Under 20 watts, 12 v Solar Panel

System

I am looking who sale 10-15 watts, 12 vol panels that are not expensive. I found one place that wants $ 75 for 10watts, 12 v. Can anybody help with this,.....

niel

Re: Under 20 watts, 12 v Solar Panel

do a google search. i know that sounds harsh or brash, but most here deal with larger pvs and it is a given that the smaller ones will cost more per watt. ebay may have some and i don't need to tell you that you could windup getting burned in such a bargain search.
maybe we should ask you why you are looking for such panels?

BB.

Re: Under 20 watts, 12 v Solar Panel

Several problems... Typically, smaller panels cost more $$$/watt than the larger panels.

Another issue is what kind/brand of panel are you purchasing... The small panels can be found for cheaper prices--but they are usually amorphous silicon panels and cheaply made... You will probably have a drop of 20% of your power output over the first few months, and they may only last a few years.

Otherwise, local ads and Craig's List are going to be your cheapest source--hopefully, you can test the panel(s) in full sun with a DVM to see that they at least work.

-Bill

System2

Re: Under 20 watts, 12 v Solar Panel

niel wrote: »

do a google search. i know that sounds harsh or brash, but most here deal with larger pvs and it is a given that the smaller ones will cost more per watt. ebay may have some and i don't need to tell you that you could windup getting burned in such a bargain search.
maybe we should ask you why you are looking for such panels?

thanks for you time anwering my question.

System2

Re: Under 20 watts, 12 v Solar Panel

BB. wrote: »

Several problems... Typically, smaller panels cost more $$$/watt than the larger panels.

Another issue is what kind/brand of panel are you purchasing... The small panels can be found for cheaper prices--but they are usually amorphous silicon panels and cheaply made... You will probably have a drop of 20% of your power output over the first few months, and they may only last a few years.

Otherwise, local ads and Craig's List are going to be your cheapest source--hopefully, you can test the panel(s) in full sun with a DVM to see that they at least work.

-Bill

thanks for you time anwering my question.

niel

Re: Under 20 watts, 12 v Solar Panel

no, thanks you for listening to the answer.

2manytoyz

Re: Under 20 watts, 12 v Solar Panel

Those who already have professionally installed multi-thousand Watt systems on your home, wonderful for you. But some of us don't have the capital to lay out, and are doing installs ourselves. Smaller panels are great for those still experimenting, and not wanting a large investment up front. Take it easy on us new guys!

Solar panels are also great for maintaining batteries on boats, RVs, etc. I have a lowly 5W panel on my boat doing just this task. Yes, only $39, and yes an Amorphous panel. The battery is happy, and so am I.
http://2manytoyz.com/solarcharger.html

Northern Tool has their 15 Watt panels on sale once again for $79.99. I have 3 of these on my roof for the past year. Obviously not as well built as the 130W Kyocera panels that I've added next to it, but they are still holding up well in the FL environment. http://www.2manytoyz.com/solarphase2.html

These come with a 5 year warranty. http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200263174_200263174

Smaller panels do have their uses. Not the cost efficient way to cover an entire roof, but ideal for newbies still experimenting, and for smaller projects.

StorminN

Re: Under 20 watts, 12 v Solar Panel

For battery maintainers, if you live near an ocean port that imports cars, see if you can talk to someone there and get some of these...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VW-solar-panel-voltage-at-max-power-18-8-v_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1171Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem280323660552QQitemZ280323660552QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_1522wt_1135

Thousands of imported cars have these stuck to the inside of the windshield as they sit in the big parking lot after they are unloaded from the ship...

-N.

cow_rancher

Re: Under 20 watts, 12 v Solar Panel

For just trickle charging a battery I have gone to:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200305091_200305091



Put one of these on my backhoe that always seemed to lose it's charge b/t uses.

And bought 2 of these for my horse trailer, I may put more on it and add batteries.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200263174_200263174



Reason... they are sturdy, are in a hard formed plastic frame, with mounting holes.

$5.33/watt

Yes they are amorphous.

Rancher

niel

Re: Under 20 watts, 12 v Solar Panel

try to refrain a bit on the referenced company for you sound like a commercial. i'm giving the benefit of the doubt on your post, but i can't say anybody won't act on your post especially in lieu of any complaints.