Is this too good to be true?

Submitted: Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 07:22
ThreadID: 140991 Views:8646 Replies:9 FollowUps:5
This Thread has been Archived
Ebay solar panels question? Is this panel too good to be true? 350 watts, foldable? unbreakable surface protection? 20 amp Controller? $149.00 post free.............. Solar Panel
John and Jan

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Member - Racey - Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 08:25

Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 08:25
My guess is yes.
AnswerID: 634834

Reply By: Frank P (NSW) - Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 08:27

Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 08:27
In short. Yes
FrankP

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message
Moderator

AnswerID: 634835

Reply By: Member - Racey - Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 09:23

Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 09:23
John, if you're looking for flex panels, check these out, I have them on my van and can recommend Solar4Rv.
Solar4Rv website for panels

I have no affiliation other than being a satisfied customer .

Cheers
Racey
AnswerID: 634836

Reply By: qldcamper - Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 09:44

Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 09:44
Not foldable, its flexable.
Flexable panels on ebay are normally over rated by about 50%.
I use the formular of 1100 watts per square metre multiplied by a reasonable efficiency factor of about 14% for cheap panels. Will give you a closer estimate of what max output to expect.
AnswerID: 634838

Follow Up By: qldcamper - Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 09:54

Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 09:54
Just found its dimentions.
Even using its 17% efficiency figure that is unlikley, it would max out at just over180 watts in absolutly perfect conditions.
3
FollowupID: 912255

Follow Up By: qldcamper - Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 10:09

Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 10:09
Am I missing something or is it impossible to see who the seller actually is?
Sounds a lot like OUTBAX still advertising illegally and still getting away with it.

By the way, yes I do have a gripe with them, been ripped off.

Please if you have also lodge a complaint with the ACCC. They wont take action until they get enough complaints against the same company for the same thing.

Australia has advertising laws and they are well outside of them ripping hundreds of people off.
1
FollowupID: 912256

Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 10:15

Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 10:15
I purchased some panels from Kogan. I submitted a formal complaint to them about the performance claims that were technically not possible to achieve. After some weeks of email exchanges they gave me a partial refund.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
2
FollowupID: 912258

Reply By: tonysmc - Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 10:04

Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 10:04
I wouldn't write it off just because it is cheap. I remember when Dewalt came on to the market and most tradies wrote them off as a cheap knock off of Makita. I wonder if the panels were $500 - 600 we would think they are a better product. Have a read of this article, https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/sc/why-we-like-expensive-things-2018-12?r=AU&IR=T
I'm certainly not saying these panels are good, just another view.
AnswerID: 634839

Follow Up By: qldcamper - Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 10:14

Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 10:14
If it were advertised as a 200 watt unit it would be closer to its possible output and still be a pretty reasonable price, but people will buy it thinking it will suit their needs and think they have problems elsewhere in their systems because of the shortfall.
2
FollowupID: 912257

Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 10:17

Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 10:17
Some fundamental advertising honesty would be a blessing.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
1
FollowupID: 912259

Reply By: Jarse - Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 14:20

Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 14:20
What is "German Certified"? Does that make them better than "German Uncertified"? :D :D
That ain't foldable. If you try it, you will certainly break the alleged "Unbreakable surface protection" :D :D

I'd run a mile.
AnswerID: 634841

Reply By: Shane M11 - Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 17:44

Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 17:44
Not a bad price for a 170w panel.
AnswerID: 634842

Reply By: Member - John - Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 18:27

Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021 at 18:27
Thank you all for your replies, what I thought, but thought I would ask the brains trust. Cheers.
John and Jan

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

AnswerID: 634843

Reply By: Member - Bigfish - Wednesday, Jan 20, 2021 at 07:59

Wednesday, Jan 20, 2021 at 07:59
Buy it and match it to the Giant 140 amp dirt cheap agm batteries....Being the equivalent to a good 105 Ah agm these will suit the overrated panel perfectly....hahaha
AnswerID: 634845

Sponsored Links