What is the board impression of who makes the best PV system out there?

Nothing....?

Come on...?

What panels have people used with success.

I want to purchase some this year.

The thin-film PV panel on my Casio calculator has worked reliably for over a quarter century now, with no perceptible loss of output. But I'm guessin' that's not the sort of "system" you had in mind.

A bit longer description than "PV system" or "panels" might help.

DC or AC output?

On or off grid?

Must be X peak watts an fit on a roof that of YxZ dimensions?

Must work in what sort of climate/conditions?

It's sort of like asking "Who makes the best truck out there? What tires have people used with success?" (Why it's TONKA, with Michelins of course- was there any real question about that? :-) )

The answer may differ dramatically with application & location, but the quality of the SYSTEM designer/installer is probably going to make bigger difference in whether the installations meets expectations than the manufacturer of the panel. even within the sub-heating "panel", "best" can mean a lot of things (highest efficiency, lowest cost per watt, easiest to install on the deck of a yacht, flattest performance over temperature, etc. etc.)

so... ???

Irish commercial organisations like King Group CES have introduced purpose designed packaged solar kits for specific applications which prevent a lot of sweat and tears.While it is good for an owner interested in a renewable energy source for his home to understand what he can expect from a particular PV panel installation, it is always important to let the professionals handle the design, equipment selection, installation, commissioning etc.

BlackHawk-

Have you looked at the Florida Solar Energy Center website:
http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/

I have a grid-tied PV system in a sunny, cold location that is performing significantly better than what is predicted by PVWatts v2.0 for this location, so I am happy with it. However, I did not go through a careful selection procedure for it. Therefore, I am not in a position to recommend it in preference to another system. It is on the high efficiency and high cost end of conventional PV systems.

Lee