Renogy solar

[berwick]

Anyone know who carries Renogy solar panels in the Caribbean? Actually looking for bifacial panels and the Renogy seem to fit the bill,

Thanks

[Wandering1]

Originally Posted by berwick

Anyone know who carries Renogy solar panels in the Caribbean? Actually looking for bifacial panels and the Renogy seem to fit the bill,

Thanks

There is a 4-6% potential increase in performance with bifacial panels. They are less beneficial in the Tropics as they can heat from both sides and slightly reduce their potential output. They are a good solution in cool temperate climates. Good luck if you can get them but don't expect miracle performance from them.
Many who do quote huge output would also get a similar improvement by just swapping to new conventional monofacial panels. The 4-6% I quote is actually based on scientific studies not hearsay

[berwick]

I understand that the bifacial tend to be split up differently internally and are much better at shading too?

[Zanshin]

I ended up ordering my Renogy panels in the USA and shipping them to St. Martin (duty-free) because I couldn't find a supplier.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by berwick

I understand that the bifacial tend to be split up differently internally and are much better at shading too?

Nope.


Where bifacial panels excel is when they are installed vertically, specifically in northern locations. They are set north/south. Consider ...

• Snow. A major thing some places. Flat would be ... useless.
• Mowing
• Less hail damamge
• Stay clean
• Cheaper construction
• Run cooler
• Better on cloudy days (no specific sun direction)
• More power morning and evening (balancing for the grid)

[Rohan]

Originally Posted by berwick

Anyone know who carries Renogy solar panels in the Caribbean? Actually looking for bifacial panels and the Renogy seem to fit the bill

I am confused how bifacial panels would work on a boat.

[markxengineerin]

There is a 4-6% potential increase in performance with bifacial panels.

Anyone know what this does to weight/volume? The panels are an aerodynamic and weight issue on sailboats, I wonder if 4-6% benefit is more than offset by volume and weight penalties. Guessing... yes

[Mattzilla]

Originally Posted by Rohan

I am confused how bifacial panels would work on a boat.

Mounted on an arch, reflected light from water/tender on davits.

[berwick]

Yes mounted on the arch was my thought, people I have met who have them like that say they are much more efficient