Panasonic/Sanyo HIT solar panel questions

[hamradiosailor]

Does anyone have any experience with the Panasonic/Sanyo HIT panels in a marine environment? I am trying to decide between the P/S HIT 220 or 240's and the Kyocera 215's, and wonder if they are equally durable. The Kyocera seems to have a good reputation but I have not heard much about the P/S HIT.

The price difference is not the main issue for me in this application. The solar panels will be installed on a Beneteau 46 and will be mounted above the large bimini with welded SS support bars and some reinforcement. There is no shade from the boom at all, only from the backstay and occasionally the mast and radar.


Here is some of the Panasonic/Sanyo HIT hyperbole:
Temperature Performance
As temperatures rise, HIT Power solar panels produce 10% or more electricity
(kWh) than conventional crystalline silicon solar panels at the same temperature.

Proprietary Technology
HIT solar cells are hybrids of single crystalline silicon surrounded by ultra-thin
amorphous silicon layers.

Structural Strength
HIT Power panels have a double-wall black anodized aluminum frame for extra
strength, and are tested to 60PSF.

[hamradiosailor]

My apology, I guess that I missed the thread "Why is YOUR Solar Panel a Piece of Junk ?" in 2012 that addresses concerns about any rigid solar panel made these days by a reputable company. There are no major problems with any brands to speak of according to the many responses given there.

[GeoPowers]

I have (2) 225W Sanyos w/ an Outback Flexmax 60 MPPT that are fantastic- but have only been installed a year so can't speak for longevity. If set up properly with no shading (as it sounds like you are doing) you "plug 'em in" and enjoy the benefits with virtually no maintenance or attention needed. The only effort needed with our panels is washing off pollen or bird poop!

Frank