Buying PV panels on ebay.... Hmm...!

[dvhenry]

Hi, I'm new to these forums, I have a 1,025w system with 5x 205w Sun Power panels and a SMA 1100w inverter. I've been very happy with this system, I'm considering adding another 1kw.

When looking for panels I find on ebay these http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Key-Solar-Pol...item3a640ca469 and http://cgi.ebay.com.au/250-Watts-MAS...60183262280812 Now, I'm not having a go at either of these retailers, but they don't give the make and model of the panel, these details are essential.

So I look elsewhere and find http://www.apolloenergy.com.au/Renew...5W-5-inch-cell Ok, they freely supply the make and model, and a link http://www.apolloenergy.com.au/core/...46d12&_xt=.pdf,But I'm still confused, is this really a 195w panel?

What I'm looking for is simply to know what I am buying (a good deal is nice also).

The links above are intended only as examples of the difficulty in knowing which panels to buy.

[russ]

Hi DV Henry - Welcome to Solar Panel Talk!

I hope that John P is around today. He is your countrymen so will know the local market.

The 3$ per watt is not a good price in the US but I don't know prices there.

You would hopefully find a brand name where a big company is supplying the panels - one that you can be sure will be around for the next 20 years in the event you need to use the warranty.

Russ

[dvhenry]

@ russ, thanks for the reply,

The 3$ per watt is not a good price in the US but I don't know prices there.

The first two links show 250w panels at $600. Sadly, this is about as cheap as I can find panels in Australia (open to suggestions!).
My issue with suppliers of these panels is they won't give me info on make and model, without that I don't know what I am buying, therefore, I won't buy..

You would hopefully find a brand name where a big company is supplying the panels - one that you can be sure will be around for the next 20 years in the event you need to use the warranty.

I think the Apolo energy bit (the last 2 links in my first post) is close to that, but that's the $3 per watt!

[russ]

John should be around before long - he has a good idea of what is available there I believe.

Russ

[dvhenry]

To clarify this part of my question

So I look elsewhere and find http://www.apolloenergy.com.au/Renew...5W-5-inch-cell Ok, they freely supply the make and model, and a link http://www.apolloenergy.com.au/core/...2&_xt=.pdf,But I'm still confused, is this really a 195w panel?

The part number "SF160-24-M" to me suggests 160w 24v panel, the spec sheet shows Pmax at up to 180w, Apollo energy advertise it at 195w, pardon the pun, but, what is watt?

[dvhenry]

I have sent further emails to the parties in question, I don't hold high hopes for positive replies, will forward any replies recieved, thanks.

[russ]

The links didn't work for me but I got to the site - Wow! Those prices are highway robbery!

It is a 195 watt panel - I know nothing about Solarfun as a brand.

Russ

[dvhenry]

Wow! Those prices are highway robbery!

No arguments there! Can you see a cheaper/better way to go about this? thanks again.

The links didn't work for me but I got to the site

the links seem to work well if used from my first post, well, from here anyway!

It is a 195 watt panel

Can you point me to what indicates it as being a 195 watt panel in the spec sheet? I have looked for it, but can't find it.

- I know nothing about Solarfun as a brand.

About the same here! but from what I can tell they are a commonly installed panel over here, and don't seem to have much negative feedback.
They are however, also a cheep Chinese brand.

[russ]

Sorry - I was wrong it seems.

The state of Arizona site shows
Jiangsu Linyang Solarfun Co Ltd
SF160-24-M160
Monocrystalline 160W Flat-plate Photovoltaic Panels
PTC rating 140.7

The state of California site does not show the 160 though other models are shown

In every case the 160 (or other number in that position) indicates the STC watts rating of the panel.

First I just looked at the Apollo site - either they made a typo or it is a misrepresentation

Russ

[dvhenry]

It seems I will be sending Apollo an interesting email !!!

[Naptown]

Solarfun is a Chinese manufacturer. They do a fair amount of private labeling. conergy P series is manufactured by them. I have used some of the conergy modules and have not had a problem.

[dvhenry]

Solarfun it seems produce decent panels, and rate them accordingly, although STC is an unrealistic rating it is commonly used and can help to get an understanding of what the panels will actually produce.

However when wholesaler/retailer sells a 160 watt panel as a 195 watt panel?.... Well.. I'm waiting for there reply to my email,, sorry! we misread the spec sheet? really???

[john p]

prices of panels in AUS

Australia has everything overpriced except computers and flat screen tv's.
solar panels and inverters and especially deep cycle batteries are on average about double the USA prices,
examples 120w panels about $550 175 w panels about $750 thats for top quality ones like BP Sharp Kyocera,, I have never used others as I have not much faith they will be around in 20 yrs time to honour warranties,
I dont have much to do with buying solar energy parts. only work on them at work where price means nothing.
I have only ever built for people small systems about 2x 100 w panels and use lithiun ion phosphate batteries with Chinese copy of old Steca PWM controller (they are almost indestructable)and made by me BMS.

[Quik]

Hello, henry.
Which type of panel you need?
Mono or Poly?
how much watts do you want?

I am working in a solar panels company(also the manufacturer) and we can offer you 1.X usd/watts, just contact me

P.s.Russ, can i put my company website here?

[russ]

We have yet to see any posts with content that add value to the site.

The problem in Australia is the duty plus the cost of shipping of small lots is prohibitive.

John or DV Henry can correct me if that is not correct.

Russ