The latest Trina solar panel review ticks a lot of boxes
Thinking of putting Trina solar panels on your roof? Then finding a review that you can trust is critical. After all, unless you are an uber solar geek like me you probably have never heard of the Trina brand before (they are one of the biggest solar panel manufacturers on the planet by the way).
Reliable, honest solar panel reviews are very hard to come by. Why? Firstly because properly testing a solar panel takes at least a year – so that you get all the seasons. Secondly it takes a big investment in carefully calibrated measurement hardware.
Luckily there is a fantastic organisation who are more obsessed with solar that many would consider healthy. These guys have taken it upon themselves to fill a field with 151 different solar panel brands and measure their outputs through the seasons. Those are the guys who publish solar industry bible “Photon Magazine“. (Delivered to your door for about $500 per year if you are interested.)
Unfortunately for us Aussies, Photon Magazine’s field is in Germany, so it is not exactly “Australian conditions”. But don’t stop reading just yet! The good news is that we can make a valid extrapolation of the results to estimate how the tested panels will perform under our belting Aussie sun.
So let’s cut to the chase.
How did the Trina Solar Panel review rate their performance?
Very well. They got a “performance ratio” of 90.1%. This means that they perform to within 90.1% of their nameplate (STC) power.
What does that mean? Let’s use an example to illustrate: A 200W panel with a 90% Performance ratio will operate, in the real world, like a 180W panel. In the world of solar power, over 90% is actually the hallmark of a well made panel.
(If you want to learn why panels don’t get to a 100% performance ratio I go in to great detail as to why here)
Temperature Performance is Outstanding
But the standout result from the Trina solar panel review is a little number tucked away in the results called the “Temperature Coefficient”. The Trina TSM 250PC05 (also known as the “Honey” panel in their marketing spiel) measures a Temperature Coefficient of -0.41%/°C.
Woohoo!
Did you see I got excited there?
Now – I’m not going to bore you with the technicalities of this number – you can read about that here. All you need to know is that the closer to zero that number is the better. And this is the best temperature coefficient I’ve seen on a polycrystalline solar panel. (if you’ve seen better let me know in the comments!)
Trina are obviously doing something right.
The closer to zero this number, the better the panel will perform when the temperature of the panel goes over 25°C. Which is often in most parts of Australia.
So – if you are thinking of buying Trina solar panels for use in a warm part of Australia, I reckon it is a great choice. There are cheaper panels around, and there are much more expensive ones. Some of the more expensive panels (e.g. Sunpower) will outperform Trina, despite Temperature coefficients that are not quite as good, due to other technical innovations. But I’ve yet to see a cheaper panel that performs better in the heat.
Photon Magazine tested 3 Trina Solar Panels for their review, with the winning Temperature coefficient highlighted in red. Interesting that the 250W performed better than the 225W panel in the heat.
The results of the photon testing
And if you want to read reviews of Trina Solar Panels from Australians who have lived with them for over 12 months – you can see lots of customer reviews here. Granted you won’t get any technical appraisal of temperature coefficients or performance ratios – but you will get to see their their real-world reliability and performance.
About Finn Peacock
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Hi Finn, I came across your blog today and am very impressed the feedback you provide. I have a question -Do Kaneka thin film panels installed in 2009 require an additional earthing kit?
We bought our panels from a now defunct business- The Solar Shop on Payneham Road, Adelaide, SA. Recently, we received a letter from the new owners of the business stating:
” It can be necessary when using thin-layer modules, such as the Kaneka Panels you have installed, to ground the positive or negative terminal of the PV generator. With the grounding set we are able to offer the optimal solution for this.”
Do we need to install the negative earthing kit which costs around $450? They go on…
“As discussed there is a cost involved to supply and install the upgrade on your inverter which is $440.00. This cost included the CEC electricians call out fee, the labor cost, the installation and supply of the earthing kit upgrade, as well as a quick check of your solar system to ensure it is running ok.” http://solarshop.com.au/solar-basics/solar-technology/accessories
We paid premium for these panels, which have produced ample electricity. So far we have asked one electrician and he said this is not necessary. We have emailed Kaneka and have received no reply as yet. Have you heard of this problem and could you recommend a reputable company/ electrician to help us solve the problem?
