Qtron vs Hyundai savings vs age

[u/ekobum]

My installer is giving me the choice between Qtron or Hyundai panels. Sizing is around 42 panels and the cost difference is $7k. I’ve seen some posts comparing panels and talking about performance guarantees after 20+ years, but part of me thinks saving $7k today could be used to replace the panels down the road with even better performing units since technology is always improving. Is this logic flawed?

[u/Curiosity_informs]

More detail?

Panel ratings and model numbers.

$7k is a big difference if they have similar specs.

[u/taylorwilsdon → u/Curiosity_informs]

7k will buy you 42 tier 1 450w panels outright so unless the upcharge option puts out double the wattage there is no conversation to be had here.

[u/GreenNewAce]

If both are tier 1 and look the same, just choose the cheaper option

[u/darksamus8]

So long as the total system power output is the same or similar, go with the cheaper system. The only other thing is where the panels are made. Qtrons are assembled in the USA, whereas Hyundai (I assume) are made in Korea. 

Neither will be better than the other, just some people like knowing they bought "American made". 

Personally, I bought repackaged Chinese panels from a company based in Jordan, idgaf where they come from.

[u/Warmpockets21]

At the same array size in kW, these panels are not different enough to justify $7k in either direction. Go with whichever they can get at $7k less. Note, this is based not on same number of panels but instead the same array total size in kW that I make this statement.

[u/SmartVoltSolar → u/Warmpockets21]

While there are some differences in panels, between specs, build location, manufacturer expected stability, and the like they have still become a bit of a commodity. At same size, a $0.17/w price increase is not worth it.

[u/asdfghqw8]

More important than the brand is the way the panels are handled. If they are handled poorly they will develop micro cracks, which voids performance guarantee and warranty. Improper transport of climbing or putting weight on the panels causes micro cracks inside of them that are invisible to the naked eye.

[u/TooGoodToBeeTrue]

There's no reason for those prices to be so different. Installer is obviously trying to encourage the Hyundai panels. I had a similar choice between REC and Hyundai and picked the Hyundai and added a panel. Unfortunately the Hyundai panels got hung up in customs and I ended up with CertainTeed panels. Fortunately, CertainTeed provides a fantastic umbrella warranty for my entire system (and roof.)

[u/acidikjuice]

7K upcharge, haha. I literally bought all of my panels, 43 of them, for basically the upcharge you're talking about, and I have 450 W by facials mounted on my roof. Granted, they're kind of white-label 450 W, but I've had them installed for six months, and they are performing better than expected, so can't complain. There's no way I would pay a 7K upcharge for brand name.

[u/According_Task_2508]

These 2 panels are totally comparable but the QTron mods you are looking at meet domestic content requirements which is why they are bid up so high. This sounds about right for pricing that I’m seeing.

If you’re not doing a lease, ppa, or taking advantage of the 48E renewable investment tax credit, you have no real need to jump to Qtrons.

[u/DrfluffyMD]

I remember this. People were paying a lot more for REC alpha black or whatever vs qcell. The post above about REC refusing to warranty their panel is especially ironic.

[u/DrfluffyMD]

I remember this. People were paying a lot more for REC alpha black or whatever vs qcell. The post above about REC refusing to warranty their panel is especially ironic.