Solar Panels from USA

Submitted: Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 21:56
ThreadID: 40779 Views:2985 Replies:4 FollowUps:5
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Fellows, have any of you had any experience in purchasing solar panels from the USA from where, I understand, many are imported.. I have a son in USA who asked me if he could be any help when he heard that I am contemplating installing a small (40w) panel to keep a 80A/H DC battery topped up on our caravan. Lights, radio/CD, and 12v pump only, no heavy loads. My son wonders if cost including freight would be still cheaper than buying in Australia.
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Reply By: Member - eerfree(QLD) - Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 23:53

Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 23:53
Billy
I have just done a little comparo for a 130W Kyocera panel and that comes in at $609.00 US = $771.00 AU purchased only in the USA compared to about $1100.00 AU purchased here, of course you would have to factor in packaging and post as well and then, at least with Kyocera, you would need to worry about warrenty as they have some funny ideas as to who should be allowed to claim in the event of a problem.
My repairer had to exert a lot of pressure to get them to come to the party because I was not the original owner of my van.

eerfree
AnswerID: 212804

Reply By: Mainey (WA) - Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 13:03

Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 13:03
Shopping locally gives you the access to relevant information from the panel supplier and as stated you will be up for freight and insurance costs if purchased in the USA and there is a warranty problem if there is a problem.

Almost all panels are made in China and Korea, by American owned companies or as outsourced product, with no problems in quality for better specified panels.

Cheap panels are just that, cheap and also nasty... :(

Have you looked at getting a bit larger than 40watt and maybe buying 2nd hand to save $$$
AnswerID: 212848

Follow Up By: billv - Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 14:41

Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 14:41
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?
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Follow Up By: Mainey (WA) - Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 15:50

Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 15:50
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)
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Follow Up By: Member - Julie P (VIC) - Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 16:47

Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 16:47
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
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Reply By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 18:01

Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 18:01
Hi billv

Solar Power is very expensive and best to do it right the first time.

I have looked at importing and unless you bring in a container load the cost is similar. Best to buy local and get the warranty and service. Give me a ring if you would like some advice. I can do a 50W BP panel for $450.00 to OE members and 80W BP for $625.00.

There are many options available. Bi-folds and fixed.

img src="http://www.sidewinder.com.au/_wp_generated/wpc3b042b0.jpg">

Regards

Derek.

AnswerID: 212884

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 18:02

Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 18:02
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FollowupID: 473073

Reply By: billv - Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 20:02

Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 20:02
Many thanks for your advice. Sorry about my use of the word "branded", that was careless. With no fridge load (van uses only 240 and gas, and I never use 12v) and only lights, radio and 12v pump, I thought that 40w would be more than ample. Clearly I'd be wise to "shop locally" so I'll start with my local auto-electrician to see if he supplies solar. Or I'll use Exploroz sources for firms. Again, many thanks from Billv (not Billy).
AnswerID: 212908

Follow Up By: Member - eerfree(QLD) - Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 22:19

Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 22:19
Billv
Sorry about that !!
It is not only my ears that are showing signs of age.

eerfree
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