Where to Buy Solar Panels?

[Martinini]

Right now until sold out sunelec.com has 130 watt panel for $257.40--don't choose highlighted shipping--chose the cheapest method if in the US.

[captintommy]

lorenzo B

I would be interested in used solar from the rigs

[Caribsailors]

My Experience with Sun Electronics.......

It's a love/hate one right now. Love the prices.... FINALLY was able to get my order taken. .....No one EVER returned my calls...... shipment arrived this week......... WRONG, but in one piece.

I had ordered 4 x 130 watt panels because of space constraint and existing charge controller. What arrived was 2 x 130 watt 12v panels and 2 x 150 watt 24 volt panels not the same size or voltage

I don't mind the extra wattage, but now I have a controller that can only handle the 130's.

I've called them and left voicemails, I've emailed them and have received undeliverable responses, trying to come up with a solution to their error.

Maybe this will jerk their chain

[Martinini]

I too ordered 130 watt small panels from Sun Elec, what they sent me was 130 watt medium panels and have not returned a single e-mail or call. They have good prices, but it's a crap shoot on wether or not you actually get what your ordered specifically. Since the panels recieved are wider, I now have to to build a new bimini frame strong enough to hold them. Don't get me wrong the panels are great, but thier customer service S__KS!!

[scotte]

Well it's not really worth saving money if you get something different than what you ordered... Thanks for the warning about Sun Electronics!

[ddavis4464]

Hi, I use a web site called sun and wind in Arizona as a benchmark.
ddavis4464

[flashmutt007]

I noticed over at Costco.com that you can get solar panels as well. Here is an example, they have many different ones listed....

Costco - Sunforce 246 Watt Solar Power Back Up Kit with Sharp® Solar Modules

Might be worth a try since Costco guarentees there stuff 100% and you can return it to any store for a full refund.....

[Bill_E]

I used a company in California, Solatron (Solar panels for your home or business. Solar panels lowest prices in the world.). Almost a year ago I paid about $630 each for Kyocera 130 watt panels. I chose them because I got a good price (probably not exceptional) and excellent service. I also purchased a BZ MPPT controller from them at an excellent price. At the time I thought that good service, including the ability to quickly return them and get new ones if there was any shipping damage or problems and the Kyocera panels are guaranteed for "mobile" service. That guarantee may not mean anything but I was a little concerned about the possibility of materials separation or breaking with the pounding that they may take.

I have a couple of comments from my experience. First, buy an MPPT controller. They will get you somewhere between 5 and 15% more energy into your system than a cheapo controller. That's a lot of gain. Second, think about how and where you install them. I had an aluminum arch built behind my Bimini and over my swim platform. That puts the weight way at the rear of the boat. If I had it to do over again I'd try to get the panels over the bimini where they wouldn't mess up my boat's weight balance.
Bill

[Ultimarv]

I am unsure if those on water could benefit from the panels that are on our "Asphalt Cruiser", but since we have space, weight and movement issues too, we purchased 6x 100-watt panels from amsolar (www.amsolar.com). These panels are packed with 44 high efficiency mono-crystalline cells verses the 36 cells you normally find and therefore provide higher voltages for the MPPT controller to boost amperage. The panels are also more compact and only 21-1/4" wide. A panel also weighs 20.5 lbs., about 5 lbs. lighter. Price: $379. with free shipping. The company is very responsive and credible in the "Asphalt" world.

[boatsmith]

Hi Ram, I have used Sun Electronics in Miami and been very happy. I shop in person and have been to their store several times. They are very very very busy. They appear to be running at more than full capacity. It would not surprise me that they screw some stuff up on mail orders. The prices are very good. David

[SteveHoiland]

I ordered my panal from www.altestore. They had the best prices around I could find.

[s/v Beth]

Link doesn't work Steve.

[theonecalledtom]

Try Solar Panels, Photovoltaic Systems, Solar Panels for Your Home - DIY Solar Panels & Renewable Energy @ AltE Store

[Gallivanters]

The USVI has a rebate program for alternate energy for residential applications. And our boat is our full-time residence. The program is funded by the federal government at a rate of $5.00 per watt.

We purchased eight Sharp 80 watt panels at a price of $4500.

Within six weeks, we received a rebate check from the USVI government for the sum of $3300.

Eight panels for $1200 or $150 each.

The program is funded periodically and one has to be prepared to act quickly because when the money's gone you have to wait until funding becomes available again. Might pay to do a web search or call the St Thomas Quantum Sails rep who is an authorized local dealer for the rebate program there.

You have to purchase the panels from a list of local suppliers and you have to provide a physical address for your residence. I used the marina's address where we were berthed.

When the sun is shining - the panels provide for ALL our power needs... including deep freeze for days (and weeks) on end.

To Life!

Kirk

[Ram]

Originally Posted by Gallivanters

The USVI has a rebate program for alternate energy for residential applications. And our boat is our full-time residence. The program is funded by the federal government at a rate of $5.00 per watt.

We purchased eight Sharp 80 watt panels at a price of $4500.

Within six weeks, we received a rebate check from the USVI government for the sum of $3300.

Eight panels for $1200 or $150 each.

The program is funded periodically and one has to be prepared to act quickly because when the money's gone you have to wait until funding becomes available again. Might pay to do a web search or call the St Thomas Quantum Sails rep who is an authorized local dealer for the rebate program there.

You have to purchase the panels from a list of local suppliers and you have to provide a physical address for your residence. I used the marina's address where we were berthed.

When the sun is shining - the panels provide for ALL our power needs... including deep freeze for days (and weeks) on end.

To Life!

Kirk

Wow Great deal!