billv posted:

Thank you for both replies. I was not aware that USA branded panels were in fact made in Korea and /or China nor have I considered S/H panels of any size. Reasons for nominating 40W were physical size (I do not want a bulky panel if I can avoid it), and by trial and error about 8/10amps/day would be maximum need. I would prefer to deal locally and would very likely do so.
Any futher comments?

Mainey (WA) posted:

Billy, you state 'not aware that USA "branded" panels were in fact made in Korea and /or China'
Question: what panel is "branded" made in USA ??

If the panel actually states it is made in the USA then it must be, my point is most, if not all, solar panels are made in Asia etc, for the simple reason it costs far less to manufacture there than Australia and USA. Reason being we want more money and bigger wages here than they pay over there. They have the facilities and the infrastructure in place to manufacture at a competitive price.
BP are now, or about to, make their panels in Asia also.

If you need/want only 10 amps/day that equates to ~1.6 a/h and can be supplied by a panel of 25 to 30 watt which is less than 600 x 600 (2 foot x 2 foot) in size.

However remember it's better to be getting more than you need, than to be struggling with a panel that's too small to be fully effective.
(80 watts would run a fridge)

Member - Julie P (VIC) posted:

If you are looking at size - look for a foldable panel - we bought our 80w from Suntech in Victoria for under $1000 - includes a heavy duty canvas bag to transport it in. Full sun, or filtered - hot place - no problem keeping second battery charged to run 40 litre fridge (Bushman) and 12v volt light (which _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx only 1 amp per hour - so really negligible) our fridge also _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx approx 2.5 amp (depending on conditions of course)
We reckon we could probably do unlimited time with this sytem -
I agree that more is better - 25 - 30 watt might run a fridge in absolutely ideal conditions - but why take the risk - if you are spending that sort of money get the best deal for more power.
jules

Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators posted:

Member - eerfree(QLD) posted:

Billv
Sorry about that !!
It is not only my ears that are showing signs of age.

eerfree