Solar panels.

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.

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

:)

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

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.

and what are the physical dimensions of your 60w panels?

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

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.

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

Thanks Peter.
I'll be calmly forceful in my discussions with them regarding ebay feedback and the relevant consumer legislation in NSW.
Michael

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

David,

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

I shall look forward to the results of your tests


:)

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.