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Wo_ody's avatar
Wo_ody
Explorer
May 26, 2013

High efficiency solar panel - Spring 2013

As of Spring 2013, what high efficiency solar panel do you opinion offers the best performance for the dollar? And where do you purchase them in less than pallet lots?

Thanks

Woody

44 Replies

  • Most efficient per dollar often comes down to the shipping price these days. Free shipping specials are your friend. You may also have places you can pick up from which can be worth while even if paying a little more per watt.

    Jim
  • You also want to look into the sturdiness of your solar panels.
    I understand the Kyocera 140 is built with RV use in mind.
    AM Solar makes their own panels and will setup a complete system.
    l think it's Arizona Wind and Sun is a popular supplier too.
    Two 140 watt panels should fill most of your needs.
    I figure three 140 watters will fill my needs over the winter or through a few cloudy days.
    I currently get by with 1 64 watt thin film panel that actually delivers about 44 watts.
    It does the job as long as we exercise some power conservation and fire up the truck to charge via 4 AWG wire from the alternator to the TC batteries.
  • The Sanyo HIT models are the most efficient on the market, but not the cheapest.
    I have never heard of any being rated By "best performance for the dollar".
    With the limited space available on an RV I advise the most efficient panels that fit the budget.