Vintage Solarex Energizer Solar Panel

SNBurns

I just acquired 6 vintage Solarex Energizer solar panels that each have 36 round monocrystalline cells that measure almost 4 inches in diameter.  I picked these up for historical significance having been in the solar industry for decades.   Unfortunately, I can barely read the front labels having faded over the years.  The panels are about 17 3/4" x 43 1/2".  They are in excellent condition with no signs of delamination or cell degradation and look very clean overall.  They have large metal junction boxes on the back and was told they are still producing power, but I have not measured them yet.  Does anyone know what year these may have been manufactured or any other historical notes about them? 

SumPower

There was a production run for Chevron Solarex cells in 1983 or 84, assembled in Hong Kong and were used on an off shore oil platform I worked on. Don't know about your particular panels.

littleharbor2

Not intending to HiJack your Thread here But Thought you might like to see some pictures of some Vintage Panels


This old Arco 18 watt solar panel has an odd box like structure behind it and very crude looking cells.



This solar power Corporation panelIs from what I understand one of the very first solar panels available to the public. It's interesting because it's on a Fiberglass backing With a silicone like Encapsulant on the front. 


These last three photos show a panel that was made with Surplus cells that were originally Intended for use on satellites. Notice the detail of the traces on the cells, very unique. The cells are about 2 1/2 inches in diameter.



I have other vintage solar panels but I didn't want to completely clog up your thread hope you enjoy the photos