Solar panels.

Submitted: Friday, Apr 15, 2011 at 21:37
ThreadID: 85643 Views:3298 Replies:4 FollowUps:12
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If anyone is looking for solar panels try www.solarenergystore.com.au, seem to be very good prices and quality gear.
I just bought a 100W folding panel from them, online, came complete with regulator and cables and in a padded bag, free delivery and all up cost me $385.00.
I have no connection with them, just found them on line.
The 100W claim might be a little optimistic but still a good deal at that price.
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Reply By: millsworld - Friday, Apr 15, 2011 at 21:49

Friday, Apr 15, 2011 at 21:49
I've bought from these guys before, they are good to deal with.
AnswerID: 451360

Reply By: Member - Ed C (QLD) - Friday, Apr 15, 2011 at 22:53

Friday, Apr 15, 2011 at 22:53
What size are the panels (L x W, single panel) ?

Thanks..

:)

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Follow Up By: JohnnyC - Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 09:01

Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 09:01
The panel measures about 62X54 cm folded and about 75mm thich, add a little for the carry bag.
I rang them and they gave me the dimensions over the phone, must be a common request as he had the answer instantly.
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Follow Up By: Member - Ed C (QLD) - Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 12:04

Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 12:04
Uh-huh, just as I thought.... The leopard has not changed it's spots :(

The reason why "The 100W claim might be a little optimistic" , is because what you have there is a 80W (2x 40W) panel... (A 50W panel will be around 72 x 54 cm)..

This is nothing new, this seller is known to have been doing this for a while now, after several ppl on this forum (including myself) reported receiving undersized & incorrectly/fraudulently labelled panels..

It has been discussed on other forums as well, so it's not a one-off inadvertant mistake, it's outright fraud!

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings, but if it's any comfort, you are not the first to be stung in this manner, and probably won't be the last...

Where you take it from here is entirely up to you...

Regards, Ed C

:)


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Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 13:44

Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 13:44
Funny you say that.

I recently bought a "50w" panel from them.
520mm x 420mm. What a find I thought. I asked them how it could be 50W at that size. They told me that the silicon is rectangular and more efficient.

Well I have never seen more than about 25W out of it. ( and thats with a MPPT). Strange 25W is about right for that size.

Half their output ratings.

grrrrr

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Reply By: Peter McG (Member, Melbourne) - Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 01:06

Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 01:06
You need to be very very careful if ordering from these guys.

You'll note that none of their web advertising has dimensions of the panels.

So if buying from them insist on getting size info before ordering so you know what you're buying.

They also sell on Ebay as LHP - again no dimensions.

They actually sell the same panels as many other retailers. The panels are OK but check size first!

Cheers

Peter
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Reply By: ao767brad - Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 13:43

Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 13:43
The post made me check my new panel, we piad $329 delivered for a 100watt folding panel which is 830x540mm each from an ebay seller named CentralMegaStore in brisbane and it seems to be a decent panel, no BP but you get what you pay for.
AnswerID: 451407

Follow Up By: workhorse - Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 15:18

Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 15:18
I just got my folding 120w panel from these guys. They currently have them on eBay for $399 or best offer. I offered $359 including free delivery and insurance ($15) spoke to Sam and he met it no problems. Delivered to regional NSW in 2 days. Can't fault it.
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Follow Up By: Faulic_McVitte - Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 19:11

Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 19:11
and what are the physical dimensions of your 60w panels?
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Follow Up By: Peter McG (Member, Melbourne) - Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 19:21

Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 19:21
The Centralmegastore deal sounds OK Brad. Around 830x540 is the normal size for 120watt panels so they may not be using the A grade solar cells.

Workhorse - again if yours are around the same size then you've done OK. If they have sent you panels around 600x540 then you have an 80watt set and they should change it.

Cheers

Peter
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Follow Up By: workhorse - Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 19:52

Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 19:52
Hi Peter McG
I've just measured mine and they are 600 x 570. You're saying these are 80W panels, how can I confirm this before I deal with these people? Can I measure the output?
Thanks for your help I was about to recommend these guys to others.
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Follow Up By: Peter McG (Member, Melbourne) - Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 21:06

Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 21:06
Workhorse

It sounds as though they have treated you exactly the same way they treated Ed and myself.

They sent me the same smaller size panel set. I was fortunate to see the same set being sold by a local supplier and identified as 80watt.

I suggest you ask them to pickup the small panel and send the correct size.
They did this for me.

I have been pretty firmin my advice to them with my suggestion that they include panel size in all advertising. They still don't do this.

Cheers

Peter
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Follow Up By: workhorse - Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 21:30

Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 at 21:30
Thanks Peter.
I'll be calmly forceful in my discussions with them regarding ebay feedback and the relevant consumer legislation in NSW.
Michael
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Follow Up By: David B (wa) - Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 01:14

Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 01:14
I have just bought a 120w solar panel from these guys
I installed it today but havnt tested it yet
The dimensions are 1200mm x 535mm

Wait and see tomorrow if it has the power stated
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Follow Up By: Member - Ed C (QLD) - Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 02:08

Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 02:08
David,

Those dimensions are typical of an 80W panel...

I shall look forward to the results of your tests


:)

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"He who lie underneath automobile with tool in hand,
....Not necessarily mechanic!!"

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Follow Up By: Faulic_McVitte - Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 17:29

Sunday, Apr 17, 2011 at 17:29
David B (wa) posted:
"The dimensions are 1200mm x 535mm"

40W Suntech panel is 665 x 537
my 2 40W panels side by side are 1330 x 535 that is a real 80w

There are so many shonks around selling panels that are not the wattage they claim. Many may be the size of 80w panels and because the panels are low quality they dont put out near the rated power. Mate of mine has a shonky evil bay set of folding 40w panels same size as mine and mine put out 1.4A more than his cheap shonky 80 set panels. Reason I paid more for brand name panels. I was warned about the cheap no name brand panels and damn happy bought Suntech for my folders and Kyocera 135w on top of the ute is 1500 x 668.
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