I'm getting ready to add a solar panel to my small system. I'm looking for a 120 to 150 watt panel; prices seem to vary a lot. There's an American-made brand, "Hightech Solar," available on Ebay for $165. Haven't been able to find any online reviews of this company's panels. They aren't available on Amazon.There's Chinese "Renogy" almost everywhere; 150 watts on Amazon for $214. These panels get good reviews on Amazon.There are also used Kyocera panels on Ebay-- 120 watts for $117.50. I'm a little skeptical of buying used panels, though. Kyocera are made in Japan and have a good reputation. New, a 140 watt panel is $320 on Ebay.Backwoods Solar, recommended by HandyBob, has a 135 watt "ET Solar" panel for $255. I've read most of HandyBob's site, and he doesn't appear to recommend any particular brand of panel since his favorite company went out of business and made the warranties worthless.Any opinions on whether brand and price matter, and if so, how much they matter? If I ever get a new TT, I plan on taking this panel off and putting it on the new TT.

Handybob has changed his song when he put Kyocera on my old RV they were the best. Ive put used panels on my RV. Happy camper

I may stand corrected but my understanding and research on Renogy shows the panels are made in Germany.

I just bought a Renolgy portable solar system base on recommendation of many user in the Lance Forum. Work perfectly.They are not made in Germany but made with some german component.

4aSong wrote:I may stand corrected but my understanding and research on Renogy shows the panels are made in Germany.From your signature, it appears you have some Renogy products. Are you satisfied with them?

Panels are a commodity. Get the size, shape and wattage that fits your needs.Assuming you are using a PWM controller it is best to compare $$ per Isc (short circuit amps) as that is what you will get.Any 12 volt nominal panel is fine.

Solar panel brand--is it important? | Good Sam Community

webwrangler
Explorer
Jul 31, 2015
Gavin60 wrote:
I would use the Poly panels and try shopping at Sun Electronics , they are in Miami...I have no connection to them other than I bought about 4700 Watts of panels from them...I searched high and low for quality/price and Sun won out

Ouch. I already ordered my stuff; I decided to go with the Renogy mono 150 watt panel. Thanks for the info, though (and thanks to everyone else who responded).
Gavin60
Explorer
Jul 31, 2015
I would use the Poly panels and try shopping at Sun Electronics , they are in Miami...I have no connection to them other than I bought about 4700 Watts of panels from them...I searched high and low for quality/price and Sun won out
westend
Explorer
Jul 27, 2015
Modules are mostly generic for output since either the typical mono- or polycrystalline have the same basic cell material construction. Differences in coverings and frames do exist, as do the connection hardware. When I shopped for mine, I read the data sheets to determine output, physical load rating, and frame construction details.

Before landing on a certain module brand, I'd suggest you have a real good focus on the amount of power needed for your use in the RV. Even small devices add up fast and amount of battery capacity has to be in the mix, as well. Beyond that, it is about roof real estate (if roof mounting) and possible allowance for future upgrading.
MikeInOregon
Explorer
Jul 27, 2015
I have a 150 watt Zamp panel on the roof and a 100 watt Renogy portable suitcase panel. It's nice to have the portable panel for additional charging power when the roof panel is shaded by a tree. Both panels are connected to a 30 amp PWM Zamp controller. The Zamp and Renogy panels both work fine. I use only solar when dry camping, I don't own a generator.
4aSong
Explorer
Jul 27, 2015
webwrangler wrote:
4aSong wrote:
I may stand corrected but my understanding and research on Renogy shows the panels are made in Germany.

From your signature, it appears you have some Renogy products. Are you satisfied with them?

When I was shopping I compared Renogy and Zamp and decided on going with the Renogy Portable Suitcase because of cost which was purchased late last year. Since going solar I have not used my Honda EU2000I generator as the solar maintains my batteries. So I would have to say I am very satisfied.
rexlion
Explorer
Jul 27, 2015
You can add SolarBlvd to your list. I have one of their Cynergy panels, and it has worked fine.
time2roll
Nomad
Jul 27, 2015
Panels are a commodity. Get the size, shape and wattage that fits your needs.

Assuming you are using a PWM controller it is best to compare $$ per Isc (short circuit amps) as that is what you will get.

Any 12 volt nominal panel is fine.
webwrangler
Explorer
Jul 27, 2015
4aSong wrote:
I may stand corrected but my understanding and research on Renogy shows the panels are made in Germany.

From your signature, it appears you have some Renogy products. Are you satisfied with them?
bmj11
Explorer
Jul 27, 2015
I just bought a Renolgy portable solar system base on recommendation of many user in the Lance Forum. Work perfectly
.They are not made in Germany but made with some german component.
4aSong
Explorer
Jul 26, 2015
I may stand corrected but my understanding and research on Renogy shows the panels are made in Germany.