Thursday, Jan 09, 2003 at 10:06
Robert NO panels work in semi-shade, despite the advertising of some.
Quote from the Tasman Energy webpage:
http://www.tasmanenergy.com.au/solar_panels.htm
QUOTE:
Shade Tolerance: Unfortunately no panel works
well in partial shade or overcast conditions. If you panel salesman is telling you otherwise find a new one! Unisolar and Kyocera both make a "shade tolerant" panel however the output in shade is only marginally better than a non-shade tolerant panel and marginally better than very little still won't charge your batteries in shade or partial shade.
END QUOTE:
I would agree with the above statement, and have been involved with solar panels since they were commercially introduced to the market.
Amphourous panels which are substantially larger in size to Multicrystiline panels will give out slightly more power in partially shaded conditions, however, this is inevitable considering the much larger surface area they have. Everything is proportional.
Tasman Energy do have the Kyocera 120w panels on special at $990 and if you can handle the physical size of the panel 1425 x 652 x 30mm it would not be a bad buy. I don't like the small regulators Tasman Energy supply. That Jaycar supplied unit made by Maitland Enterprises in Australia is the best small solar regulator with all the desired features I have found to date.
http://www.tasmanenergy.com.au/specials.htm
BP Solar, Kyocera and Solarex Multicrystiline panels are similiar in performance and quality, and not a lot to choose between them.
Bias Boating sell Solarex and their prices are also pretty good and the best I know off for Solarex panels
http://www.biasboating.com.au/solarpanels.html
Don't hesitate to post back or e-mail me if you need any assistance.
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