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Old 02-11-2015, 16:37   #1
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Grape solar

Any recent experience with Grape Solar. There are several postings in older threads, but it occurs to me often the standards of these import panels change and maybe even the factories and materials.

I am considering getting 2 of the 160W I currently have around 195 watts between 3 panels. Will be a big daily boost to help run my watermaker a few hours each day.
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Old 02-11-2015, 17:10   #2
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Re: Grape solar

From memory of shopping three years ago I believe they are monocrystalline panels and should be decent quality. Also, I think the 160's are so large they cannot go by UPS but rather need to be drop shipped which can be expensive. Also, check to make sure they aren't 24 V unless you have a compatible charge controller.
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Old 02-11-2015, 18:31   #3
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Re: Grape solar

The direct from Alibaba chinese panels have been a very popular install this year on the docks in St. Augustine.

They usually arrive in just a few days from DHL and their prices listed include all the duties and such.

At $130 for a 100 watt flexible panel and $80 for a 50 watt flexible panel... who cares if its actually working only at 90% rated capacity? Just get another one to make up the difference.

In case you are interested you can contact "Jammy" at sales01@hopesuntech.cn
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Old 02-11-2015, 18:39   #4
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Re: Grape solar

Quote:
Originally Posted by zboss View Post
The direct from Alibaba chinese panels have been a very popular install this year on the docks in St. Augustine.

They usually arrive in just a few days from DHL and their prices listed include all the duties and such.

At $130 for a 100 watt flexible panel and $80 for a 50 watt flexible panel... who cares if its actually working only at 90% rated capacity? Just get another one to make up the difference.

In case you are interested you can contact "Jammy" at sales01@hopesuntech.cn
Do you have a link to the Alibaba listing? Is the $130 shipped to the US too? Wow, they have come down quick in price for the cheap units.

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Old 02-11-2015, 18:39   #5
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Re: Grape solar

I should perhaps mention I would hope to get many years of service from them. I am currently using 20 y/o Siemens panels.
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Old 02-11-2015, 19:12   #6
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Re: Grape solar

Right now renogy has 100 watt hard mono panels for 120 delivered and they come out of California Open Box 100 Watts 12V Renogy Monocrystalline Solar Panel for RV Boat Camping | eBay
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Old 02-11-2015, 19:52   #7
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Re: Grape solar

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Right now renogy has 100 watt hard mono panels for 120 delivered and they come out of California Open Box 100 Watts 12V Renogy Monocrystalline Solar Panel for RV Boat Camping | eBay
Those are solid panels not flexible but yes, good deal.

Here is a link on Alibaba..

http://www.alibaba.com/product-detai...8.30.37.HtlF8i

Since they make them when you order them you can specify to get the junction box on the front or the back. They pack 5 per box and shipping is about $150 so you might as well order a bunch.

Instead of spending thousands fixing up my old energy inefficient fridge to the tune of potentially thousands of dollars I'm just going to spend $500 on a half-dozen 50 watt panels and use my existing solar input on my PWM wind generator controller to make up for the poor performance at anchor. I'll lay them out on the lines when we pull into an anchorage and fold them up accordion style for storage down below.
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Old 02-11-2015, 20:00   #8
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Re: Grape solar

Made in america with the same sun force mono cells. Its not flexible however it has an enforceable warranty.
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Old 03-11-2015, 03:17   #9
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Re: Grape solar

Quote:
Originally Posted by newhaul View Post
Made in america with the same sun force mono cells. Its not flexible however it has an enforceable warranty.

Renogy is completely made in America??


Sent from my iPhone- please forgive autocorrect errors.
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Old 03-11-2015, 08:27   #10
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Re: Grape solar

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Originally Posted by Snore View Post
Renogy is completely made in America??


Sent from my iPhone- please forgive autocorrect errors.
I just spoke with a sales rep she told me that the 100 watt panels are manufactured in Thailand but the company is based in Ontario California and the panels come with a 25 year warranty.
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Old 03-11-2015, 08:34   #11
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Re: Grape solar

Yup that is what I thought.



Sent from my iPhone- please forgive autocorrect errors.
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Old 03-11-2015, 08:42   #12
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Re: Grape solar

I had looked at those, but the 150W are a square size not a good fit on my arch. I have 2 runs of duplex wire in the arch and 2 10 amp controllers so looking to go with 2 150 or 160 watt panels. Not adding the watermaker till next year so may just keep these panels as boat will be unattended part of the winter and not a biggie if these old ones got stolen. (Not an invitation)
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Old 03-11-2015, 08:44   #13
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Re: Grape solar

Quote:
Originally Posted by zboss View Post
Those are solid panels not flexible but yes, good deal.

Here is a link on Alibaba..

http://www.alibaba.com/product-detai...8.30.37.HtlF8i

Since they make them when you order them you can specify to get the junction box on the front or the back. They pack 5 per box and shipping is about $150 so you might as well order a bunch.

Instead of spending thousands fixing up my old energy inefficient fridge to the tune of potentially thousands of dollars I'm just going to spend $500 on a half-dozen 50 watt panels and use my existing solar input on my PWM wind generator controller to make up for the poor performance at anchor. I'll lay them out on the lines when we pull into an anchorage and fold them up accordion style for storage down below.
May as well fix or replace the fridge with a more efficient one that is if it is actually failing and not just old and a watt hog.
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Old 03-11-2015, 08:53   #14
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Re: Grape solar

Quote:
Originally Posted by Snore View Post
Yup that is what I thought.



Sent from my iPhone- please forgive autocorrect errors.
According to the rep they are made by renogy in a plant they own there ( easier to have consistent quality)
The grape panels are made by various manufacturers all over the world
( harder to maintain consistent quality) here is a quote from grape solar
" Grape Solar utilizes contract manufacturing which means we design the specifications and set the quality standards for our panels which are made in over 30 different factories throughout the world. These factories are located in Japan, Korea, China, Canada and the United States."
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Old 03-11-2015, 08:55   #15
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Re: Grape solar

Quote:
Originally Posted by Boatguy30 View Post
I had looked at those, but the 150W are a square size not a good fit on my arch. I have 2 runs of duplex wire in the arch and 2 10 amp controllers so looking to go with 2 150 or 160 watt panels. Not adding the watermaker till next year so may just keep these panels as boat will be unattended part of the winter and not a biggie if these old ones got stolen. (Not an invitation)
Where did you say your boat would be stored this winter
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