Topoint solar panels? Anyone have an opinion or any experience with them?

[skyking]

My requirements are largely based on the physical size of the panel first, followed by cost per watt. The Topoint 190W is very attractive on both aspects, being only 31.8" wide and having a cost per watt of $0.84 per watt. The residential standard ~39" wide panels are too wide for my design intentions.

http://www.wholesalesolar.com/1530190/topoint/solar-panels/topoint-jtm190-72m-silver-mono-solar-panel

If they are junk, which is my suspicion, then I will keep looking.

[PNPmacnab]

They are rated for off grid use, not residential. No approvals.

[skyking]

Thanks, that in itself is not a problem with an RV but I suppose it is very indicative of the engineering that went into them. I have been looking around and I'm not exactly sure they are still in production and they are selling off the old stock of them.

[PNPmacnab]

Having UL certification is not a quality issue, it is if an inspector is coming around. Certification costs and that is added to the price. Many applications don't need it I do have an issue with them selling two identical panels, one with lower power. That is a second with low performing cells. I might be a little biased. I bought two seconds and ten years later they were both dead. Warranty wasn't worth anything. Solar companies come and go.

[Snakefoot]

I have had 1800w of TopPoint panels operating for a few years. I have seen them output almost 1800w under perfect conditions. Usually around 1400-1600w. I have no issues with them. And they're cheap!

[sensij]

They are rated for off grid use, not residential. No approvals.

This is not true. They are UL 1703 listed

http://www.topointsolar.cn/images/h13.jpg