There seemes to be an influx of so-called 'Cheap' Chinese panels on the Australian Market. Provided they have both the EC certifications and are on the approved list they can be installed in Australia and recieve RECS. Chinese panels seem to have that cheap and nasty tag, but so much comes out of China should we really be all that worried.
What kind of issues should we be wary of if we purchase these 'cheap' Chinese panels?
What issues have people who have installed panels experienced?
'Cheap' Chinese Solar Panels
(17 posts) (14 voices)-
Tacker
MemberPosted Thursday 4 Mar 2010 @ 2:22:21 am from IP # -
LanceTurner
Key MasterI've got a few on various small projects and all have been excellent so far. Admittedly, they haven't been installed for long, the longest has been up for about 2 years, but the build quality of mine (from several different suppliers) have all been pretty good, especially the more recent panels. There's no doubt that the Chinese are getting their act together re quality. And remember, the second largest (until last year they were the largest) manufacturer of panels on the planet is Chinese (SunTech). So, while they may not all be of high quality, many certainly seem to be. We haven't heard much in the way of negative feedback on the current crop of Chinese panels so they seem to be a viable proposition for all manner of installations.
Posted Thursday 4 Mar 2010 @ 3:38:24 am from IP # -
ronbrisata
MemberWas some recent stories about this on ABC, see http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/18/2822941.htm
You can then google names and read a bit more about it
Posted Monday 8 Mar 2010 @ 1:44:50 am from IP # -
bgraetz
Memberalot of chinese imported panels etc. claim to have the same warranties etc. as the big brands eg. BP Solar have their 25yr 85% output warranty and i've seen some that to the naked eye look Identical as-well...
But i think the main thing to think about is in 5, 10 or even 20 years down the track, will that panel still work??? and/or if you ever do have any problems with warranties, will you be able to find the company that you brought them off??
I know with grid connect systems in NSW, if you install cheaper panels can save you maybe $200 a panel? Going a BP Solar or other 'well known' brand might take you an extra year or two for the system to pay itself off... but id personally prefer it, i guess it depends on the situation...
but again as LanceTurner said, there is alot of High quality product coming form china as-well so i guess its just a matter of doing your research on places like these before making the decision!...
Posted Monday 8 Mar 2010 @ 1:55:28 am from IP # -
Tacker
MemberLots of Australian companies import panels from China. Would be better off dealing with them. Trying to get a warantee replacement/part direct from a Chinese company would be nigh on impossible (unless you are fluent in Mandarin).
I am not sure what research we need to do to ensure that we are getting a quality product.
Company been around a while?? (still a pretty new industry so heaps of new comapnies around)
Warranties?? (all about the same in any case 5yr product 80% output at 20 or 25 years etc).
What can actually go wrong with a 'cheaper' panel? What do we need to look for???Posted Wednesday 10 Mar 2010 @ 12:57:43 am from IP # -
ghostgum
MemberI've got two types of solar panels on my roof.
One lot made in Germany, and one lot made in China.
Based on two days of data (i.e. not enough), and compensating for the difference in the array sizes and inverter efficiency, it looks like the German panels are 10% more efficient than the Chinese panels. The cost difference was something more than 10%.I'll continue to monitor the differences in output over the coming months.
Posted Wednesday 10 Mar 2010 @ 4:48:18 am from IP # -
All the issues in the above posts have crossed my mind as well.
Now looking at two very similar quotes - one for "Sunintelligence" panels and a 2kw Orion inverter while the other nominates CEEG panels connected to a CMS inverter.
Any clues as to how these might compare? Anyone installed these brands & want to share their experiences?
Posted Friday 12 Mar 2010 @ 2:29:22 am from IP # -
ghostgum
MemberWith another day of data and taking into account the difference in panel size and the inverter efficiency, my German panels are about 7% better than the cheaper Chinese panels.
The inverter on the German panels has an efficiency of 96.5%, while the inverter on the Chinese is 92%. Both inverters are from the same manufacturer.