I would appreciate your comments on this. regards, Yas
Hi Yas,
Kaneka panels need to be earthed properly to ensure they are not damaged over time.
What kind of inverter do you have? Let me know and I can advise you who to contact for confirmation of your exact model.
But whether you do it or not – get multiple quotes as $450 is too much for a $105 component and 15 minutes labour.
Hope That Helps,
Finn
Thanks for responding Finn. Our inverter is a SMA Sunny Boy. What do you think?
Regards, Yasmine
SMA Australia’s staff have actually been specially trained to answer exactly this query – give them a tinkle on (02) 9491 4200 or 1800 SMA AUS and they will advise exactly what is and isn’t necessary.
Thanks again Finn. I spoke to someone at SMA Australia and she said that it was necessary to have a negative earthing kit installed with the Kaneka panels. My next step to find a solar panel installer who can do the job. Any suggestions???
Regards, Yas
Hi Yas,
Go here: http://www.solaraccreditation.com.au/consumers/findaninstaller.html
Click on the “location” radio button and enter your postcode and you will find very local electricians that are trained in solar.
Tell them that you have Kaneka panels and an SMA inverter and need the SMA Negative Earth Kit (ESHV-N-NR) kit fitted.
A fair price is about $250 total.
If you live in Adelaide, Suntrix – suntrix.com.au – definitely can do this for you.
Hope That Helps,
Finn
Hi,
We are buying an SMA inverter. So what panels do you think will suit?
We are getting 5kW panels of and a 5 kW inverter.
Thanks
QLD , Brisbane
HI Mandeep,
Here are the best brands of panels that are sold in Australia right now IMHO:
Canadian Solar Inc
Conergy AG
Hanwha SolarOne
Hyundai Heavy Industries
Jiangsu Linyang Solarfun
Kyocera Corporation
LG Electronics
Mitsubishi
Q-Cells
REC Solar
ReneSola
Panasonic
SunPower
Tindo Solar
Trina Solar
Yingli
All these are well supported in Australia and are pretty low risk buys. Any of those should go well with an SMA,but you’ll need a CEC accreddited designer to double check the specs and create a design for you.
Hope That Helps,
Finn
Hi Finn,
Are the DAQO panels any good?
Gary
I would class Daqo as on the border between Tier 1 and Tier 2. Some people will class them as Tier 1 other Tier 2. They seem to be on this list:
http://www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/chinese-solar-panels-list-careful/
At wholesale they are certainly one of the cheaper panels available.
Hi there everyone,
I am a solar installer and I have been installing Trina panels for around two years around Brisbane, we did a fair bit of research into panels and the Trina are up there with the best but are not as expensive so for us it is a product that is best value for money. We also offer cheaper panels but found that the majority of customers saw the value in the better performing panels. To add to this we have never had one fail yet.
And yes i have them installed on my own property.
Regards john.
Brisbane Solar & Electrical
Hi Everyone.
We are a local Sunshine Coast and Brisbane based solar power company and we find Trina Solar Panels are one of our top sellers. Trina solar are a fantastic Tier 1 Chinese solar panel manufacturer and the panels are great value. Thanks for sharing.
I’m at the final decision of a 5 kw system. Trina 250w or REC 250w? What panel would you choose? Inverter is an aurora PVI 5000. Any feedback would be great. Thanks.
Both great panels! I’d honestly be happy with either. I can lend you a coin to toss?
I have installed in Townsville 20 x 180w Trina panels in July 2010 and to date these panels have performed very well indeed. I have a 44c F.I.T. and have not paid a bill since installation. In fact, I have received credits totalling approximately $2,800.00 for these two years plus the system has paid my ergon energy bills for a total production of approximately $2,800.00 per year. I have 3.5kW of Trina panels plus a Sunny Boy 5000TL inverter. These Trina panels do produce very well in the hot, humid climatic conditions of North Queensland. Thank you.
Hi Finn,
We are installing 3KW system next week which comprises of 12 X 250W Trina Honey panels and Aurora PVI3000 inverter. My question to you is regarding inverter placement, what do you recommend should the inverter be placed externally next to the meter box or in the garage? Thanks…
Dan
If the meter box is in shade throughout the day, next to the meter is fine.
