:
Tax credits are decreasing 12/31/2019.Make sure you get in under the wire.
Also, if a roof mount, get your roof inspected/serviced before the PV install. Cheap insurance you will not regret.
Get/read a copy of "Solar Power Your Home for Dummies". Consumer solar ignorance is your worst enemy. Spend 20bucks and a couple of hours reading and eliminate that ignorance.
Welcome to the neighborhood.

[solarix]

Q.Cells are considered to be a "tier 1" panel manufacturer. Talesun is not.

[J.P.M.]

Q.Cells are considered to be a "tier 1" panel manufacturer. Talesun is not.

By who ? Not arguing which is better, but who are the tier police that declare one panel better than another ? And, what are the criteria used ? I've wondered about that rating system for several years now. I'm ignorant of that system's origin and methods.

[dave01978]

Beyond some basic level of quality, panels are pretty much a commodity that don't fail beyond a somewhat unusal infant mortality.
Bigger issue is the vendor and if they are local, a licensed electrical contractor that's been around for more than a few years and sold PV for at least 5+ yrs. A good vendor is worth a premium. How much ? - What's a crappy, troublesome system and a leaky roof worth ?
Other issues:
Tax credits are decreasing 12/31/2019.Make sure you get in under the wire.
Also, if a roof mount, get your roof inspected/serviced before the PV install. Cheap insurance you will not regret.
Get/read a copy of "Solar Power Your Home for Dummies". Consumer solar ignorance is your worst enemy. Spend 20bucks and a couple of hours reading and eliminate that ignorance.
Welcome to the neighborhood.

I totally here you there, both quotes are from the same company actually as far as the vendor they are a midwest vendor with a local office, and they do all the work them selves, have been in business 7 years. All reviews I have read on various sites have been good, energy sage, google, BBB, Yelp, home advisor. So hopefully I checked them out enough.

Tax Credits, yes i will certainly make sure its done (Hanwha they say 8-10 week time) the Talesun is 4th quarter, likely November (part of the group buy spec requirement is to be completed in 2019.
Roof was actually replaced with Asphalt Shingles last fall.
Good Advice on the book, I will have to grab a copy of that, I have read a tremendous amount on the subject online,
Also both quotes are for solar edge inverters as well.

Solarix, thanks for the info