Solar Panels

[boto]

Greetings All,

I know this is a much discussed area, we are convinced that we will be adding panels, now the shopping begins. Question, is anyone familiar with the KYOCERA panels? Specifically the KC85T model (85W panel).

Second question, is anyone familiar with the folks at eMarine Systems? Online retailer showing what appears to be a decent price for these panels.

Thanks for anyinsights to either question, and as always additional thoughts are always welcome.

Cheers

[Soft Air]

Kyoceras are very good build and supported panels, I have had a very good experience with them

[Rhosyn Mor]

try DM solar.

[boto]

thanks for the quick replys, will check out the dm's

On the Kyocera's have you had any noticible problems with shade? I understand that they have some level of shade protection>

Thanks

[Rhosyn Mor]

Shade resistance is a function more of the type of panel than the maker, IIRC mon crystaslline panels are more shade tolerant than multi, but I may have that bass ackwards

[boto]

thanks, yes bassackwards, the mono are less tolerant, but I get the point, appreciate it

[richardhula]

Originally Posted by boto

Question, is anyone familiar with the KYOCERA panels? Specifically the KC85T model (85W panel).

Second question, is anyone familiar with the folks at eMarine Systems?

I purchased two KC130TM's together with Blue Sky controller, cable & fitting kits from e-marine. Joe Turner was very helpful with my order. Although I arranged the air freight myself, the whole package arrived in 3 days to Panama.

The Kyocera's have on occassion exceeded their spec putting 17 amps into my battery bank.

Regards

[bottleinamessage]

I have used and can recommend Affordable Solar in AZ.

[slacker]

I have the KC 85 panels on our boat and have been very happy with them. I recently added two more and purchased them from Wholesale Solar in Mt Shasta,Ca. $ 410 each, they have the best price around.

[Bash]

kyocera has been in the solar industry since 1975, and is pretty much the gold standard for marine applications. you can certainly get a cheaper panel, but be aware that not all panels are suitable for marine use. for example, if you put a mitsubishi panel on a boat, you've just voided the warranty.

[mobetah]

Sorry Ed, I'm not familiar with the 85w panels your looking at but we have had two 51w (or was it 51w) Kyocera panels for almost 15 years now. They still look and preform like the day we purchased them from Ferris Power Products www.hamiltonferris.com .

Good Luck, Bill A.

[kismet424]

Has anyone used/tried the newer 200W/210W panels that I've seen advertised online? I'd think there's a lot of benefit to packing as much punch into each panel as possible, and am wondering if there's any reason to (or not to) consider the 200/210W panels.

Matt

[camaraderie]

Matt...biggest problem with 200watt panels is overall size and the ability to mount them somewhere unshaded.

[gbanker]

Vicky & Ed,
I have just installed the same setup as richardhula, also purchased from e-marine with excellent support from them. My boat is currently sitting in St. John with the refrigerator and freezer running ( powered only by the solar panels) and awaiting our return this weekend. I can recommend Kyocera, Blue Sky and e-marine. Will post pictures of my installation after we return to the islands.

[boto]

Thanks all this has definitly helped, as with most items for a cruise, these are big ticket and important to comfort, so the feedback has been helpful. Look forward to the pics, take care.