When are the solar pv sales?

[VanTalk00]

I'm noticing some folks having end of year or new year sales.  I need to buy a 300-400 watt panel, but I don't need it for a few months.  I'm wondering if those of you who watch these sales notice a trend.  When are the best times to buy or does it really not matter that much?  Should I buy now, even though I can't install for a while?

Thanks,

Jim

 

[jimindenver]

If you can find a good deal now, jump on it. I would watch craigslist in your area and be ready. Good deals rarely last long.

 

[frater secessus]

I agree with Jim. Since you have time you can set up an Craigslist search and it will email you matches every day. If you need them faster you can monitor the results with an RSS reader; the RSS feed is in the bottom right corner of all searches.

 

[VanTalk00]

So I find this really curious.  Look at the disparity of pv panel prices vs efficiency at Northern and elsewhere.

Hanwha Q.Peak G5 DUO 320 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel              
320W  
19.9%   
$.63/W  
(12 year warranty)

LG LG360Q1C-A5 360                                                                        
360W  
20.8%   
$1.35/W   
(25 year warranty)

LG365Q1C-A5                                                                                   
365W  
21.1%   
$2.21/W   
(25 year warranty)

All are about the same size.  So you REALLY pay through the nose for those few extra watts for the same size panel - unless ... and this is the question, is there really a big noticeable difference in quality between these panels?  With the price of panels decreasing, do I really care about another 13 years of panel warranty?

Jim