Direct sun may reduce the efficiency and the life of your inverter, so if the meter box is not well shaded, put it in your garage even if the installer complains about the extra effort involved. If your garage is a long way from your meter, your installer may need to thicken up the AC cable to reduce the voltage drop.
Gidday Finn,
We are considering installing a solar power system on our house, but are concerned that we may not get the value from it, as much as we are concerned for the environment and want to reduce the dependence on coal-fired generation.
Our concerns are 1) that we are on the Atherton Tablelands it can be overcast for a reasonable portion of the year, and 2) that our electricity usage is already quite low (a bit over 600 kWh per quarter, or over 60% less that the regional average).
We have received a quote which suggested we install a 1.6 kW system using Trina panels and a Delta inverter (don’t know the details).
I would be interested in hearing your opinion.
Thanks in advance.
Jim
Hi Jim,
According to the BOM your annual solar insolation is very good (unless you have a really *micro* climate up there which the BOM’s sattelites can’t pick up!)
http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/awap/solar/index.jsp?colour=colour&time=latest&step=0&map=solarave&period=12month&area=qd
Expect to get between 4 and 5 kWh per day for every kW installed on the roof.
As for your payback – it completely depends on when you use your energy:
http://www.solarquotes.com.au/do-i-get-paid-for-my-solar-energy.html
Hello Finn,
I have been told that many big Chinese solar panels manufacturers are going out of production and that their warranty will be useless as they won’t be around to back it up. Have you heard anything along these lines. Where does a consumer go if the manufacturer isn’t around in 10years time?
Thanks
Karen
Hi Finn – we are thinking of getting solar and this is the quote I have received for a 5 KW system with Trina panels and inverter – I know nothing about the technicalities so I look forward to your expert knowledge in reviewing the spec below and advising if this is appropriate for our suburban home in Adelaide. P.S. my limited knowledge of solar panels is that the Inverter is the workhorse and it should be a good one. Could you pls advise if we should upgrade the capacity of our Inverter listed below. I appreciate your assistance….Jane
5.0kW solar electricity system (excl GST and STCs)
Panels 20 x 250 watt Trina solar panels and includes 1 x Delta Solivia
5.0 inverter (AC Rating Nominal Output 4.98kW).
Roof area required m2 50
Inverter Delta 5.0kW
Wiring and materials standard
Installation position North facing roof
House Size Single
Roof Type Tile
If that is well installed it will be a good system. Great panels and inverter in my humble opinion.
Hi Finn, thanks for your encouraging reply and I have gone ahead with the Trina panels 5kW system. In your reply you mention “if it is well installed it will be a good system.” Could you pls advise what “well installed” means, is it the orientation of panel placement, or how they are physically attached to the roof. I look forward to your answer as I want to be armed with some useful knowledge when the installers arrive in a few weeks’ time. Thanks again for your valuable insight, it has been very helpful to me. Regards, Jane
Finn I am about to buy a 10kw grond mounted solar system that runs 3 houses on our farm. I have been quoted $16225 for a system with 40 Trima Honey panels 250W and 2 5kw Delta Solvia 5.0 Inverters. Or $19800 if the panels are Q Cells Q -Pro-G2 both after STC rebate. Not sure which panels to buy. Does the quote look fair? We are in the country in WA so don’t have too much choice.
Looks like a fair price to me. Both good panels – make sure the Trina’s are official imports (there are a few grey imports around at the moment).
Q-cells panels are a bit better in my opinion, and will likely last longer (think 30-40 years), so may well be worth an extra $3.5k if you are going to be using them for that long.
Hi Flynn.
You mention Q-cells. I have been looking at Hanwha 250 watt panels that have “cosmetic faults” but are otherwise new. The panel code numbers are on the clean energy website to be eligible for STC creation, but the seller says they carry no warranty. If these panels operate according to the advertised specifications will they be more likely to fail down the track, and would they still be eligible for STC creation if the do not have a warranty?
Cheers
Tim
Good afternoon Finn,
Was hoping you could give me some advice.
I have been given 2 quotes as follows;
3kw watt system with 12 x Simax SP 660 250 watt mono panels using 6 x APS 500A microinverters for $5,200.00; or
3kw watt system with 12 x Trina TSM – PC05A 250 watt poly crystalline panels using 6 x APS 500A microinverters for $5,825.50.
