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Posted: 4/27/2017 8:46:49 AM EDT
[#1]
Is that Brand reputable?
Why buy them now? Do you think they are going to get more expensive? $385-$485 S&H?  Are they owned by AIM?
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Posted: 4/27/2017 8:52:59 AM EDT
[#2]
S/H $430 to my location...
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Posted: 4/27/2017 10:08:41 AM EDT
[#3]
It's a pallet, delivered by truck, usually with a lift gate.
Shipping is reasonable IMO. Don't know the "brand" but this isn't Harbor Freight crap. If you want I'll post again in a few weeks when I get my shipment, but I'm not concerned about them and we've used solar to power our home for almost 18 years now. The (8) 230 panels I put up a year and a half ago of a similar type have been kicking butt. I put (4) on the East side facing of an outbuilding and I put (4) on the West side facing of the building. Yes, I know they should all face south, and ALL my other panels do. These were specifically placed this way to catch the first morning sun and the last afternoon sun. The idea being to have extra in the morning for when we have high draws and a little extra to top off the battery bank as the sun is going down. Both arrays get sun MOST of the day anyways due to a low pitch roof, however they have worked perfectly for the reasons why I placed them that way. Installed panels of similar type scroll down on the link to see the pic. |
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Posted: 4/27/2017 10:38:01 AM EDT
[#4]
New to solar and researching. Do you check the output of each one when you get them (before you store them) to make sure that they are performing properly? If so, how do you do that?
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Posted: 4/27/2017 10:44:35 AM EDT
[#5]
You can face them towards the sun and check them with a meter, sure.
The bigger panels like these aren't as affected by partial shading as smaller panels are. That's a big misconception. People assume if their is a quarter inch of shading that the panel isn't putting out anything. In the long long ago I had my original 14 panels on my roof. I was up there wiring them and a buddy was here helping me. It was completely overcast. I got a little nip at one point and figured I had wired something wrong. I said to my friend "hey, I just got a little shock." His reply "well yeah Rob, they are producing power, that's what they do." LOL You can put a blanket over them if you want. These were 120w 12 volt panels so the little gig I got one time was relatively nothing. The point was even in heavy overcast, they produce power. I've seen my arrays produce some energy on clear, full moon nights. That was interesting as heck. |
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Posted: 4/27/2017 11:09:24 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You can face them towards the sun and check them with a meter, sure. The bigger panels like these aren't as affected by partial shading as smaller panels are. That's a big misconception. People assume if their is a quarter inch of shading that the panel isn't putting out anything. In the long long ago I had my original 14 panels on my roof. I was up there wiring them and a buddy was here helping me. It was completely overcast. I got a little nip at one point and figured I had wired something wrong. I said to my friend "hey, I just got a little shock." His reply "well yeah Rob, they are producing power, that's what they do." LOL You can put a blanket over them if you want. These were 120w 12 volt panels so the little gig I got one time was relatively nothing. The point was even in heavy overcast, they produce power. I've seen my arrays produce some energy on clear, full moon nights. That was interesting as heck. The panels you ordered look surprisingly similar in all specs and appearance to the Sharps we use and stock-piled... As a hedge and trading stock for food... When everybuddy laughed... 
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Posted: 4/27/2017 2:54:11 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yep, been surprised how much output they have during some overcast conditions. The panels you ordered look surprisingly similar in all specs and appearance to the Sharps we use and stock-piled... As a hedge and trading stock for food... When everybuddy laughed... Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yep, been surprised how much output they have during some overcast conditions. The panels you ordered look surprisingly similar in all specs and appearance to the Sharps we use and stock-piled... As a hedge and trading stock for food... When everybuddy laughed... As a hedge and trading stock for food... When everybuddy laughed... |
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Posted: 4/27/2017 3:47:50 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
S/H $430 to my location... |
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Posted: 4/27/2017 4:43:16 PM EDT
[#9]
It only shows $100 shipping via Fedex to me. That is a really great price. I might order 10 or so, maybe 20.
