What Solar Panels Are You Using?

[JoeD]

Looking to add solar panels to the hard Bimini I am building. Looking for some input on what you are using. My battery bank is 8 T105 trojans golf cart battries. and a group 31 start battery.

What controller did you use? Looking to stay off grid as much as possible while crusing.

Thanks,

Joe

 

[Maine Sail]

Looking to add solar panels to the hard Bimini I am building. Looking for some input on what you are using. My battery bank is 8 T105 trojans golf cart battries. and a group 31 start battery.

What controller did you use? Looking to stay off grid as much as possible while crusing.

Thanks,

Joe

We use a Siemans 80 watt. The panel has been bullet proof and has nearly 40-45k nm on it from the PO's extended 5 year cruise. Siemans is now Shell Solar and they carry a 25 year warranty.

For the best performance you'll want an MPPT controller..

 

[Tim R.]

We have 2 130w Kyocera panels. They run the freezer, refrigerator with power to spare and can usually top off the batteries from the previous night's usage. I believe we have a Xantrex controller but I would have to double check.

Checked last night and we have a Sunsaver MPPT controller.

 

[druid]

Our local supplier (Polar Batteries) had a sale on new AEE Solar units - AE-80HE. I added a SunSaver Controller, and I can run my fridge and everything else easily for about $500 total cost.

druid

 

[cbsailor]

Kyocera and Blue Sky

We have two 85 watt Kyocera panels and a Blue Sky Solar Boost 2512i controller with remote display. Very happy with the combo. Don't know how we got along without it.

 

[JoeD]

Thanks Guys, Good information here. Need to do energy audit to see my daily useage. There are some good deals out there right now. So when I go to the boat next will check to see what I really need and then add fudge factor for a little extra.

How big of inverter are you running?

Thanks

Joe

 

[ggrizzard]

Uh, Maine, there seems to be a problem:

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Shell Solar [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Shell Solar is no longer producing modules, we do however carry a drop-in replacement panel for the popular SQ-85, made by SolarLand. Follow link below for more information.[/FONT]
http://www.solarpanelstore.com/sola...anels.large_solarland.solarland85.info.1.html
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]SolarLand SL-85[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Shell (formerly Siemens) single-crystal modules have been in service for over 30 years, with field failure rates under 0.1%. An industry standard, with a 25 year limited warrantee on power output and 2 year warrantee on workmanship. Made in USA.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The SQ series are now PowerMax Ultra, combining Shells TOPS cell texture with new Silicon Nitride coating.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Torsion and Corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum frame. 12 mounting holes and 4 grounding holes per panel.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Clicking on the model number will take you to our Solar Panel Store site for current pricing. [/FONT]

 

[Maine Sail]

Uh, Maine, there seems to be a problem:

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Shell Solar [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Shell Solar is no longer producing modules, we do however carry a drop-in replacement panel for the popular SQ-85, made by SolarLand. Follow link below for more information.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]SolarLand SL-85[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Shell (formerly Siemens) single-crystal modules have been in service for over 30 years, with field failure rates under 0.1%. An industry standard, with a 25 year limited warrantee on power output and 2 year warrantee on workmanship. Made in USA.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The SQ series are now PowerMax Ultra, combining Shells TOPS cell texture with new Silicon Nitride coating.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Torsion and Corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum frame. 12 mounting holes and 4 grounding holes per panel.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Clicking on the model number will take you to our Solar Panel Store site for current pricing. [/FONT]

Seems the solar market is always changing! Tough to keep up. Either way the Siemens/Shell panels were very well built just as many of them are. The Kyocera panels also have a very good reputation..

 

[JoeD]

Thanks for the info. Have been poking around and have found some pretty good deals on panels. Has any one heard of Evergreen solar panels? Made in USA and very reasonable.

Main Sail what brand controller are you using? there so many different MPPT charge controllers if blows my mind.

Thanks again for the info.

Joe

 

[Seattle Scott]

I got this controller for my 130watt panel http://windandsunpower.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_4&products_id=5

It has a trickle charge for the start batt also.

 

[JoeD]

Scott thanks for that link. Am going to use 2 190 watt panels so lookiing at your link found this one. which is 500 watt or 48 amp controller also a BZ

Am looking for about $1200.00 investment for Everything which is much less that i had planned.

http://windandsunpower.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_4&products_id=3

Joe

 

[All U Get]

What controller did you use? Looking to stay off grid as much as possible while crusing.

Thanks,

Joe

Hi Joe,
I bought a 65W panel and controller from simpleraysolar

on ebay three years ago and have been satisfied with the products. No real testing on specs, it just works for me. Followed a link from a Go-Green newsletter from the university extension and saw an off-grid for homes where you can get panels by the pallet. It would be worth it if your buddies were involved.

All U Get