Solar - Is this a Good Deal?

Submitted: Sunday, Jan 31, 2010 at 08:32

ThreadID: 75629 Views:4050 Replies:3 FollowUps:6

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Solar Power

This article covers every aspect of solar and its design and installation in RVs (camper trailers, caravans and motor homes). It shows how much power solar panels really produce,

Member - Aaron L (NSW)

Hi All, Im after a good quality folding solar panel and stumbled across this on ebay seems VERY cheap compared to others I have looking at. Seeking advice from others in the know if this unit is reputable and ok??

Link is HERE
All advice appreciated, thks in advance

Aaron

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Reply By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Sunday, Jan 31, 2010 at 08:37

Sunday, Jan 31, 2010 at 08:37

Aaron,

Have a read of this thread about the same panels it was posted a few days ago.

Cheers Kev

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Follow Up By: Member - Aaron L (NSW) - Sunday, Jan 31, 2010 at 08:58

Sunday, Jan 31, 2010 at 08:58

Thanks Kev, Cheers Aaron

FollowupID: 671272

Follow Up By: Maîneÿ . . .- Sunday, Jan 31, 2010 at 10:45

Sunday, Jan 31, 2010 at 10:45

Aaron,
There are no technical specs mentioned on the link you posted (that I could see) so it's unrealistic to make a direct comparison, other than on price.

I would select the *Rich Solar* panels because of their reputation and quality.

Maîneÿ . . .

FollowupID: 671291

Follow Up By: Injected - Monday, Feb 01, 2010 at 15:22

Monday, Feb 01, 2010 at 15:22

Gentlemen
I rang them the other day to ask them the specs on a 120W folding panel. the operating Amp rating is 6.6, so they are pretty on per with others in that range.

Cheers

FollowupID: 671519

Follow Up By: Maîneÿ . . .- Monday, Feb 01, 2010 at 16:22

Monday, Feb 01, 2010 at 16:22

Sharp 123w rated @ >7.1 Amp which equates to ~10% more per panel

( as they say, oils ain't.... panels either )

Maîneÿ . . .

FollowupID: 671531

Reply By: outsider - Sunday, Jan 31, 2010 at 12:56

Sunday, Jan 31, 2010 at 12:56

I bought one of these off ebayLink here, no problems so far. few of the frame corners were a bit sharp. Puts out about 70 watts maximum in full sun, which i think is pretty good.
I moved the controller to the battery end of the wires.
There is a few interesting points in the buyers guide section of the listing.

AnswerID: 401896

Follow Up By: Maîneÿ . . .- Monday, Feb 01, 2010 at 16:44

Monday, Feb 01, 2010 at 16:44

yes, some interesting numbers quoted too

"Puts out about 70 watts maximum in full sun"
So why is it claimed to be an 80 Watt panel ??

Was it was 'measured' with a device that has only approximate numbers ?

Maximum Current specified = 4.6 amps
Actual tested output = 5.6 amps @ 13.8v

Maîneÿ . . .

FollowupID: 671540

Follow Up By: outsider - Monday, Feb 01, 2010 at 17:02

Monday, Feb 01, 2010 at 17:02

Was measured on accurate equipment, I have a meter that displays Volts, amps, watts and records the Amp hours.

From what I have read, mostly on this forum, most panels come in under their rated output.

70 watts is the highest I have seen it up too, not saying it couldn't possibly go higher than that.

For the price I have no complaints.

FollowupID: 671545

Reply By: trainslux - Monday, Feb 01, 2010 at 17:41

Monday, Feb 01, 2010 at 17:41

If you order one, make sure that they are a true 120 unit.

That the solar cells fill the panel with no gaps between the cells, nor the frame, and that the panel is 810x53x70 (unfolded). Made up of 72 cells x 2.
The shorted amps are 7.2, and 6.7amps max load.
Some (at least 4 others here on this forum) have had 80 w units sent when ordering 120s, which are labeled 120w units, but only put out 4.6amps.
Others have ordered 80w only to find that they have had 60w units sent to them.
Make sure you know what your getting, and are able to test to confirm.
Some recent posts on solar will net you a real interesting read regarding this.

Trains

AnswerID: 402117