I haven't used "ribbed" or "tubes" type panels so I can't directly compare. That being said, I don't think there are huge differences in efficiency between the 2 types of panels.
I have the general impression from my unscientific reading of this board that the cheaper panels are more prone to leaks (pin holes?) than the more ridgid polypropylene extruded panels like the Vortex/TS.
On the other hand, the "tubes" panels are easy to "fix" by simply plugging the leaking tubes. This is not as easy with the extruded panels that have rectangular channels. One of my panel was badly damaged during shipping and had a big gash in 2 channels. I contacted Techno-solis and they told me that the panels were not meant to be fixed with plugs but that they could send me a new panel under warranty (which they did).
Its been 2 years now and not a drop of water leaked from any of my 4 panels or any pipe or fitting.
They are a great investment: very effective and troublefree!
I have the general impression from my unscientific reading of this board that the cheaper panels are more prone to leaks (pin holes?) than the more ridgid polypropylene extruded panels like the Vortex/TS.
On the other hand, the "tubes" panels are easy to "fix" by simply plugging the leaking tubes. This is not as easy with the extruded panels that have rectangular channels. One of my panel was badly damaged during shipping and had a big gash in 2 channels. I contacted Techno-solis and they told me that the panels were not meant to be fixed with plugs but that they could send me a new panel under warranty (which they did).
Its been 2 years now and not a drop of water leaked from any of my 4 panels or any pipe or fitting.
They are a great investment: very effective and troublefree!
