Test panels

In January 2002, I ordered two extra PV panels from The Sun Factory in Amsterdam. Early March the panels were delivered at the front door of my home: two BP/Solarex MSX 120 Wp polycrystalline panels, galvanized iron/aluminum support, and two Soladin 120 inverters.

just arrived	each panel has two junction boxes on its back
detail of an open junction box	mounting: first paneel
mounting: second panel	mounting finished - ready for testing
testing on a sunny March Sunday	Soladin 120 inverter (l) and performance meter (r)

half a year later (October, 2002) test panels 'comparable' panels performance: 2x120 Wp performance: 2x120 Wp inverter: each a Soladin 120 (under the roof) inverter: each a OK4E 120 (under the roof) orientation: south-east orientation: south-west production: March 17 - October 6): 72 kWh each production: March 17 - October 6): 68 kWh each expected annual production: 90 kWh expected annual production: 85kWh

preliminary conclusion: the test panels and their Soladins perform very compared with the competitive panels and their OK4E inverters

Of course I should have placed the test panels and the comparable panels next to each other on the same roof. This test situation is impossible, however, since the loft offers too little footprint to accomodate all panels. All the time, and for the time being, I am enjoying the free, emission-free electricity generated by my PV panels. Irresistable for a Dutchman!