Solar panel comparison

Bill Roosa · Aug 25, 2013

make sure they have 36 cells so they had the voltage needed when hot
and go with the lowest $/Watt. so if you have a $200 panel that produces 50 watts ($200/50watts= $4/watt) you have a really expensive panel. The other variable is the shape. if it don't fit it does not really matter if it would work or be the least expensive.
There are kits that allow you to build a panel to your own dimensions and the $/watt are very low

centerline · Aug 25, 2013

buy from a reputable source and you will be ok.... a cheap panel may not be the cheapest way to get to where you want to go....

solar blvd
sun solar usa

But as Bill said, the cost vs watts.... sometimes you can get a panel with a few more watts either way of your target wattage and you can save money... sometimes you can get more watts for just pennies on the watt.... depends on the quanities of what they have in stock at the moment you want to buy. the prices can jump dramatically in a few days on the same panel from the same company....
UNLESS you decide to shop at the store where the prices are always jacked up to maximum.... their prices are usually fairly steady.

Mike B1026 · Aug 25, 2013

Nereussailor said:
What exactly do you look for when comparing solar panels? I've looked at the specs on a few, and they all seem really close. I'm sure there are differences that I missed, but I'm not real familar with them. What should I look for? Are there set ups that can be expanded if I want to add more later?

Thanks,

Dave

Do you have an idea of how many watts you are needing?

seadaddler · Aug 26, 2013

Miami

Go to I think its called Sun electric on the web inMiami
I got mine there and they helped me choose
Which panels best price
I droe for pickup and saved shipping
Nick

Bob 04 H260 · Aug 26, 2013

If you are in Vero check out Emarine http://www.emarineinc.com/ in Miami. They often have specials on a particular panel. Many sailors like the Kyocera panels, they seem to be recommended for a marine application. Lots of places sell them.

The right panels and sizes depend on the space you have to mount them, the boats daily power needs, size of the house bank, how you will use the boat, if you intend to add wind power as well and so on.

Bob

sea_casper · Aug 26, 2013

First, figure out how you where and how you will mount it/them.
Second, get the largest panel(s) that will fit your boat and installation.
Third, buy a good controller that matches the panel and your batteries.
There are pros and cons for each step.
You will never get full output out of any panel especially with a fixed mount so matching assumed needs to panel output is needless, if you ever get more power than you need your need will increase.

jepomer · Aug 26, 2013

Balance the solar panel output, losses from non-sunny moments, charger inefficiency, and battery capacity with your instantaneous needs and average needs.

A small 12 watt panel charges my house battery for lights, radio, and fish finder.
A larger 100 watt panel charges a 24volt, 210 amp-hour battery bank for my Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 electric outboard.

Since I sail maybe twice a week, the panels give me more than I need.

Bill1565 · Aug 26, 2013

Nereussailor said:
What exactly do you look for when comparing solar panels? I've looked at the specs on a few, and they all seem really close. I'm sure there are differences that I missed, but I'm not real familar with them. What should I look for? Are there set ups that can be expanded if I want to add more later?

Thanks,

Dave

Do searches on this web site. Especially posts by Maine Sail. There is a wealth of info here. Later, when you are more knowledgeable , people will respond to specific questions

Brian D · Aug 27, 2013

I just purchased a 50w system. Nothing special nor is it top brand. But it will do me well for what I want to do. The panel is almost square (24x26) so it should not be a problem mounting. I was thinking of pole mount from my swim step. I was also thinking of mounting on a swivel type head so I can move it in both the azimuth plane and elevation plane. This might be an over kill but at least it will point to where the sun is on any point of sail. I know many get by just fine with a flat mount but I do not have a bimini or or arch.

I should get it next week in time for a short cruise to Dana Point, up the coast from my home port.

Fred Villiard · Aug 28, 2013

Brian, that panel is about what I've been hunting for, could you post the info on it.

I trailer alot and don't want to hang one on the stern rail, that 24 x26 would fit very well on my hatch and would be out of the way.

Thanks
Fred Villiard

Brian D · Aug 28, 2013

Fred, I got it off of Amazon. It is a Renogy 50w system that includes the controller and cables. Granted it probably is not the best on the market but for us guys who do not do a lot of serious cruising, I think it would be ideal. It wasn't that expensive either.

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Sola...TF8&qid=1377717661&sr=8-3&keywords=renogy+50w

By the way, I am in no way trying to take away from the serious cruiser who is looking for serious power while off-hook. I wish I had the time to cruise and the size boat to support 140w systems.

Fred Villiard · Aug 28, 2013

Thank you Brian,

I checked the site and the 70 watt panel might just fit, I'll have to do some serious measurements.

Thanks
Fred Villiard