Schuco panels, SMA inverter... are these good products?

Re: Schuco panels, SMA inverter... are these good products?

I have had nothing but problems since my SMA Inverter was hit by lightening. It was covered under a 5 year warranty. Instead of replacing it with a new inverter they replaced it with refurbished inverter with a 1 year warrenty. Less than a year later it it quit working, as my Solar technician told me " it went Bad" and once again will only replace it with a refurbished on and charge me for it. I want a new one and they ar unwilling to even think about it. Think twice before you purchase a Sunny Boy inverter and read the warranty well. They are a German Based Company with offices in CA and they are not very open to upgrades in your equipment even if you offer financial incentives.

Re: Schuco panels, SMA inverter... are these good products?

Hi Sophie, I can shed plenty of light on Schuco. Multi billion dollar German company (privately held) with 1.5 billion in sales. Big into energy conservation as well as solar.
Out of 1960 like renewable businesses, no one is stronger financially as per Dunn and Bradstreet. Only 4 others are as financially strong as Schuco.
They manufacturer most of their solar panels, but not the 180 watt. I believe you are looking at their spu-4. They are manufactured by Mitsubishi (Schuco specifications) with multiple upgrades. A very nice panel. They will be out next month with a Black on Black poly panel. I believe I read it will be 14.1% panel efficiency. It will be priced slightly higher than the 180 watts. 0-5% tolerance rating!!! Manufacturered by Schuco. BE AWARE THAT THE 180 W PANEL HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. It is being discounted and sold until inventory is exhausted.
The nice thing about Schuco is they make the alluminum rails, t fasteners, mechanical roof and ground mount fasteners, and are the largest purchaser of SMA inverters in the World! SMA allows them to brand their product Schuco in Europe and I have see the first SMA/Schuco inverters in California. SMA warranties apply.
They also certify their contractors. This creates "accountability" concerning warranties. Something not enjoyed with other manufacturers.Check out their 210 Watt SMAU-1 mono crystalline. 14.9% panel efficiency! They also have a 12 yr 90-% production warranty. In a hot climate zone it may be the better value over the 180 watt poly's.
As for the SMA inverters, I can tell you I have seen and had direct experience with fronius, xantrax, and SMA. SMA weights twice as much as the others, and has fewer working parts. For an additional $500-$750 you can upgrade warranties to 15 years and up to 20 years for $1000, at least in California. I will not consider the previous mentioned inverters but am currently checking into Outback.
Last but not least, consider upgrading to a SB 7000US inverter. You may be getting close to maxing out the SB6000 US. Inverters work best and last longer if they are oversized a little. It also gives you room to add panels later on without having to purchase a new inverter. It is only $250 extra. They just came out with a SB8000US. $100 more than a SB7000.
Hope this helps.