I live in Doncaster in Melbourne and I am informed that Trina only make a 200 watt panel in the mono.
Any feed back would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Finn,
I am new to solar pv systems. I have been quoted for Trina solar panels and an italian inverter.
From a lengthy sting of negotiation we managed to bargain (if it is ever going to be a bargain…) 4kw pv systems – 2 sets of 1.96kw of Trina panels with 2.6kw inverter. This costs us around $8000 all up. They have a guaranteed output of about the same percentage you have described – rounding up to about $3.90 savings per day at minimum. We are hoping their guaranteed output is trustworthy enough to produce the savings they are claiming.
The idea is to have them East and West facing considering our house is elongated with most of the roof area facing those orientations. North is just going to be too much of a problem mounting.
Would you think this is a good enough investment and plan to achieve.
One 2kW system on each of your East and West facing roof areas is a very sensible way to go if you use more energy at home between 8am-10am and 3pm-5pm than you do between 10am-3pm for these reasons:
http://www.solarquotes.com.au/do-i-get-paid-for-my-solar-energy.html
Trina and Power-One Aurora are are good combination. 4kW for $8k well installed and well supported is good price for that hardware. The fact that they will put the output in writing is a good sign!
How about Top Sola? Any comments re quality and reliability?
They are a pretty small/Tier3 player. I’m not sure of their quality or reliability as I’ve no experience of them.
This is what I am beg told/sold at the moment and I have no clue if it is right or wrong so I really would like your opinion.
The panels are now being made 4BB/ 3 junction box and will overall be better than 3BB one junction box…true or false.
hey Fin,
we are looking at installing a 4 Kw system with phono solar panels and an aurora inverter. just wondering your thoughts on these components.
thanks tim
I’d say Phono are a good-value, well performing Tier 2 panel. Aurora inverters are excellent.
Hi Finn,
We have been quoted $12000 for 24 Hanover solar panels & Delta 5kw inverter I am not sure about the panels as I have looked on line and they were in financial trouble early in 2013 & also have a plant in China when we were told by the sales person they were made in Hanover, have you had any feedback on Hanover panels and Delta inverters as to wether they are any good
Cheers
Kerrie
Delta inverters are good. Hanover are Tier 3 panels with dubious marketing behind them:
http://solarquotes.com.au/panels/german/
I always recommend a Tier 1 panel like the ones on this list:
http://www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/chinese-solar-panels-list-careful/
what is your thoughts on purchase lease or ppa programs with solar panels residential
Hi Steve,
Glad you asked. Here’s my opinion on solar leases and PPA’s:
http://www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/solar-leasing/
(short answer: it is much cheaper to buy outright if you can get the cash via savings or extra mortgage equity)
Hope That Helps,
Finn
Thanks I’m looking at home equity loan that’s only way I could buy.
This calculator may help you:
http://www.solarquotes.com.au/calc3/indexsavings.php
Just click on the “mortgage” tab.
Cheers,
Finn
Hi Finn,
I to two quotes I am considering. Both are for 5kW systems and we live in Freshwater, Cairns,FNQ. First quote is 20 x Q-Cells (255W) with SMA 5000TL inverter and the other is with 20 x Trina TSM-250 PC/PA05A panels with Aurora Inverter. First is about $8500 and the second $8000. Any comment on the better option.
Thanks
HI Manfred,
I’ve just got back from Cairns. Lovely place. Although the mountain biking in Smithfield nearly killed me!
If I had to choose and had a gun to my head, I’d go SMA/Q-Cells. But they are both really good combinations which will do the job very well, I’d be happy with either of my roof.
Hope That Helps,
Finn
Hi guys: I am considering Trina Honey panels with SUNTECH inverter. Is there any opinion on this combination? They are being offered with 25 yrs and 10 yrs warranty respectively. I’m worried if they are worthless, given some news that I’ve read re. Trina being close to bankruptcy. Have anyone heard about the financial well-being of Trina and Suntech? Thank you!
In a recent Bloomberg survey of PV experts, 93% of respondents said they considered Trina to be bankable. I think they are a very safe bet.
Suntech are a panel manufacturer. To my knowledge they’ve never made inverters. Do you have a link to the inverter spec?
Hi Finn just signed up for a 20 x Trina honey panels with Enphase 215 micro inverters $8900.00 did have the choice of Qcells OR Trina honeys which would be better panel please?
