Solar Panels from Non-Marine Suppliers

Lee Coller

Lee Coller

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Oct 22, 2005
257
Hunter 44DS Redondo Beach, CA
About 8 years ago I purchased 2 130 watt solar panels from West Marine made by ICP Solar. I've just discovered that one of those solar panels is not working (I originally suspected it was just the connector, but that is not the case). Looking at the materials, its clear that those panels were not made from marine grade materials (and the company went bankrupt many years ago, thus the 20 year warranty is worthless).

I see I can buy a 165 watt panel from WestMarine for $500+ (and of course I'd have to buy two because mixing different specs doesn't work too well). Looking around, I see what appear to be equivalent panels available for a fraction of what WM is selling them for. Anyone have experience here?
 
Ron20324

Ron20324

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Jan 22, 2008
8,050
Beneteau 323 Annapolis MD
If you still have the receipt, West might honor the warranty in some way. It's worth a try.
 
Brian D

Brian D

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Feb 17, 2006
5,274
Lancer 27PS MCB Camp Pendleton KF6BL
I don't have the power you have, nor do I have the big boat that you have, but about 3 years ago I purchased a 50w panel from Renogy. I have had no issues to date. It is not marine rated. The aluminum frame is holding out just fine. The only issue I have had not related to the panel was the mounting hardware I purchased. It rusted out on me and broke apart during the last major rain/wind store we had here in SoCal. Since then I have replaced the hardware with stainless steel.

If one thinks about it, solar panels were meant to be in the environment. Granted a marine environment is a little harsher, but what about houses using solar that are along the coast? I think you should be fine with a commercial/residential grade panel in lieu of the marine price tag added for no reason other than the word "marine" has been applied.
 
seadaddler

seadaddler

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Dec 19, 2006
5,832
Hunter 36 Punta Gorda
I installed 2 190 watt panels on my arch over my bimini in 2013 and got them I think the name was
E electronics in Miami Fl.and many of my friends here in Fl also got them same place and they sell panels and other solar products by the truck load not really for marine any way they look the same to this day and no problems.
nick
 
Seahorse24

Seahorse24

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Nov 6, 2014
122
Yankee Yankee Seahorse 24 Beaver Lake
There is no logical reason to pay more because someone labeled their solar panels marine grade. All solar panels are marine grade or they would not warranty them on boats. I have never seen a solar panel advertised that said not for use on boats. Solar panels are manufactured to withstand harsh weather and the elements. The warranty is good whether you put it on a roof, a boat, or a boat dock. Some panels are now warranted to produce power for 25 years.

My first use of solar panels was in 2004 to power our boat dock. That panel still works fine. Back then, I paid over $750.00 for the 130 watt panel. Today, I can buy a 150 panel for $180.00.

Solar panels are available from multiple online sources. Read the customer reviews and the questions before making your selection.

The number one thing to consider when building a solar system is the charge controller. Get a high quality charge controller. If your charge controller's set point is too high, it will boil the water out of your batteries. Low water in a battery damages it quickly. A high quality charge controller will prolong the life of your batteries, which are the parts that typically get replaced over time.

Any name brand solar panel used on a sailboat should last anywhere from 15 to 30 years. The batteries on my 2004 solar system are still working, but have finally degraded to the point I plan to change all four of them this season. Twelve years out of deep discharge batteries is rare. No one else in our area got those results. Mainly, because their setpoints were too high.
 
mauruuru

mauruuru

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Dec 13, 2010
123
Hake 32RK Red Bank
I doubt there is any difference between commercial and "marine" panels. Having developed just under 30 MW of solar systems in NJ, including 4.5 MW that was directly in the path of Sandy as it made landfall in Toms River have never seen a weather related panel failure!
And in addition to salt spray and storms they also live through ice and snow storms. Just make sure electrical connections are well sealed and of course only ss and aluminum hardware
 
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