Solar panel price survey

[john61ct]

Flex is lots more, yes lighter but don't last nearly as long.

[LoudMusic]

A while back I started working on this Google spreadsheet for battery selection and solar panel selection.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing

Note there are two pages, selectable at the bottom of the page. I included the available data from whichever reseller I was getting the info from, and a few calculations on price, Watts, and area. The columns should be sortable for non-editors.

If there are more models you'd like to see included please send me URLs containing the pertinent info and I'll get them added to the sheet. Batteries too.

I should probably include columns on each sheet detailing the type of technology for each model, but haven't yet.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by LoudMusic

A while back I started working on this Google spreadsheet for battery selection and solar panel selection.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing

Note there are two pages, selectable at the bottom of the page. I included the available data from whichever reseller I was getting the info from, and a few calculations on price, Watts, and area. The columns should be sortable for non-editors.

If there are more models you'd like to see included please send me URLs containing the pertinent info and I'll get them added to the sheet. Batteries too.

I should probably include columns on each sheet detailing the type of technology for each model, but haven't yet.

Thanks for sharing this. Are those all ridgid panels? It would be interesting to compare some flex panels like Solbian and generics off Amazon and AliExpress.

Also, for panels shipping can really say the $/watt calculation.

[LoudMusic]

Originally Posted by Paul L

Thanks for sharing this. Are those all ridgid panels? It would be interesting to compare some flex panels like Solbian and generics off Amazon and AliExpress.

Also, for panels shipping can really say the $/watt calculation.

It is in fact all rigid panels. Generally speaking I haven't been interested in flexible panels. My anticipation is to use rigid panels above davits and potentially on a hard bimini.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by LoudMusic

It is in fact all rigid panels. Generally speaking I haven't been interested in flexible panels. My anticipation is to use rigid panels above davits and potentially on a hard bimini.

The flex panels are nice on a hard Bimini. Keeps them low and flush.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by Paul L

Thanks for sharing this. Are those all ridgid panels? It would be interesting to compare some flex panels like Solbian and generics off Amazon and AliExpress.

Also, for panels shipping can really say the $/watt calculation.

I would be very skeptical of the astronomically larger investment paying off.

But with commodity flex, a mounting scheme that allowed for easy replacement would need to be factored in.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by john61ct

I would be very skeptical of the astronomically larger investment paying off.

But with commodity flex, a mounting scheme that allowed for easy replacement would need to be factored in.

Not sure what cost you are referring to. The cheap China import flex panels are not expensive. If you are referring to the Solbian flex panels, I agree.

[barnakiel]

We bought:

- a 75W unit at USD500 in 2003 (quality one),
- a 75W unit at USD 250 in 2010 (China, poor quality),

Most recently I have been contemplating a 115W unit at USD95 (Internet, China, ex-delivery).

Cheers,
b.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by Paul L

Not sure what cost you are referring to. The cheap China import flex panels are not expensive. If you are referring to the Solbian flex panels, I agree.

Yes, I was talking about the difference between top quality branded through full-service retail, vs generic from cheapest source.

Such a HUGE difference in price, not so much in power output, IMO the latter is cheaper overall even if they don't last as long.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Yes, I was talking about the difference between top quality branded through full-service retail, vs generic from cheapest source.

Such a HUGE difference in price, not so much in power output, IMO the latter is cheaper overall even if they don't last as long.

For most cruising cases I agree with you.

[PetePetePete]

NewPowa 100 Watts 100W Solar Panel 12V Poly

$99 from eBay. VERY happy with it so far. Only installed it yesterday with a Victron 75/15 MPPT and a Victron Dongle.

Thing is terrific!

[Salty Mike]

2 340 watt panels from Sun Electronics - Lowest Prices in Solar Panels, Kits, Inverters got the grade "C" they look and function great IIRC they were $480 with shipping.

[john61ct]

Yes they are famous for rock-bottom deals, great for getting a whole pallet to share among a local group