SunPower makes the best solar panels in the world and Kaco makes the best inverters in the world and Direct Power and Water makes the best mounting systems in the world, according to new research conducted by ENF among directors of photovoltaic installation companies in 45 different countries.
The directors were asked to name which brands of photovoltaic components they have purchased in the last 12 months, and rate the products for their quality and value for money. An average of these two scores has been used to find the companies whose customers thought most highly of their products.
The top ranking companies receiving awards are:
Solar Panels
No.1 in World -? SunPower (USA)
No.2 in World -? Schott Solar (Germany)
No.3 in World -? SolarWorld (Germany)
Best Product Quality -? Sanyo (Japan)
Best Value for Money -? Suntech (China)
Solar Inverters
No.1 in World -? Kaco (Germany)
No.2 in World -? OutBack (USA)
No.3 in World -? Mastervolt (USA)
Best Product Quality -? OutBack (USA)
Best Value for Money -? Kaco (Germany)
Solar Mounting Systems
No.1 in World -? Direct Power and Water (USA)
No.2 in World -? UniRac (USA)
No.3 in World -? SchA?A??A?AA¼co (Germany)
Solar Trackers
No.1 in World -? Zomeworks (USA)
Solar PV Systems
No.1 in World -? Sharp (Japan)
The research found that 49 percent of companies thought the cell brand in a panel was important, and the most commonly named cell brands that installation companies thought were high quality were Sharp, Q-Cells and BP Solar.
Another key finding was that the average price installers paid for their solar panels in 2006 was $4.16 per Watt. Installers in Europe paid on average 10 percent more for their panels than installers in Asia Pacific.
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Comments
I live in the state of Kansas in the United States. The state has recently passed legislation that makes it profitable to set-up an PV system and make a profit. I am interested in buying a 10 kW system and need to know how much the entire start-up costs will be. Thank You very much for any help you can provide me.
chris Thompson May 15th, 2007I am looking for some manufacturers and distributors of solar panes. I am interested sell solar equipment and I need good prices and better quality. Please if you are interested to have a representative in the Caribbean area please contact me at: solarcaribbe@hotmail.com
gaspar echevarria May 17th, 2007Chris Thompson comments about recent legislation in Kansas which makes it profitable to set up a PV system. I am also from Kansas as a PV installer and am unfamiliar with this legislation. Can Chris be more specific? Thanks
Bill Dorsett
Wm Dorsett July 31st, 2007Manhattan, KS
As a developer and property owner I also distribute various building products. ICF, cultured stone and concrete pavers, I would like to have a good solar panel that I can incorporate into my busines here in Ohio, and I am looking for guidance.
William Marino November 6th, 2007plse we want to buy solar panels of 75w 12v/24v qoute good prices cif entebbe airport.
jonathan March 8th, 2008I have clients asking for solar roof tile for residential and commercial installation. I would be interested to learn more to be able to offer/sell and install this type of unit. Thanks for any help
Dan Rossetta May 5th, 2008What about First Solar thin film panels. I don’t see them in the ranking.
Ro Pro May 30th, 2008A well known solar panel related co is putting a plant nearby my place. I wonder what harm can it contribute to the local environment? Will it involve in smelting of metals or will there be any gas emit to the air? Tq
Samad June 30th, 2008