Thanks for the info, OP. I will want to research a bit first tonight before I order. |
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Posted: 4/27/2017 4:51:50 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You may want to call them, I just paid $350. to the farthest zone for 15 panels. That's extremely cheap for that much coming that far via a truck with liftgate! Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
S/H $430 to my location... |
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Posted: 4/27/2017 4:52:25 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It only shows $100 shipping via Fedex to me. That is a really great price. I might order 10 or so, maybe 20. Thanks for the info, OP. I will want to research a bit first tonight before I order. I would have to assume that GA and SC would probably be pretty close for ship costs, probably similar to what I posted just a bit ago that they charged me on the order. The guy did say "we can ship a total of 15 for this price", so I up'ed my order to 15 instead of 10. |
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Posted: 4/27/2017 7:02:32 PM EDT
[#12]
Even with $430 shipping that comes out to about 48 cents a watt. Still good. I have contacted the company inquiring about warranty and where they are manufactured, etc.
Looks like they have been in business since 2009. |
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Posted: 4/30/2017 10:12:32 AM EDT
[#13]
Bump
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Posted: 4/30/2017 10:54:01 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Even with $430 shipping that comes out to about 48 cents a watt. Still good. I have contacted the company inquiring about warranty and where they are manufactured, etc. Looks like they have been in business since 2009. |
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Posted: 4/30/2017 2:16:46 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Even with $430 shipping that comes out to about 48 cents a watt. Still good. I have contacted the company inquiring about warranty and where they are manufactured, etc. Looks like they have been in business since 2009. 10 years for 90% 25 years for 80% Country of origin is most likely China or Canada, although their is more and more cheap solar panels being made here in USA. Solarblvd the company is good to go. Dealt with them for years. Had one problem with a hinge on a "folding" 120 watt panel I bought on a whim years ago. They were out of them but they really took care of me with the problem, which was minor and I fixed it easy enough. As I said before on the shipping, CALL them, the freight on 15 panels coming to Georgia was a LOT cheaper than the listed chart showed for 10 panels. I'll post again after I receive them for the skeptics. 
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Posted: 4/30/2017 2:35:52 PM EDT
[#16]
I am tempted.....
But my system has 230 watt panels in a 48 volt system can any pannel be added to a system? |
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Posted: 4/30/2017 3:34:09 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I am tempted..... But my system has 230 watt panels in a 48 volt system can any pannel be added to a system? Basically, you don't have to use a 48 volt panel for a 48 volt system. Our system has always been 24 volts and our first 3,120 watts were all in 12V panels. |
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Posted: 4/30/2017 5:39:28 PM EDT
[#18]
I admittedly don't know anything about solar but I've always been fascinated by true off grid solar system.
Question: I always believed that the monocrystaline panels are superior to polycrystaline panels(like these). Is that incorrect? And if it is what is the difference? |
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Posted: 4/30/2017 6:43:36 PM EDT
[#19]
Good question but I think that answer would vary from person to person.
All my panels that have been in use now since late 1999 are of this type. Ford or Chevy, glock or 1911, AK or AR, you'll probably get a different answer from each depending on what they like 
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Posted: 4/30/2017 10:45:09 PM EDT
[#20]
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Posted: 5/1/2017 8:37:46 AM EDT
[#21]
So looks like there may be slightly more efficiency with the monos but at a higher cost. Personally all that I have installed currently are polys. I did look at 10 panels I have in storage and they are monos. Basically I try to buy the cheapest per watt panels I can find any more.
Unless "UNICEF gets into the solar panel business"  and starts selling them much cheaper than this, I'm probably done buying panels for a while now. When I get the 10 I have stored and the 15 on their way installed, I'll be at 11KW. We already do really well on 5KW. So I'm guessing at some point I'll have to basically re-work my system to perhaps include stacking inverters- have a 4KW Magnum now.
