What's the consensus on these panels ?

[Vikdikdok]

With so many different makes & types of solar panels around I'd like your advice on these Or recommendations which to buy . . . (I note it states 18.3% efficiency - is that poor average or good ?
- I admit it was the price that was my 1st consideration

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=283307263295

 

[Allanm]

If it were me, I wouldn’t buy them. They are cheap and in my experience cheap means poor quality.
i would look at an established company and pay a bit more for a decent panel

I notice the seller has 60negative reviews in the past12 months. That alone would make me look elsewhere.
What’s that old saying, “Buy cheap, buy twice.....”

 

[Two on Tour]

First thing against them is that they are Polycrystalline cells and not Monocrystalline cells, Monocrystalline are far more efficient I certainly would not buy a panel with Polycrystalline cells in it.

 

[Pausim]

Polycrystalline panels are not as good as monocrystalline ones but cheaper to make.

 

[Lenny HB]

That one is Polycrystiline, you really want a Monocrystaline for best output. Also cheap panels the frames are of a lighter gauge aluminium and not so ridged.

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[StephDeLux]

The price can be explained by the obsolete technology, as others have pointed out. The disadvantage of lower efficiency is that the panel is larger and heavier than a more modern one with the same output.

Now if those aspects do not bother you, I would not necessarily exclude the pnaels because of the tech. They are indeed very affordable.

I would be more alarmed by the vendor's track record that is not exactly stellar with 1.3% of buyers having negative or neutral opinions in the last month.

 

[autorouter]

A 100 watt polycrystalline panel produces exactly the same power as a 100 watt monocrystalline panel. The only disadvantage is the poly one is a bit larger and therefore a bit heavier. If you are pushed for roof space, mono is more power per square metre. If you're only going for one panel and have plenty of roof space, the cheaper one is a good option.

 

[Vikdikdok]

Hmm, I guess your right - cheaper is not the best idea, - how about this kit ?

200w 12v MPPT Solar Battery Charger Vehicle Kit

Buy 200w 12v MPPT Solar Battery Charger Vehicle Kit. Suitable for higher use vehicles using up to 120ah per day. Contact us for more information.

www.sunstore.co.uk

 

[Two on Tour]

Cheaper to put together a kit of parts from Photonic Universe (panels and MPPT controller )and mount from eBay, plus on panels that size I would add side mountings rather than just corner mount.

12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine

12V solar panel solar charging kits for motorhome caravan boat campervan yacht marine off-grid

www.photonicuniverse.com

https://www.photonicuniverse.com/en...V--440W-24V-up-to-75V-Bluetooth-inbuilt-.html.

I think you can still get 10% discount at Photonic Universe either via CCC or CMC

 

[StephDeLux]

Hmm, I guess your right - cheaper is not the best idea, - how about this kit ?

200w 12v MPPT Solar Battery Charger Vehicle Kit

Buy 200w 12v MPPT Solar Battery Charger Vehicle Kit. Suitable for higher use vehicles using up to 120ah per day. Contact us for more information.

www.sunstore.co.uk

That looks good if a bit overpriced. I am a satisfied customer of Offgridtec in Germany. They have that kit among many others:

<Broken link removed>

They deal in English, I don't know German.

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[Vikdikdok]

Stephane, looks like a possible - except like you I don't know German & wish they offered translation

 

[BOWHOUSE52]

Hi can I just open this chat again Has anyone or know of anyone that have fitted midsummer solar panels & equipment on there motorhome/caravans and is it any good look forward to your replys

 

[Don Quixote]

Polycrystalline-based solar panels conversion efficiencies typically 13-16%. Because of lower silicon purity, polycrystalline solar panels are not quite as efficient as monocrystalline solar panels.

Monocrystalline solar panels have the highest efficiency rates since they are made out of the highest-grade silicon. The conversion efficiencies of up to 20.1%. The so called X-series at a record-breaking efficiency of 21.5%.

Buy cheap buy twice............

 

[BOWHOUSE52]

It was the monocrystalline one's that I was thinking of buying Don't understand why one company can be £60/70 cheaper for the same product