Solar Blvd has 235W panels for $152.75 so I thought I'd check on 12V panels. They don't list any in the 140W range???Sun Elect does have 145W 12V panels for $229. Sun Elect also lists a 200W 12V panel for $192.00. WAIT read the actual specs - this and several other Somali panels are actually 30V panels with Isc to match. This is going to require a MPPT controller to get the 200W. Not sure what to think as this panel is neither a 12V or 24V panel.All of this continues the trend of lower 24V panels which makes them increasingly more viable with MPPT vs 12V with PWM when in the 400W panel range.

Yes it does. It makes more sense to push a lot of volts rather than amps.

Get the higher voltage ones. Less amps and smaller wire size. Your solar controller will convert to 12v

I noticed this a few months ago. Solar Blvd stopped carrying 12V bigger than 80W. They stopped carrying 12V DIY portable kits too. Could be temporary glitch due to China's slowdown this year. Could be global trend as well, 12V are less popular with homeowners and RV is a niche market. 200W are all 24V, this is normal. +$1.50/W for 12V panels is also normal, they've always been more expensive per watt.

12 volt panels appear to be harder to find--and more expensive.I did recently find some 165 watt 12 volt panels on Amazon (or Ebay).Just make sure you use a controller with adjustable voltage set points and temperature compensation.It is a chilly 3.8 c here today, so the charge voltage is 14.7 with a very few amps going into the bank. This after Saturday at 31 C. Tonight it will dip below freezing!

Anyone know of wholesalers in the east / midwest? Arizona and California are a long drive for a truck to the North woods of Michigan.Sunelec's Miami warehouse is closest I guess, still a looong drive... wonder if I could zip down there and back with my station wagon versus paying freight on a small number of panels.

Solar Panel Availability | Good Sam Community

23 Replies

Naio
Explorer II
May 11, 2016
Almot wrote:
Just don't buy used panels. Unless it's a temporary thing.

Why is that? I thought they were pretty indestructible.

I've never seen used panels at lower cost than new, with the downward prices, but if I did...?
Droptop351
Explorer
May 11, 2016
for those of you more knowledgeable than me whats difference between the tyn and amerisolar units

link
Almot
Explorer III
May 11, 2016
Just don't buy used panels. Unless it's a temporary thing.
Colo_Native
Explorer
May 11, 2016
I got my 2- 255w for $150 ea. off craigslist in Denver You should try that they came from a solar supplier over stock
Almot
Explorer III
May 11, 2016
GordonThree wrote:
Sunelec's Miami warehouse is closest I guess, still a looong drive... wonder if I could zip down there and back with my station wagon versus paying freight on a small number of panels.

Check solar installers outfits in your area. They have warehouses and will be happy to sell, as long as they have what you want.
GordonThree
Explorer
May 11, 2016
2oldman wrote:
GordonThree wrote:
Anyone know of wholesalers in the east / midwest?.... wonder if I could zip down there and back with my station wagon versus paying freight on a small number of panels.
You can buy wholesale?

No, but wholesalers like Solar Blvd and Sun Elec often sell in small qty from broken or incomplete pallets.
GordonThree
Explorer
May 11, 2016
pianotuna wrote:
It is a chilly 3.8 c here today, so the charge voltage is 14.7 with a very few amps going into the bank. This after Saturday at 31 C. Tonight it will dip below freezing!

Looking forward to that polar vortex / cold snap heading my way after its done with you. They're thinking a brief snow is possible in the next few days.
2oldman
Explorer II
May 11, 2016
GordonThree wrote:
Anyone know of wholesalers in the east / midwest?.... wonder if I could zip down there and back with my station wagon versus paying freight on a small number of panels.
You can buy wholesale?
GordonThree
Explorer
May 11, 2016
Anyone know of wholesalers in the east / midwest? Arizona and California are a long drive for a truck to the North woods of Michigan.

Sunelec's Miami warehouse is closest I guess, still a looong drive... wonder if I could zip down there and back with my station wagon versus paying freight on a small number of panels.
pianotuna
Nomad III
May 11, 2016
12 volt panels appear to be harder to find--and more expensive.

I did recently find some 165 watt 12 volt panels on Amazon (or Ebay).

Just make sure you use a controller with adjustable voltage set points and temperature compensation.

It is a chilly 3.8 c here today, so the charge voltage is 14.7 with a very few amps going into the bank. This after Saturday at 31 C. Tonight it will dip below freezing!

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