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Old 06-11-2008, 08:16   #1
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Sharp 80W solar Panels?

Hi all;
Does anyone have experience with Sharp panels, 80w variety?

Chris
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Old 06-11-2008, 08:30   #2
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No experience to share, but looking at their web site they seem to be a reasonable option. They come with a 25 year warranter, which is impressive. I did see they tout a steel mounting system, but looking a little deeper into this the panels are not steel just the system.


Are you getting a great deal on them? I would not hesitate to use them, but might stick with 'marine' panels if the price were competitive.

Good luck with whatever you do.
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Old 06-11-2008, 08:42   #3
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THis is the module in question. There is no mention of the frame material - I assumed they were all aluminum?

http://www.solar.sharpusa.com/files/sol_dow_80EJEA.pdf
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Old 06-11-2008, 08:59   #4
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the warranty may not be covered if installed on a boat.check to see the details of the warranty. When I was shopping I noticed that many manufacturers had exclusions for marine installations. I did not see any Kyocera panles that had this limitation.
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Old 06-11-2008, 09:13   #5
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I've got the 175s. SCsolar recommended Sharp as they have one of the more sturdy aluminum frames, the monocrystalline 175s are not as effecient as the current leader, which is Sunpower, for efficiency, but they were the most efficient panels being produced prior to Sunpower. The Sharp 175s are also shade tolerant. And yes, they do have an exclusion for exposure to saltwater. Every solar panel has a broad disclaimer on "abuse" or inappropriate installation, so I'm sure if you ended up dunking a panel in the water most panel manufacturers would void the warranty.
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Old 06-11-2008, 11:59   #6
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Warranties

Sharp does indeed exclude marine use in their warranty. I checked out Kyocera's warranty. It is for 1 year, and 20 years on output. It does not exclude marine use, but does have this in there:

"h) defects and/or failures caused by use on a mobile unit including, but not limited to,
vehicles, vessels, etc.;"


So boats are out for them as well.

So who makes a panel around 80w that is warranted for marine vessel use?

Chris
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Old 06-11-2008, 17:12   #7
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Your insurance co.
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Old 06-11-2008, 17:41   #8
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FWIW, I have two 80W Kyocera's on La Nostra. Been there for four years now with no problems at all. Great output and zero maintenance. Nice, sturdy aluminum frames and well executed wiring.
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Old 06-11-2008, 19:03   #9
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I have a pair of 125 (or 130) Kyocera panels and they work great. i have installed them on about 4 boats now and all love them. The MPPT regulators are a must have also with them to achieve max charging.

gary
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