Cheap Solar Panels- will they work if properly installed?

[coopec43]

I want to install more solar panels but of course the cheapest way possible. I am surprised at the cost variance of the panels. These panels are very inexpensive but will they work? I plan to install them on a sturdy frame between the stanchion and the "push pit" (near the dinghy)



https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_...023.m570.l1313

[Island Time O25]

Can't vouch for the current models but about 10-11 years ago bought what were then the cheapest glass 110W panels at 85c/W. Still doing fine in our New England environment. I never expected these cheapest panels to last that long. So after 7-10years I consider each year's a bonus.

[coopec43]

I've been out to Helen now and find I can easily fit X2 400W panels on Port as well as Starboard.

I'm a bit wary though as it seems too good to be true. Where am I going wrong?





https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/29647325...Bk9SR8Su8NfFZQ

[Franziska]

They are tiny and will never deliver 400w.
It's a hoax. There is technical progress but not to this extent.

Solar yield is always related to surface.

We have 3year old rigid 400w industrial panels onboard.
They are big. About 2m X 1m.
Cost was about 160€ at the time.

[Wandering1]

Originally Posted by coopec43

I've been out to Helen now and find I can easily fit X2 400W panels on Port as well as Starboard.

I'm a bit wary though as it seems too good to be true. Where am I going wrong?





https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/29647325...Bk9SR8Su8NfFZQ

The picture shows flexible panels? If you are going to buy cheap panels, make sure they are framed glass panels. In my experience, they work fine. On a regular basis, my cheap glass panels put out more power than they are rated at in the tropics

[Uncle Bob]

Coops, may I respectfully remind you of your experiences of buying flea bay batteries If I remember correctly that experience did not go all that well.
Having just helped a friend install solar to his power boat we decided to go the quality path with a 24 volt panel, victron mppt controller and victron cyrix battery combiner, all purchased online from Preston Off Grid in victoria.
Couldn't recommend them strongly enough.

[coopec43]

Originally Posted by Franziska

They are tiny and will never deliver 400w.
It's a hoax. There is technical progress but not to this extent.

Solar yield is always related to surface.

We have 3year old rigid 400w industrial panels onboard.
They are big. About 2m X 1m.
Cost was about 160€ at the time.

Yes that was in the back of my mind - they seemed too small to give 400W. In the description they claim OUTPUT 0.9A. How does that equate with 400W?

Specification:
Type: Solar panel
Size: 42 * 28 * 0.25 cm
Material: ABS
Solar Cell: Polycrystalline silicon
Maximum Power (Pmax): 400W
Maximum Power Voltage (Vmp): 12V
Maximum Power Current (Imp): 0.9A
Protection Level: IP65
Power Source: Solar
Color: Black
Item Weight: 660gm


In "Item Specification" it reads:
Charging Mode : PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)

Wattage 200w

Back to the drawing board.

[coopec43]

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

Coops, may I respectfully remind you of your experiences of buying flea bay batteries If I remember correctly that experience did not go all that well.
Having just helped a friend install solar to his power boat we decided to go the quality path with a 24 volt panel, victron mppt controller and victron cyrix battery combiner, all purchased online from Preston Off Grid in victoria.
Couldn't recommend them strongly enough.

NO I didn't buy batteries on eBay! (That's not to say there aren't reputable battery sellers on eBay)

AND yes I did buy quality (Renogy) panels as well as Victron MPPT Controller and Victron Cyrix battery combiner. (They work well)

[coopec43]

Well can anybody pick fault with this offer? A solar panel plus PWM controller for $19 (marked down from $29)

The seller has a 99.8% approval rating. Where's the catch?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12456308...Bk9SR8bw5efFZQ

[LAGERTHA]

Originally Posted by coopec43

Well can anybody pick fault with this offer? A solar panel plus PWM controller for $19 (marked down from $29)

The seller has a 99.8% approval rating. Where's the catch?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12456308...Bk9SR8bw5efFZQ

I bought these so called 400W Panels for my Monohull on ebay a few years back. They work, and will give you some energy back, but no where near 400W. You be lucky to get 100w per panel. Sorry. Save your $.

[coopec43]

Originally Posted by LAGERTHA

I bought these so called 400W Panels for my Monohull on ebay a few years back. They work, and will give you some energy back, but no where near 400W. You be lucky to get 100w per panel. Sorry. Save your $.

They are only claiming 200W. They are a very reputable company.
If I could get a 100W panel for $19 it would be a good buy.

I've only just started looking. Space is the limiting factor - apart from cost!


Fore and Aft What are your thoughts? (You would be familiar with Outbax?)

[JBP]

11 inches by 16 inches? (28c x 42 cm) is nowhere near 400W. Maybe 10W.

Solar irradiance in AU is about 1000W per square meter, solar panels are currently a little over 20% efficiency, so about 200W per square meter is the most that is possible. In actual use, you'll see about half that due to poor angles, haze, and whatnot.

[hlev00]

Your first link let to a 400W panel at the top so that threw some.

The second link, I believe, is for a $19 controller, not $19 100W panel. Look to the right where you select the option.

"If it seems too good to be true, it probably isn't."

[JBP]

@coopec43, I love the pilot chair! I want one!

[s/v Jedi]

As cheap as possible equals disaster. In this case, when buying the cheapest flexible solar panels, the disaster will be a burned down boat as those are notorious for catching fire.

12V at 0.9A. Law of nature dictates that power is voltage times current so these aren’t 400 Watt but rather 10W. You can safely install them as they are not powerful enough to cause fire.

I think you can wrap a bunch of them around the tiller too