These are all quality systems, but a couple things needed for clarification. What panels have you been quoted with option 1? Are the Q Cells Q.Peak or Q.MAXX?
Have you got any shading on your roof to consider?
Our first quote is for 20x330w Risen Mono perc Split cell panels and 5kw Goodwe 02 MPPT inverter. Total of $4000. My husband thinks this one is best as the numbers worth well for payback time . However, I tend to think its too cheap and therefore bottom end? Opinions?
Ah ok, I missed that SolarEdge is doing their own branded panels now. The panels are manufactured by Jinergy in China. There is more about this in our SolarEdge review:
This is a really good panel at a reasonable price. LG Neon is a better panel, but if you are looking for good bang for buck I think Option 2 is a good balance.
I would tend to agree with you. It will probably have the fastest payback time, but is that the key factor? A good quality, high performing system will give a bigger return over a longer time, and remember these systems should last 20-30 years.
For Inverters, I would go with SolarEdge. Being optimised, each panel performs on its own merits and you get panel level monitoring. With a Fronius string inverter, each panel in a string works only as well as the worst performing. SolarEdge Inverter warranty –-12 years, optimisers 25 years. Both parts & labour. Fronious 5 years (P&L) - plus another five (parts only if you register on line). The panels you are looking at are good but, in my opinion, overpriced. I would go for panels like Longi, Canadian, Jinko, JA, Risen or Trina. They are all according to my research, good panels, well supported in Aus and financially strong.
If you want to keep it simple and just choose one of the three options, I think option one is the way to go.