May do a separate grid tie run at some point but I will keep that array separate from my main system. I still think the return on that is crap and I don't want to have to jump through hoops with inspectors who probably don't understand solar ('round here). |
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Posted: 5/1/2017 10:13:29 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Scroll down in the listing I linked- 10 years for 90% 25 years for 80% Country of origin is most likely China or Canada, although their is more and more cheap solar panels being made here in USA. Solarblvd the company is good to go. Dealt with them for years. Had one problem with a hinge on a "folding" 120 watt panel I bought on a whim years ago. They were out of them but they really took care of me with the problem, which was minor and I fixed it easy enough. As I said before on the shipping, CALL them, the freight on 15 panels coming to Georgia was a LOT cheaper than the listed chart showed for 10 panels. I'll post again after I receive them for the skeptics. |
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Posted: 5/1/2017 10:19:11 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Is that Brand reputable? Why buy them now? Do you think they are going to get more expensive? $385-$485 S&H? Are they owned by AIM? |
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Posted: 5/1/2017 10:24:10 AM EDT
[#24]
On my original 14 Kyocera 120 watt panels- after about 7 years I noticed our system just didn't seem to be doing as well as it originally was. You live with these things you kind of develop a "feel" for things being out of whack. Running low on power early in the day, etc.
Checked battery bank, it was all good. Nothing had changed with panels but I checked each pair (24 volt system and 12 volt panels) by isolating each panel. Checked them in full sun and a couple showed 9 volts, wherein they would normally show about 17 volts in full sun. I think their might have been 3 that were off. Contacted Kyocera. Gal said "Ok, we have discontinued the 120watt panels so we are sending you 14 of the 130 watt panels." Me- "sorry ma'am I guess I wasn't clear, only 3 panels are not showing right, not all of them." Her- "it's Kyocera's policy that if more than 10% of an array fails that we replace the entire array." So I got 14 new panels and they were the 130watt panels, so essentially I got all new panels and one additional for free! |
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Posted: 5/1/2017 10:26:10 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've got it in my cart and the only option is $100 shipping for a total of $790 shipped. Has anyone checked out at that price? $350. is what it cost me for 15 panels going to GA via truck. |
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Posted: 5/1/2017 10:51:32 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
On my original 14 Kyocera 120 watt panels- after about 7 years I noticed our system just didn't seem to be doing as well as it originally was. You live with these things you kind of develop a "feel" for things being out of whack. Running low on power early in the day, etc. Checked battery bank, it was all good. Nothing had changed with panels but I checked each pair (24 volt system and 12 volt panels) by isolating each panel. Checked them in full sun and a couple showed 9 volts, wherein they would normally show about 17 volts in full sun. I think their might have been 3 that were off. Contacted Kyocera. Gal said "Ok, we have discontinued the 120watt panels so we are sending you 14 of the 130 watt panels." Me- "sorry ma'am I guess I wasn't clear, only 3 panels are not showing right, not all of them." Her- "it's Kyocera's policy that if more than 10% of an array fails that we replace the entire array." So I got 14 new panels and they were the 130watt panels, so essentially I got all new panels and one additional for free! That in my mind appears to be the biggest risk with the panels linked- not muck information on the stability of the manufacturer or customer service. |
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Posted: 5/1/2017 10:58:09 AM EDT
[#27]
Polycrystalline panels? Pass.
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Posted: 5/1/2017 10:58:44 AM EDT
[#28]
What batteries would you recommend for storage?
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Posted: 5/1/2017 11:01:19 AM EDT
[#29]
Do any of you guys with off grid solar setups have anything large enough to handle 240vac loads? I was just curious about how large a system that would take.
