Don't forget we live in a "disposible society"....
One thing goes bad, throw it out and get a new one....
Let's see...
If one is looking at $2 / watt for 20 yr panels.
vs $4 / watt for 40+ yr panels.
I'd go for the cheaper ones.... Hoping that in 20 years the replacements will be better, more powerful, and CHEAPER.
And... of course saving half of the cost of the panels and putting the money into other investments would be better than just sinking them into panels that are depreciating.... cutting down on the upfront cost makes a lot of sense....
Now, of course, that doesn't translate into WORTHLESS Chinese Tools