in the EMP, my customer's system is showing different wattages on each panel. ex (289w on one and 281w on another) Is this normal?

Yes, this is perfectly normal. The power outputs typically very +/- 10% between modules. In addition, the communications ECU / gateway ‘polls’, communicate every 5 minutes one-by-one. This polling times may differ between solar panels by a few minutes meaning variations will happen from time to time. Shading may also play a role in differing outputs.