For example I realize that most solar systems could power internal house lighting, computers, TV fridge ect but heavier loads like well pumps and Air conditioning must really require a massive setup. Realistically, Is solar an option for those who have well pump or Air conditioner requirements? |
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Posted: 5/1/2017 11:14:22 AM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
What batteries would you recommend for storage? First bank of 20 only lasted me about 4 years BUT 2nd batch lasted me 8 years. You WILL go through a learning curve on this sort of thing. Also, I have video on my youtube channel of mixing batteries. Oh yes, big taboo with the purists and the "research but not actual experience" types. Yes you CAN mix old and new on a battery bank. It's not going to cause Hiroshima or create zombie unicorns :) I've run mixed banks now for 14 or so years. Just try to replace a string of batteries at a time. I.e, if your on a 24 volt system a string is 4 batteries= six volt batteries X four batteries to get 24 volts. However I've broke that "rule" before also and my system functions fine. EQ regularly, clean battery connections and cables every couple months, use only distilled water and if you need to add, add just enough to cover about 1/8 inch above plates. You DO NOT FILL THESE TYPES OF BATTERIES TO THE TOP WITH WATER! Oldest batteries in our bank of 24 right now are from 2010. |
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Posted: 5/1/2017 11:26:18 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Do any of you guys with off grid solar setups have anything large enough to handle 240vac loads? I was just curious about how large a system that would take. For example I realize that most solar systems could power internal house lighting, computers, TV fridge ect but heavier loads like well pumps and Air conditioning must really require a massive setup. Realistically, Is solar an option for those who have well pump or Air conditioner requirements? I believe our newer Magnum 4kw inverter does 240 also. We don't really run any 240 loads. One of our other wells now has a solar submersible. The rule years ago was that it was cost prohibitive to run Air Conditioning off grid, that has changed for the most part now. A big reason I have a 12KW diesel genset was to run our AC deep well pump. In times past we ran the genset to power the deep well pump, we pumped water to an elevated tank and the battery bank was being topped off while the water was pumping as well. This was how a lot of people got started in AE "back in the day" when solar was $5-8. per watt. |
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Posted: 5/1/2017 11:38:10 AM EDT
[#32]
This is one of the best deals I've ever seen on panels, even with shipping.
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Posted: 5/1/2017 11:47:22 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Do any of you guys with off grid solar setups have anything large enough to handle 240vac loads? I was just curious about how large a system that would take. For example I realize that most solar systems could power internal house lighting, computers, TV fridge ect but heavier loads like well pumps and Air conditioning must really require a massive setup. Realistically, Is solar an option for those who have well pump or Air conditioner requirements? 
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Posted: 5/1/2017 12:06:09 PM EDT
[#34]
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Posted: 5/1/2017 12:45:52 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Even with $430 shipping that comes out to about 48 cents a watt. Still good. I have contacted the company inquiring about warranty and where they are manufactured, etc. Looks like they have been in business since 2009. Why are these so cheap? |
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Posted: 5/1/2017 1:05:27 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I bought my Sharps from these guys, probably 2011. They were gtg then, assume they still are. Why are these so cheap? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Even with $430 shipping that comes out to about 48 cents a watt. Still good. I have contacted the company inquiring about warranty and where they are manufactured, etc. Looks like they have been in business since 2009. Why are these so cheap? |
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Posted: 5/1/2017 1:07:31 PM EDT
[#37]
Prices have been dropping like mad in solar for a while now.
I've been buying sub $.60 a watt the last couple years, just watching for deals when they spring up. Definitely get on their email newsletter deal, a couple times a month you will get emails with deals like this. |
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Posted: 5/1/2017 1:14:14 PM EDT
[#38]
Here is another site with some cheap prices on the east coast.
http://sunelec.com/solar-panels/ |
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Posted: 5/1/2017 3:34:06 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote History
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Posted: 5/1/2017 11:23:56 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I bought my Sharps from these guys, probably 2011. They were gtg then, assume they still are. Why are these so cheap? The panels all function well. They are still up on my roof producing power. But I get the feeling they were LG factory seconds, bought by another firm who slapped a new spec label on the back and sold them for cheap. It really was a good deal: The panels work fine, but I wish I had known the real scoop, though. I probably still would have bought them, but at least I would have gone in with my eyes open. I am not saying that's what the panels in the OP's post are, but it sounds a lot like the great deal I got on my panels. |
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Posted: 5/1/2017 11:32:26 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You need some more wires Expy... |
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Posted: 5/1/2017 11:38:24 PM EDT
[#42]
Here's a link some of us have posted many times.
Good solar prices. http://www.ecobusinesslinks.com/surveys/free-solar-panel-price-survey/ I've bought all of mine except a few in the very beginning from the sellers there. Happy... |
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Posted: 5/2/2017 9:03:44 PM EDT
[#43]
So, one (or more) of you gurus size me a system with all the parts. I’m not lazy but I’m a total idiot when it comes to electrons.
