Sun Power E19/240W?

[mrybas]

Anyone use SunPower's E19/240 Panel on there boat?
http://us.sunpowercorp.com/cs/BlobSe...ble=MungoBlobs

[GeoPowers]

Originally Posted by mrybas

Anyone use SunPower's E19/240 Panel on there boat?
http://us.sunpowercorp.com/cs/BlobSe...ble=MungoBlobs

They don't sell to boats.

I called two local "premier dealers", and was told that they only sell the panels as part of a complete install package to residential or commercial folks. One even recommended I buy the Sanyo HIT 225W panel. I then called SunPower directly, and the agent I talked to said the same thing. When I asked him if he realized that his panels were on PlanetSolar's RTW solar boat, all he said was "yeah"......

SO, being a stubborn guy when he's getting told an answer he doesn't like, I "liked" them on facebook and posted the following:
"Hi, I am very interested in SunPower solar panels for an installation on a sailboat. However, when I called two authorized dealers I was informed that they could not sell panels unless installed as part of a residential system. Is this correct, or is there another way to procure these panels? The high efficiency rating of your panels is perfect for the limited space typical of a marine environment, which is probably why PlanetSolar has your panels on their around-the-world boat! How can I buy some of your panels?"

....and got no response. I hate having to work to spend my money, so I'm going to go with the Sanyo model. The SunPower would have been a perfect sizing and wattage, but the Sanyo allows me to better add more panels later based on available "real estate".

I do have to chuckle and note the irony that the company that makes the solar panels on PlanetSolar's RTW boat won't supply to boats....!

Frank

[Cotemar]

GeoPowers,

We have 6 boats now that I have worked with that have the SunPower panels.
I was told all the same things you were. I stopped asking installers and called a few distributors and they said sure they will sell them to me. They drop shipped a pallet of four of them in my driveway for two boats.

You just have to call around in your area. I also worked with a few boats in Australia and they also purchased the SunPower panels with no problems.

[GeoPowers]

Thanks for the input. I've read your past posts on these panels (good info, by the way), and it seems you got most from the same electrical company. Yet another poster said that company no longer will supply panels to individuals? Have you found another supplier in the past 3-4 months?

I'll probably try to call a few SunPower distributors tomorrow before I order the Sanyo's, but like I said before I don't like having to work hard to spend my money.

Frank

[Cotemar]

Frank,

The distributor is Munroelectric out of Boston and they can only sell the panels in the tri state area. The other poster was not in the Boston area, so could not buy the panels from them. I had called and they told me the story and that they still sell the panels.

I agree it should be easier, to buy them. The Sanyo panels are just as good, so no worries using them also.

[Strait Shooter]

I'm a contractor and am installing our first Sunpower unit based system on a large project this summer. The distributors are kissing my butt right now (that'll last until the check clears) and have already ordered 2 extra panels for my boat.

If I can help anyone here get panels, pm me and I'll see what we can do.

John

[shipofools]

What charge controller are people using with these panels. Looking to install two on my boat?

Cheers

[Ram]

What are these Sun Power panels going for?

[Cotemar]

Blue Sky 3024i is what most people are using for these SunPower panels.

[shipofools]

Cotemar,

Are you using the setup as 24volts?

Cheers,

[Cotemar]

No, 12 volts

[GeoPowers]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

Blue Sky 3024i is what most people are using for these SunPower panels.

Hi Cotemar,

I know you have posted before that you and others use the Blue Sky 3024i(L) as your charge controller, but I don't think this provides optimum wattage to your batteries. Reference the 3024i Operations manual:

http://www.blueskyenergyinc.com/uplo...E_SB3024iL.pdf

Pay particular attention to page 6 and the table which recommends the best panels for this charge controller. Of note: "Current rating and current limit are 40A when charging a 12V battery from nominal 12V PV modules. If PV VOC ever exceeds 30V (>12V nominal PV modules) current rating and current limit become 30A."

The Sunpower panels have a Voc of 48.6V, which is fine if you only have one panel, but if you have two you are limited to 400W (and never using the remaining 80W the panels are capable of).

I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but just share what I've learned in researching solar. I'm sure you want to optimize your solar. I've bought an Outback Flexmax 60 to meet the higher voltage ratings (although I am using Sanyo it is similar). If I'm reading this wrong, please correct me!

All that said, if anyone wants a Bluesky3024iL I will be posting to eBay soon- it is a great controller for what it was designed for.

Frank

[Cotemar]

I personally am using SB50-BlueSky Solar controller for my two SunPower 230 watt panels

[gene80]

If you guys are looking for SunPower panels contact Kent at Salt Service out of the Florida Keys. These guys have been great and they are very knowledgeable regarding boat installs. Apparently some guy just put 6 e19 320 panels on his Lagoon 50.

kentl @ saltservice . com
305-289-1150

Gene
S/V Kalalau

[Cotemar]

Now SunPower makes a 345 watt x21 panel at 41 lbs measuring 61x41 inchs