They are both good – but I’d probably go for Q-Cells.
Thanks Finn also just read about the new Trina honey m plus and Trina plus panels coming out they have an efficiency here is the news release.
Trina Solar Limited announced the launch of two new high-efficiency modules, the Honey Plus (PC05A (II)), a multi-crystalline module and the Honey M Plus (DC05A (II)), a mono-crystalline module, which offer average power outputs of 275 W and 285 W, respectively. In addition, the Honey Plus offers an average cell efficiency of 18.7% while the Honey M Plus offers an average cell efficiency of 20.4%. The Honey Plus and Honey M Plus modules offer significant upgrades on Trina Solar’s previous Honey and Honey M modules.
Worth waiting for ??
Possibly! Trina are really good Tier 1 panels that are very well supported in Australia.
I have no idea how to determine the angle I need to set my ground mounted panels at for max. collection. Latitude 10.940 LONGITUDE 12.831
I am looking at an 8kwH system. I can not decide between Enphase C 250 micro inverters or a Magnum MS4448PAE inverter. Suggestions welcome.
dave
Dave,
To optimise for year-round production your angle should match your latitude: 11 degrees.
More info here: https://www.solarquotes.com.au/panels/angle/
Hope That Helps,
Finn
I have three quotes I’m tossing up on:
12 * 250 watt Trina coupled with 5kw SMA inverter $6000
or
12 * 250 watt Yingli panels with either a 3kw Aurora inverter $5840
or
12 *250 watt yingli panels with a 5kw Aurora inverter $6640
We are in townsville.
comments
Mike
All those 3 use good hardware. The SMA is the best inverter by a pinch. Trina and Yingli are about par.
Hi Finn,
I realize that this blog is not the most recent and thus my question is in regards to whether the Trina module was advantageous ‘spec wise’ or by ‘status’ in comparison to the REC Panels I was quoted?
TSM-260-PC05A-SLV 85/85-PID
Vs
REC260PE-SLV (MC4)SM-260-PC05A-SLV 85/85-
Note: The REC beats the Trina slightly in terms of temp. Coefficient.
Regards
Jotham
REC are great panels – at least as good as Trina IMHO
Hi Finn,
After aome assistance with a solar,
Im looking at a 4kw system
And have been quoted for so many different models of inverters and panels im not sure which ones to go with.
Trina panels with a delta inverter
Trina panels with zeversola inverter
Or
Solax inverter with hanwah panels
Others include
Bosh inverter hanwah panels
And then a micro inverter system through energy australia not sure if they are good or bad….
Companies im trying to deal with are
Origin energy
True value solar
Sunenergy
Any help would be great.
Trina/Delta would be my choice out of those.
I would also consider getting quotes from smaller, local installers – the big guys customer service often leaves a lot to be desired in my experience.
Hi Finn,
I got a quote for a 5kw solar system with Trina 250W poly solar panels, Enphase M215 micro inverters and Enphase Communication Gateway for around $10k plus GST. Is that an unreasonable price to pay for that setup? What are your thoughts on the quality of the solar panel and micro inverters?
Mervyn
HI Mervyn,
Obviously I don’t know the details of your installation – it may be particulary difficult. But for a regular install with those panels and Enphase I would expect to pay closer to $8k in most parts of Australia.
Enphase are excellent micro inverters. The best out there in my opinion. Make sure you get the ‘Envoy S Metered’ gateway as it is the one that is battery compatible down the track. It will also meter your energy consumption – which is really useful and usually identifies opportunities to save even more with energy efficiency.
As for the panels – Trina are excellent.
Hope That Helps,
Finn
Hi Finn
I have been reading all these comments and have not yet heard mentioned Sungrow inverter or Jinko 260w panels.is this because they are new or not used often
Thanks Polly
Sungrow are one of the better budget inverters available. They are fairly popular in Australia.
Jinko are good Chinese Tier 1 panels.
Hi fin we are looking at buying a 5 kW solar system with a sungrow inverter, and the choice of 260watt triina honey panels or 260 watt jinko panels just wondering what the better panels would be? as we live in Tasmania and we don’t get sun all year round. $4100.00 good price?
$4100 is very cheap for a 5kW system – so ensure you are getting a good install from a reputable company.
