Which Kyocera panel?

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Jared1048

Jared1048

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Apr 19, 2011
456
Hunter 31 Seattle
Hello!

I've heard many good things about Kyocera and decided to go with them.

Kyocera KD140SX-UFBS 140-watt solar module

I currently live in Seattle so not much sun but will be headed off to mexico in a year.

I'm looking at getting 2 of these panels but want to get your feedback before I purchase.

Thoughts?


Thanks!
-Jared
 
Delezynski

Delezynski

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Jan 22, 2008
551
NorSea 27 Az., Doing the To-Do list
Jared,

What all are you going to try to power with the system?

We spent 5 years in Mexico and solar IS the way to go! If you have LED lights and a low power type refrigerator (like the Engel units). You should have no problems with 240 W of panels.

The BIG draw will be cycling water in and out of the refrigerator. Summer is VERY hot!:eek:

Greg
 
Jared1048

Jared1048

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Apr 19, 2011
456
Hunter 31 Seattle
We have all LED lights and have reduced our electrical needs as much as possible. We have just added a 12volt refrigerator which takes about 2-3 AH while running.

Hopefully polycrystaline is the right panel type?


Thanks!
-Jared
 
Maine Sail

Maine Sail

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Feb 6, 1998
11,701
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
That is a great panel and I install quite a few. If you don't have the MC-4 crimp tool that junction box model is the one to get...
 
Bill1565

Bill1565

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Jan 22, 2008
1,483
Hunter 37 C sloop Punta Gorda FL
Jared1048 said:
Hello!

I've heard many good things about Kyocera and decided to go with them.

Kyocera KD140SX-UFBS 140-watt solar module

I currently live in Seattle so not much sun but will be headed off to mexico in a year.

I'm looking at getting 2 of these panels but want to get your feedback before I purchase.

Thoughts?

Thanks!
-Jared
Click to expand
We have 3 panels. They run an AB refrig and an Engle freezer and are back up to float by mid day here in Florida. Easy to install, easy to wire. Maine Sail likes Genasun controllers, so we went with 3 of those. I am very happy with 3 independent systems.
 
capta

capta

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Jun 4, 2009
4,907
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
We have 2 KC 235 watt panels and they produce much more juice than we can use. Usually it is in trickle charge mode by 11AM, but in time we hope to have a 12v refer system for them to power. I would suggest you get the largest panels that you can fit (size wise) onboard as I'm told the efficiency does deteriorate over time (though I've seen no indication of that over the last three years), and you don't really want to be bound in your power use because the panels won't keep up with your needs on a less sunny day.
Controller choice is very important; we installed the Morningstar and it functions flawlessly even though it's not the most expensive on the market.
 
Jared1048

Jared1048

.
Apr 19, 2011
456
Hunter 31 Seattle
I've switched gears and am looking at a SunPower e20 panel which is more efficient than the Kyocera per sq ft and puts out more power. Getting prices now...
 
Maine Sail

Maine Sail

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Feb 6, 1998
11,701
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
Jared1048 said:
I've switched gears and am looking at a SunPower e20 panel which is more efficient than the Kyocera per sq ft and puts out more power. Getting prices now...
Click to expand
In the USA Sun Power will only sell to certified Sun Power installers and they only sell them as a complete system for on-grid use. This is not just a solar certified installer but you must be a Sun Power certified installer/dealer. They also use a positive ground system and there are very few controllers out there for positive ground panels and this is why they like to sell their system only.

I have tried to get my hands on Sun Power panels numerous times. If you can, via eBay or a Sun Power installer who is willing to sell you one, they will be considered gray market and won't have any warranty. Their certified installers are not allowed to re-sell Sun Power panels for off grid or marine use in the US. I have personally spoken with three or four legitimate Sun Power dealers and none are willing to sell me panels even at volumes of 10+ at a time. You might find a non-legit guy who will bend the rules but you will need to rely on him for warranty. Outside the US Sun Power does business a little differently but shipping back to the US is god awful expensive and you'd still have zero warranty.

I think Sun Power sells themselves short on this but it is what it is. Some other brands do use their cells.... Solbian uses Sun Power cells in some of their panels and they are available and do not utilize a positive ground.
 
Jared1048

Jared1048

.
Apr 19, 2011
456
Hunter 31 Seattle
Maine Sail said:
In the USA Sun Power will only sell to certified Sun Power installers and they only sell them as a complete system for on-grid use. This is not just a solar certified installer but you must be a Sun Power certified installer/dealer. They also use a positive ground system and there are very few controllers out there for positive ground panels and this is why they like to sell their system only.

I have tried to get my hands on Sun Power panels numerous times. If you can, via eBay or a Sun Power installer who is willing to sell you one, they will be considered gray market and won't have any warranty. Their certified installers are not allowed to re-sell Sun Power panels for off grid or marine use in the US. I have personally spoken with three or four legitimate Sun Power dealers and none are willing to sell me panels even at volumes of 10+ at a time. You might find a non-legit guy who will bend the rules but you will need to rely on him for warranty. Outside the US Sun Power does business a little differently but shipping back to the US is god awful expensive and you'd still have zero warranty.

I think Sun Power sells themselves short on this but it is what it is. Some other brands do use their cells.... Solbian uses Sun Power cells in some of their panels and they are available and do not utilize a positive ground.
Click to expand
Just got off phone with a local SunPower dealer and they will not sell to me as im not a residential install. There panels must not be good enough for a marine install. And even if I did get them they don't have the same reputation as Kyocera so more reason to stay away from them..

Back to the drawing board with 2 140 watt Kyocera panels
 
sea_casper

sea_casper

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Jun 28, 2005
440
Hunter H33 2004 Mumford Cove,CT & Block Island
Check out Solarblvd they are on west coast, selection varies time to time, no new Kyocera today.
On my boat it was easier to mount 1 large panel, on yours, two smaller ones are probably easier, also with smaller panel it is easier to have an adjustable tilt to increase efficiency while aboard.
 
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Bill1565

Bill1565

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Jan 22, 2008
1,483
Hunter 37 C sloop Punta Gorda FL
sea_casper said:
Check out Solarblvd they are on west coast, selection varies time to time, no new Kyocera today.
On my boat it was easier to mount 1 large panel, on yours, two smaller ones are probably easier, also with smaller panel it is easier to have an adjustable tilt to increase efficiency while aboard.
Click to expand
I dealt with northern Arizona solar..? A Maine Sail favorite. Shipping was expensive to Florida but the packaging was fantastic and arrival was quick. Would buy from them again.
 
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