At this time of year, the German panels get shaded in the morning and evening by the evaporative cooler and the neighbour's house, so the figures are currently biased in favour of the Chinese panels.Posted Friday 12 Mar 2010 @ 3:27:28 am from IP # -
dawn167
MemberHas anyone had Jinko Solar Panels installed or know about them, I was given details from a reputable dealer about Jinko Panels they install, the 180W black framed panels (mono Crystalline) and the details appeared to be OK I would like some feedback please from anyone who knows? Are Jinko Panels cheap or good, etc? many thanks
Posted Saturday 12 Jun 2010 @ 1:29:27 am from IP # -
Anonymous
UnregisteredJinko is a big company, they just had their IPO in NYSE.
Anyone here know about my company "topsola"?? thanks!
We dont sell much in Austrilia, and only our 180W panels are ok to sell here, because of CEC??
Posted Thursday 24 Jun 2010 @ 9:11:12 am from IP # -
Gruen
MemberI'm with brgaetz. You only need to follow the US drywall (plasterboard) scandal which has made thousands ill and a similar number of homes unliveble to know that Chinese warranties are not enforceable. Besides, I like to know that the people who make the stuff that I buy have been paid.
Posted Thursday 24 Jun 2010 @ 11:58:33 am from IP # -
Anonymous
Unregisteredwhy my post was deleted? yesterday i replied this thread but today my post was gone!!!
Posted Friday 25 Jun 2010 @ 2:25:21 am from IP # -
If you have Sharp solar modules you may find this interesting.
"Sharp NUS0E3E 180W
had a 2 kw system installed on the 29/04/2009
noticed the other day a "crazed/stained" look on the bottom of most of the panels"http://www.thebackshed.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3220&PN=1
Posted Saturday 12 Feb 2011 @ 9:19:09 am from IP # -
Lance
Key MasterA couple or so years ago Sharp recalled a huge number of panels due to a manufacturing defect, maybe a few got left out of the recall...
Posted Saturday 12 Feb 2011 @ 11:11:07 am from IP # -
Inevitable
MemberThe rules of importing solar panels from China.
1. If you don't know what you are doing, get a professional on your team.
just when you think you have everything covered..... you don't.2. Go beyond the certifications, do your research.
Australian regulations are extremely relaxed for solar import in 2 areas:
1: CEC Approval - They only require basic certification 61215 + 61370.
Whilst these are two very important certifications they are nowhere near
enough to separate the crap from the good stuff. There is no factory
inspection nor annual check up.
2: Did you pay for what you actually got?
- Some uncertified factories make panels using certified labels.
- It has been known for importers to relabel the panels.3. A warranty is only worth it when its backed by a Global Insurer
They can offer the moon when it comes to a warranty and they can also claim to have local service. However....if that warranty isn't backed by Allianz, Chubb or some other Global, non Chinese entity then should the installer or the manufacturer go under you have nothing.4. Get at at least one reference. The easiest way to know if the manufacturer you want to deal with has the goods is to ask for a credible reference. It may just be a simple letter stating that that manufacturer does indeed supply modules to X company but at least you can check it.
5. If the price is too good to be true..... you know it, don't buy it.
6. You are not alone
There are many options which will avoid you having to become solar expert.a. Contact Solar import specialists. These are people who specialise in sourcing what you need and setting up an agreement between you and the factory direct. They are usually retained by the factory to handle the account which is where they make their fee. Price is about 1 cent per watt higher than buying direct but you have peace of mind.
b. Find a Chinese supplier who already has a local office. More and more are taking up warehouse space in Aus. The challenge is that they will now supply as wholesalers which will drive up the price.
c. Find an Importer. This can be a bit more expensive but it is a straightforward business transaction. They will not be involved in the fulfillment of the warranty or any technical backup but it is cheaper than wholesale. (Tip: If they ask you if you want CEC approved or not, put the phone down)
d. Do it yourself. Let me be frank. Don't do it. You will never get the 'real' best price, if its not what you asked for it will be late and if its not late the labels will be wrong...... leave it to the experts.
BUT.... if you really really really want to go it alone I don't want to be reading your tale of woe on here in a months time. I'll happily give you a few guiding steps to get you started.
Posted Sunday 13 Feb 2011 @ 7:01:55 am from IP # -
rgormley
Memberhey thats me with the dud sharp PV`s
anybody got more info on the panel recall from sharp
(lucky for me i have a new pallet of replacement (new model) panels to go up on the roof
thanks sharp! pays to buy a brand name, well they did replace them NO hassles..
Regards,
RichardPosted Thursday 17 Feb 2011 @ 9:43:48 am from IP #
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