Sungrow are one of the better budget inverters, I’d personally go Trina over Jinko, although both are a decent Tier 1 panel.
Good Morning Finn,
I have read a fair bit on your reviews and that helps me to understand a little more about solar.
We are in WA. We recently get a quote for:
1) 5KW SMA Tripower with 5.6kW Tier 1 Trina Honey Mono Black modules =$6.9K
2) 5MW SMA Tripower with 5.5kW Tier 2 Universal Solar Modules = $6.3K.
I guess I will choose quote 1). But can you please advise why mono black modules used, have not read such specific reference to mono and colour. How does mono stack up to poly?
Your kind advice will be greatly appreciated.
Hi Valerie,
My preference would definitely be (1).
Here’s what you need to know about mono-vs-poly (summary: both work as well as each other in Australia)
http://www.solarquotes.com.au/panels/photovoltaic/monocrystalline-vs-polycrystalline/
The black refers to the colour of the solar-cells, mono silicon is sometimes black, and in Trina’a case, the colour of the frame too. The result is a very nice looking panel, if that’s an important criteria.
Trina Honey panels are very good.
Hope That Helps,
Finn
Hi Finn, i recently got some quotes for solar power some referred to by you, I also got a quote from solarhart, I am looking at a 3kw system. This is really doing my head in because I still don’t know what to go with, I live on far north coast of NSW, 3 quotes are within a $1000 of each other, these options are. Hanwha Panels with Solis inverter, $4099 Trina Honey Panels with Zeversolar inverter, $4800 Luxen panels with JFY Sunseed inverter $4000. Then I have Solarhart with Rec panels with SMA inverter $6663 the question is does the difference in price balance the quality of product, advice would be helpful thanks
Luxen/JFY are the cheapest components out of that selection. They would not be my choice.
REC or Trina would be my choice for panels.
SMA is the best inverter.
Zeversolar is a good budget inverter.
If you can pay a little more to get a Fronius/SMA with the Trina Honet panels that might be a great option.
I have a quote for Trina Honey panels (20) with a Sunygrow 5 Kw system to be installed for $3999.Could I trust this? Can there be hidden costs? If so what could they be?
I am a bit puzzled because most solar companies cost much more than this for similar system. Please help me. Thanks, Ajith
[email protected]
I’m afraid you can’t trust it, Ajith.
Finn has written about the high cost of cheap solar here:
https://www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/this-high-cost-of-cheap-solar-systems/
Going for the cheapest system is always a risk. While you could get this system, it would be a gamble. While it’s not always true that you get what you pay for, it is always true that you don’t get what you don’t pay for. And what you won’t be getting is a high quality inverter or good after sales service. You are also more unlikely to be getting an installer who is paid enough to take the time to do a good job.
If you want to be confident you will get an installation without hidden costs you can start by getting three quotes here:
https://www.solarquotes.com.au/
But while the systems these installers offer may be competitively priced, they won’t be the cheapest.
Hi Finn,
I’m in Sydney and been quoted $6300 for 6.1kw worth of Jinko 290w eagle Mono PERC panels and 5kw SMA 3 phase inverter?
Would you consider this a good system and price?
I initially wanted Trina honey plus mono panels but this particular installer does not use Trina. Should I find another installer or stick with this quote?
How does Jinko mono compare?
Thanks
Hello Mark. Ronald here. Jinko Solar panels are tier one and SMA inverters are very reliable, so that is an excellent price for 6.1 kilowatts.
I would say that Trina and Jinko are comparable. I don’t have enough information to say one is better than the other. All else equal, I would choose Jinko over Trina, but that’s based on the sparse evidence I have at the moment. It wouldn’t take a great deal of new information in Trina’s favor to make me go the other way.
Thanks so much.
What’s your opinion on the SMA tri power vs Fronius Symo inverter?
I can get the fronius for $50 cheaper and it has a 10 year warranty.
I’m undecided.
They are both great inverters and I would expect both to last a long time. If you want the peace of mind of having a 10 year warranty, even though it shouldn’t be necessary, you can go with the Fronius.
If you decide you want SMA and a 10 year warranty you can pay extra to have extended to 10 years.
Hi Finn
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
We are going for a 5.4Kw system.
