Panel technology

garynappi
garynappi Registered Users Posts: 120 ✭✭
in Advanced Solar Electric Technical Forum #1
I currently have 4x200W (800W) solar panels and they are Bi-facial. Their output is VERY good and I decided to get four more for a late summer upgrade while the 200W bi-facials are on sale. The rub is the same company also has 200W single face panels at the same price. So, long term would the bi-facial be as reliable as the single face? I likely will not be taking much if any advantage of the bi-facial feature as they will be pergola mounted with little opportunity to get reflected rear solar light.

I'm not sure there's enough track record on bi-facial panels but I'm looking for possible comparison of both but any input would be appreciated.
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,908 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Bi Facial has had a high failure rate but alot of the failures were the mounting. Bifacial has been around at least 15 years. As with any solar panel, they are only as good as the company behind them and the warranty. There is more to this but time is up. Have a good day!
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • JRHill
    JRHill Registered Users Posts: 371 ✭✭✭✭
    #3
    Are you one that leads technology or one that lets it settle a bit.
    Off Grid. Two systems: 1) 2925w panels, OB VFXR3648, FM80, FNDC, Victron BMV-712, Mate3s, 240 xformer, four SimpliPHI 3.8; 2) 780w, Morningstar 30a, Grundfos switch, controller and AC/DC pump, 8 T105. Honda EU7000is w/AGS. Champion 3100. HF 4550, Miller Bobcat.
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  • garynappi
    garynappi Registered Users Posts: 120 ✭✭
    #4
    JRHill said:
    Are you one that leads technology or one that lets it settle a bit.
    I "like" bleeding edge tech and accept failures within reason but shy away from it if it is difficult to replace or worse still presents a danger to destroy something else up or downstream. 




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  • JRHill
    JRHill Registered Users Posts: 371 ✭✭✭✭
    #5
    I mostly agree, Gary. I did something rather out of character when I bought the SimpliPHI bank. But I had been watching several people with their experimentation, settings, etc on Outback's forum. But my lead batteries were at end of life and were falling out. Winter was coming - I had to do something.

    My main hesitation was a warranty for longer than the company had been in existence. But I dove into the change over. A quote comes to mind from Top Gun: "You know on the first one [two banks of lead] I crashed and burned" to Charlie, who then asks, "And the second? [LP04]" Maverick replies, "I don't know, but uh, it's looking good so far".

    Well see.
    Off Grid. Two systems: 1) 2925w panels, OB VFXR3648, FM80, FNDC, Victron BMV-712, Mate3s, 240 xformer, four SimpliPHI 3.8; 2) 780w, Morningstar 30a, Grundfos switch, controller and AC/DC pump, 8 T105. Honda EU7000is w/AGS. Champion 3100. HF 4550, Miller Bobcat.
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