Hey guys. I've been using a small-scale off-grid system in my detached shed for a couple years now. Just a tiny 30w panel and a single 12V SLA battery (power wheelchair type) with a cheap Amazon PWM controller. I'm done playing around with a toy system and want to actually do something other than power a couple lights and charge a phone, etc.
I reached out to a local solar installer to see what kind of "misfit" panels they had they would be willing to sell for cheap. Here are the choices I have, all for $150/ea
1x Solarworld SW285 Mono (285 watt) - Used briefly, but in excellent condition.
1x Unknown brand 285 watt - Brand new
2x LG Mono black 365 Watt - Panels are new, but frames are detaching from the panels.
All the panels are the same size dimensionally, so it's just a matter of picking which one would be best.
Obviously the LG's make the most power, but I worry about the frame detaching. I could probably use some sort of resin to reattach the frames and reinforce them to some degree.
I was originally looking for around the 300w range, but if I take both LG's I may see if I can grab them for $275 total or something. $0.40/watt is a damn good deal!
I'll also need to plan the rest of the system once I pick the panels. Usage case for this would be to run some small power tools (palm sanders, mini saw's, charge cordless tools), lights, fans, stereo. More wattage the better. 700+watts from the LG's would allow a decent (24V?) battery bank with a nice MPPT controller.
Any thoughts?
I reached out to a local solar installer to see what kind of "misfit" panels they had they would be willing to sell for cheap. Here are the choices I have, all for $150/ea
1x Solarworld SW285 Mono (285 watt) - Used briefly, but in excellent condition.
1x Unknown brand 285 watt - Brand new
2x LG Mono black 365 Watt - Panels are new, but frames are detaching from the panels.
All the panels are the same size dimensionally, so it's just a matter of picking which one would be best.
Obviously the LG's make the most power, but I worry about the frame detaching. I could probably use some sort of resin to reattach the frames and reinforce them to some degree.
I was originally looking for around the 300w range, but if I take both LG's I may see if I can grab them for $275 total or something. $0.40/watt is a damn good deal!
I'll also need to plan the rest of the system once I pick the panels. Usage case for this would be to run some small power tools (palm sanders, mini saw's, charge cordless tools), lights, fans, stereo. More wattage the better. 700+watts from the LG's would allow a decent (24V?) battery bank with a nice MPPT controller.
Any thoughts?
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