More detail on the economics of the groove install panel system. Part of this is contested by Zep but other parts, such as the mechanical and electrical connects between panels appear to be soley Westinghouse's.
The Westinghouse White Paper on the mounting system and comparison with Zep's and more traditional systems along with the rationale for quick install systems is worth a read. USA installation & panel costs seem very high in comparison to the $1.60-$2.40 installed residential systems costs being quoted in Australia at the moment. It may simply be that the White Paper is based on year old cost data.
CBD seems to have decided that with panels now wholesaling to installers at 60-90 cents/Wp that there will not be major profit in selling panels in the future. Pro-tem Eco-kinetics and other installers have to make profit by shrinking installation costs faster than customers see panel costs fall. Quick install systems that minimise installation time and labour can do this, with the integrated inverters providing another selling point to maximise power yield.
CBD Price at posting:
8.0¢ Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Held
