High efficiency solar panel - Spring 2013

red31 wrote:
When cost is different for the same energy ... How is the most expensive energy cost, most cost efficient? or a better ROI?

I believe you miss-understand. The higher efficiency panels produce more energy with less input. That also equates to more energy produced at lower light levels.
The Sanyo HIT technology also maintaines a higher energy output level as temperatures rise. Many panels loose as much as 60% of their output as temperatures rise.
I have seen a good number of solar installations with multiple panels of poor efficiency and dissatisfied owners. Solar panels chosen solely by cost, with little or no regard for efficiency. Then when it is found that they are not adequate they add more panels, when more efficient panels to begin with would have been the more cost effective solution.
Its pretty much a choice of the owner. More, less efficient panels at a lower cost per panel, or fewer, higher efficiency panels.

When cost is different for the same energy ... How is the most expensive energy cost, most cost efficient? or a better ROI?

red31 wrote:
No.

Please explain your reasoning.

red31 wrote:
No.

X2 - could be but not automatically. If it is .1% more efficient for double the money, it probably won't pay that back even over the lifetime on a camper.

I would think the way to answer the question is by looking at the delivered cost per watt and efficiency for the most efficient panels.

Jim

No.

HiTech wrote:
Sure looks like a question about the cost efficiency of high efficiency solar panels to me...

Jim

So then it would have to be further clarified as to what is the most efficient panel.
The Sanyo HIT has the highest rating for efficiency in the industry as the present time. That would also make it the most cost effective, would it not?
The best return for the buck over its lifetime.

Sure looks like a question about the cost efficiency of high efficiency solar panels to me...

Jim

What is the measure of efficiency?

My measure is $$ per watt. I got my 24v panels at solarblvd.com
Pick them up in person to make it even more efficient.

HiTech wrote:

harold1946 wrote:

HiTech wrote:
Of course it can. There are many ways to measure efficiency. Watts output at standard test conditions/ energy out vs energy in in one very lab specific set of circumstances is but one possible way. Cost efficiency per watt is a valid measure. Efficiency in total watts generated per a particular roof space (which will include packaging efficiency as well as panel energy conversion efficiency) is another.

Google "cost efficiency" in quotes.

Jim

I would respectfully desagree. Efficiency is one thing, cost is another. The most efficient panels are also the highest price per watt.
There is only one standard used in the industry for measuring the efficiency of solar panels, and has nothing to do with what the manufacturers price is.

When someone says efficiency in regard to a solar panel I would agree. But cost efficiency is a very standard term across technologies and has a clear and valid meaning as well.

Jim

You are playing with semantics. The OP's question was quite spacifically about solar panels. Maybe you should read the question and try answering that, instead of trying to confuse the issue. :S

harold1946 wrote:

HiTech wrote:
Of course it can. There are many ways to measure efficiency. Watts output at standard test conditions/ energy out vs energy in in one very lab specific set of circumstances is but one possible way. Cost efficiency per watt is a valid measure. Efficiency in total watts generated per a particular roof space (which will include packaging efficiency as well as panel energy conversion efficiency) is another.

Google "cost efficiency" in quotes.

Jim

I would respectfully desagree. Efficiency is one thing, cost is another. The most efficient panels are also the highest price per watt.
There is only one standard used in the industry for measuring the efficiency of solar panels, and has nothing to do with what the manufacturers price is.

In the context of the OP's first sentence, he seems to be looking for the most bang-for-the-buck, an efficiency that is measured in output/dollar = cost efficiency. I don't think he is totally concerned with electrical efficiency, based on his post. I was wrong once, though--1976 or so, IIRC. :B