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Old 09-06-2019, 10:29   #1
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Cheap flex solar panel

So guys I must be a skinflint magnet
The manufacturers know I can't resist a deal or two .

I have received these flexible solar panel deals lately

https://www.ebay.com/itm/100w-16V-Fl...edirect=mobile
11 bucks delivered the only catch I have found is you can only get one per 10 days.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/200w-Solar-...edirect=mobile
22 bucks delivered same thing one set per 10 days.

At that price its worth the chance . Heck the controller in each kit is worth that much .
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Old 09-06-2019, 13:58   #2
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Re: Cheap flex solar panel

1 bypass diode per panel?
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Old 09-06-2019, 14:09   #3
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Re: Cheap flex solar panel

I would be very careful with low buck flex panels, with all of the failures and fires and or burnt spots
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Old 09-06-2019, 15:53   #4
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Re: Cheap flex solar panel

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Originally Posted by a64pilot View Post
I would be very careful with low buck flex panels, with all of the failures and fires and or burnt spots
IOW hang them on the rails with zip ties . Not solidly on the canvas bimini
The price is cheap enough to stick them under your vee berth till you suffer a catastrophic failure of your $400 dollar ones . These will save the trip.
We shall see
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Old 09-06-2019, 16:40   #5
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Re: Cheap flex solar panel

Looks like a scam to me. Check the feedback, most good ratings are duplicate buyers with less than a 100 transaction. Then click on the 12 negative ratings for this month.

Beware.
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Old 10-06-2019, 09:13   #6
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Re: Cheap flex solar panel

even the good ones dont last as long as rigid ones,the flexible ones go opaque .i wouldnt buy them.
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Old 10-06-2019, 09:25   #7
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Re: Cheap flex solar panel

Quote:
even the good ones dont last as long as rigid ones,the flexible ones go opaque .i wouldnt buy them.
This is what will happen to the cheap ebay panels. The plastic will get cloudy and starts to look like crap.

I bought two five years ago, they still work great, but I have to polish/buff them about every three months...................

When I do replace them, a lot more research will be done.
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Old 10-06-2019, 10:03   #8
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Re: Cheap flex solar panel

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Originally Posted by Davy J View Post
This is what will happen to the cheap ebay panels. The plastic will get cloudy and starts to look like crap.

I bought two five years ago, they still work great, but I have to polish/buff them about every three months...................

When I do replace them, a lot more research will be done.
stop polishing your flex panels the opacity will not have a significant effect .
However repeated polishing and rubbing on them will cause micro fractures in the cells themselves causing hot spots and premature failures
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Old 10-06-2019, 10:04   #9
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Re: Cheap flex solar panel

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Originally Posted by ronstory View Post
Looks like a scam to me. Check the feedback, most good ratings are duplicate buyers with less than a 100 transaction. Then click on the 12 negative ratings for this month.

Beware.
well the 200 watt kit is due to be delivered in 2 weeks we shall see.
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Old 10-06-2019, 10:05   #10
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Re: Cheap flex solar panel

Quote:
Originally Posted by scallowayuk View Post
even the good ones dont last as long as rigid ones,the flexible ones go opaque .i wouldnt buy them.
the opacity is not an issue it will not effect the panels output significantly.
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Old 10-06-2019, 10:20   #11
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Re: Cheap flex solar panel

Quote:
stop polishing your flex panels the opacity will not have a significant effect .
My OCD will not allow a couple of crappy looking solar panels on my hard top.........

They've been there five years but are on the short list to be replaced.
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Old 10-06-2019, 10:27   #12
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Re: Cheap flex solar panel

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well the 200 watt kit is due to be delivered in 2 weeks we shall see.

Almost too good to be true on pricing for 2 panels, cables and regulator. Am waiting to see what you think of them when they arrive.



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Old 10-06-2019, 11:10   #13
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Re: Cheap flex solar panel

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Almost too good to be true on pricing for 2 panels, cables and regulator. Am waiting to see what you think of them when they arrive.



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so am I and if I like them I will order a second set. Always like to have spares on the boat.

I might even post about them on my refit thread.
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Old 10-06-2019, 11:20   #14
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Re: Cheap flex solar panel

Quote:
Originally Posted by Davy J View Post
My OCD will not allow a couple of crappy looking solar panels on my hard top.........

They've been there five years but are on the short list to be replaced.
I use nu finish car polish wipe on wipe off once a year or so just rinse off with water and soft brush or far about every month as needed minimal pressure.
https://www.amazon.com/Nu-Finish-Liq.../dp/B000BPSW7C
Seems to work really good
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Old 10-06-2019, 11:45   #15
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Re: Cheap flex solar panel

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Originally Posted by newhaul View Post
so am I and if I like them I will order a second set.

Was going to order them yesterday also, but the seller has a vacation stop on orders at this time, so need to wait. Apparently the 1st link you attached w/ the single 100W panel is no longer on ebay and the seller isn't registered anymore. As someone suggest that one may have been a scam.

It seems like you got the extra coverage from Square Trade. Seems good for $2, if it actually covers the products like they claim. Has anyone ever tried to make a claim with them?


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