Instead of doing the standard “how much power do you need” method, let’s do the “given 10 of these panels, how much power can we make” method. I’m talking controller, inverter, batteries, monitors and anything else, other than the cost of wire and frames. Part and model numbers would be very helpful. Note that I’m a “buy once, cry once” type of guy. I'm in Idaho, but doing a general "sunny" part of the country might help others. |
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Posted: 5/2/2017 11:34:28 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
So, one (or more) of you gurus size me a system with all the parts. I’m not lazy but I’m a total idiot when it comes to electrons. Instead of doing the standard “how much power do you need” method, let’s do the “given 10 of these panels, how much power can we make” method. I’m talking controller, inverter, batteries, monitors and anything else, other than the cost of wire and frames. Part and model numbers would be very helpful. Note that I’m a “buy once, cry once” type of guy. I'm in Idaho, but doing a general "sunny" part of the country might help others. If you're planning on running electric appliances (heaters, oven, range, AC), you'll probably want 100 of these, not 10 of them. If you're trying to get a hunting cabin setup and want a big LCD TV, blu ray player, some lights, a fan or two, and hot coffee in the morning, you might get by on 10 of these. |
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Posted: 5/2/2017 11:45:34 PM EDT
[#45]
This is a darn good price.
Have any of you guys set up a solar system where you can sell excess energy back to the power company? I have a detached garage with a separate meter and 200A service. It will be relatively easy to setup a solar system. I will only need several batteries to run my ham radios. The rest of the energy can be "pumped" back into the grid. |
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Posted: 5/3/2017 12:14:42 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
10 of these is 2.3kw. If you're planning on running electric appliances (heaters, oven, range, AC), you'll probably want 100 of these, not 10 of them. If you're trying to get a hunting cabin setup and want a big LCD TV, blu ray player, some lights, a fan or two, and hot coffee in the morning, you might get by on 10 of these. |
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Posted: 5/3/2017 12:34:08 AM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
What batteries would you recommend for storage? Difficult to move around, but less expensive then the equivalent AH Trojans. |
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Posted: 5/3/2017 8:04:51 AM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
So, one (or more) of you gurus size me a system with all the parts. I’m not lazy but I’m a total idiot when it comes to electrons. Instead of doing the standard “how much power do you need” method, let’s do the “given 10 of these panels, how much power can we make” method. I’m talking controller, inverter, batteries, monitors and anything else, other than the cost of wire and frames. Part and model numbers would be very helpful. Note that I’m a “buy once, cry once” type of guy. I'm in Idaho, but doing a general "sunny" part of the country might help others. First rule of doing this sort of thing cheap is eliminating large loads as much as possible- LP gas for hot water heater and stove/oven. Some people use LP for their fridge also, but we went with a "Conserv" model, kind of like a Sunfrost but a helluva lot cheaper. I don't think they are imported any more. Knock wood it's still in use after 17 years. We usually put clothes out on the clothesline back then to save some energy on the gas dryer, now we use the dryer more for convenience. You could live off of 2KW, a diesel genset backup would be very nice to have in that situation though. We rarely run ours any more, but early on, after about 2 days of heavy overcast, I usually fired and ran ours for a while just to top off batteries. A big factor in battery longevity is how far down you allowed them to be drained. Set your LVD on your inverter a good bit higher than the recommended settings. For our 24 volt system I have ours around 23.1 then the batteries never get sucked down too far. The inverter will disconnect the system if the voltage gets that low. I can't remember the last time we lost power from the system. |
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Posted: 5/3/2017 10:36:52 AM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
They are China made, warranty is 98% output the first year .6 reduction per year there after from what I can find. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Scroll down in the listing I linked- 10 years for 90% 25 years for 80% Country of origin is most likely China or Canada, although their is more and more cheap solar panels being made here in USA. Solarblvd the company is good to go. Dealt with them for years. Had one problem with a hinge on a "folding" 120 watt panel I bought on a whim years ago. They were out of them but they really took care of me with the problem, which was minor and I fixed it easy enough. As I said before on the shipping, CALL them, the freight on 15 panels coming to Georgia was a LOT cheaper than the listed chart showed for 10 panels. I'll post again after I receive them for the skeptics. Nope I am not, 10 years is 94% math in public without coffee |
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Posted: 5/3/2017 10:55:41 AM EDT
[#50]
can anybody give ball park numbers for charger, inverter, batteries for a 4.6kw system?
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