We have some shade issues, trying to decide between Trina Honey and Honey plus. $450 difference for the plus. We are happy to go this way if its worth it.
Please share your thoughts.
Many thanks Mike
Hello Mike, Ronald here.
Trina Honey Panels and Honey Plus are very similar. The main difference is Honey Plus can have higher efficiency, but higher wattage Honey panels can have the same or higher efficiency than lower wattage Honey Plus panels, so this will depend on just which ones you get.
Honey Plus panels handle the effects of heat slightly better, so they may produce around 0.4% more power than Honey panels on average.
Their warranties are the same.
One thing you may wish to consider — If you are getting a 5 kilowatt inverter, you could look at expanding your panel capacity closer to the maximum permitted with that size inverter, which is 6.66 kilowatts. The extra cost will probably be very low. But of course, this will only be possible if there is space on your roof for the extra panels.
0.4% is not much of a motivation but ….
Thank you
Mike
Yes, if you have space on your roof it would probably make sense to use the money to get some more Honey panels instead. That will increase your solar output by a lot more than 0.4%.
I was talked into the Trina panels for my system but 4 years on they are all starting to fail due to moisture getting into the panels. My Solar installer has mentioned to be that they replace lots of Trina panels due to moisture getting in.
Hi Finn, I am currently looking into installing a 6KW solar system (20 panels) and receiving quotes from your recommended installers.
As my choice of inverters I have selected the Fronius 5.0 KW Inverter and Fronius Smart meter.
The 2 solar panel types I am looking at are the Jinko Eagle PERC 60 – Positive power tolerance of 0~+3% 280-300 Watt panels “OR” Trina Honey M Plus 275-305W 0~+5W positive power tolerance.
To my mind I don’t see a lot of difference in performance but not sure about the quality so seek your guidance on both panels. Both are tier 1 panels but it’s difficult to determine which is better.
Hi Peter, Ronald here.
I’ve given up trying to determine which is better out of Trina and Jinko. If I hear one piece of evidence making me think one is better it’s not long before I hear something else that makes me think the other is better. The good news is they both appear reliable despite being lower cost tier one panels:
https://www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/jinko-trina-torture-test/
Fronius is definitely regarded as a quality inverter, so good choice there.
Hi Finn,
I have limited roof space and shading issue with my chimney in the morning. I am considering Fronius with 24 Trina maxim-integrated panels (i.e. Trinapeak PD05.08D) vs SolarEdge solution with more efficient panels (i.e. Q.cell or Winaco). What is your opinion on this?
Also, is it a good idea to connect 2 strings facing east and west in parallel, especially with Trina maxim-integrated panels?
Thank you.
Hello Yong, Ronald here.
Either solution will work well. When a Maxim integrated panel is shaded it may produce more output than a one with SolarEdge optimizer, but the overall difference this makes is only going to be small.
HI Finn
I have ordered a system based on a company provided by your website.
I was quoted for Canadian Solar Monocrystalline panels. Great. It was for a 6.6KW system.
I received a call to inform me that the Canadian Solar panels were delayed in shipment, would I be willing to accept Trina Panels. I asked if they would be Monocrystalline and was told they would be. Still Great! I also asked for a data sheet. I wasn’t too hung up on the brand quite Franky, I was just glad I was getting a system to suit my needs and I felt that Monocrystalline panels were what I wanted based on my research.
Come the day of the install, the technicians install Trina Polycrystalline panels instead of Monocrystalline.
I would like to find some conclusive data to inform me that I haven’t been duped in being supplied panels that perform less. From the information I have read I know that Monocrystalline do perform better in cloudy conditions, and the specs I have seen show a better temperature coefficient as well.
It’s common knowledge that Mono panels are more expensive than Poly Panels too.
Have I been given an inferior system? I genuinely feel that the company has not delivered what was promised in their quotation.
Thanks
Hello Juan, Ronald here.
First off, you definitely should have received what you paid for. But the good news is there is no real difference between the performance of 6.6 kilowatts of polycystalline solar panels and 6.6 kilowatts of monocrystalline panels:
https://www.solarquotes.com.au/panels/photovoltaic/monocrystalline-vs-polycrystalline/
If you you want us to we can contact the installer for you if you let us know which one you went with.
If you’d prefer to email me rather than communicate in this comments section my email is [email protected]