Differences in panels

[SolarCity]

Can anybody please help me out with regards to the differences between panels and their potential yield. PV Sol does a great job of giving you figures based on which panel you use but I can't work out why some 180w panels give out one return and another 180w panel gives another figure. I presume it is something to do with how they perform under different temperatures?

 

[SRE]

Isn't it the different efficiencies?? EG Sharp NU235 14.3% Sanyo 230 HIT 19% - the Sanyo will produce a greater yield because it's more efficient.

 

[SolarCity]

I thought this also. However, after further investigation it would appear the different efficiencies relate to W/square metre. Therefore, a Sanyo 230w panel would produce the same as a 230w Sharp panel yet will be a little smaller, thus producing greater yield per surface area. There seems to be something else going on.

 

[robbobnbill]

isnt it to do with manufacturing?

different panels of the same size and output rating have different output tolerances, i assume this is calculated from all the different component parts such as solder wire etc, so if on manufacturer uses a better made junction box then itll be more effective, also the manufacturing process on the cells makes a difference as better cell efficiency effects the overall performance

 

[SolarCity]

Doesn't cell efficiency affect the efficiency of the panel in general? For example, better cell efficiency will make a 230w panel smaller than a 230w panel with lower cell efficiency?

 

[robbobnbill]

i thought if a manufacturer can improve the efficiency of a cell year on year the cell doesnt necessarily have to get smaller, just more power in the same area?

 

[SolarCity]

i thought if a manufacturer can improve the efficiency of a cell year on year the cell doesnt necessarily have to get smaller, just more power in the same area?

I think that's probably correct. But this would still mean that a panel that once produced 180w would then produce 185w. But what would make a 185w panel more productive than another 185w panel from a different manufacturer?

 

[DomB]

As Robbobnbill mentioned, we noticed Schuco's tend to have an Output Tolerance of -0% to +5% whereas other manufacturers call their panels a higher Wattage and then give a -5% to +5% tolerance; perhaps PVSol takes that into account?

 

[dansk]

Its all to do with the clarity of the cell during manufacture. Some manufactures actuely make the silicon cells and grade them "A" "B" "C" etc - these companys keep the "A" grade for there own panels giving a better effciancy than say a "B" grade cell rated at the same power and sold to another company - take a look here its interesting MCS pv panel specification, caymax panel, mono & poly panel supplier, wholesaler, distributor, CEEG SST UK (no i dont work here)