235W Solar Panel for $158

[mena661]

MX Solar 235W 24V Solar Panel MX60-235

[mena661]

The biggest space I have is roughly 120 x 60 (maybe a bit smaller). Two panels just barely squeaks in there and would be in a shadow at some point in the day. One big panel would fit and be short enough to move around to the best spot. If I used the other locations on the roof, I would need a lot smaller panels to fit. I'll probably end up with the Rogue 30A (especially now that they included the data converter for free). That should allow one big one and maybe 2-3 small 12V's in series if I wanted to expand.

[BFL13]

My 130w 12v panel is 26.1 by 59.0 Three of those side by each is 59 by 78.4.

Series with MPPT or parallel with PWM or MPPT

[mena661]

Cant fit two 250W panels BFL.

[Argosy24]

The MX panels are sold out.

[BFL13]

I see the Sharp is 39.1 by 64.6 so two would be say 79 by 65.

Scroll down for specs here---ignore the crazy price she is asking "up here" 😞

http://www.wegosolar.com/products.php?product=-250-Watt-Sharp-Solar-Panel

One thing with two 250s is you could go with two $100 MPPT controllers. Not sure what you would pay for a single controller that can do the big watts.

[mena661]

EsoxLucius,

Thanks for that link. I wanted to put two 200+W panels head to toe but it would be a squeeze so a single 77" long panel will fit easily. And I have 60" of width available so no problems there either.

[EsoxLucius]

mena661 wrote:
I have and I'd really like to get a 300+W panel but can't find one (I wonder if SB could get one...when I'm ready to buy I'll ask them). I have an unusual roof in that I have space for one really big panel and maybe some really small additional panels so I'd really like to make that big space count. I might settle on the 250W Sharp that SB sells.

Room up there for 77.2” x 51.5”? 390 watts http://www.grapesolar.com/specs-390w-mono-gs-s-390-ts.html http://www.freecleansolar.com/390W-solar-panel-Grape-GS-S-390-TS-mono-p/gs-s-390-ts.htm http://solarenergypanelslink.blogspot.com/2012/01/grape-solar-gs-s-390-ts-390-watt.html http://www.homedepot.com/p/Grape-Solar-390-Watt-Monocrystalline-Solar-Panel-GS-S-390-TS/202959964#.U... Home Depot wants too much for them, but at least you might pick it up.

[Argosy24]

MX solar went out of business in June of last year. There probably isn't any warranty. I'd at least check what option you have if you receive any DOA.

Also note these are 24V panels, you're going to need a fairly expensive MPPT charge controller if you plan on using them on an RV.

[mena661]

westend wrote:
Have you looked at the newer higher watt panels? They may give you better harvest density if your roof will accommodate the size. For price, it will be hard to beat SB's $.67/watt.

I have and I'd really like to get a 300+W panel but can't find one (I wonder if SB could get one...when I'm ready to buy I'll ask them). I have an unusual roof in that I have space for one really big panel and maybe some really small additional panels so I'd really like to make that big space count. I might settle on the 250W Sharp that SB sells.

[Ron3rd]

beemerphile1 wrote:
Odd that the panel weight is 48.5 pounds but the shipping weight is 130 pounds. That is a heavy crate.

It's probably UPS Oversize rate. In an oversize situation, you pay for "dimensional weight", not actual weigh. That's how you can have a very large 10 lb package and be charged 70 lbs by UPS once you punch the dims into the shipping system.

[westend]

mena661 wrote:

westend wrote:

Mena, that's the same panel I have on my rig. I'm pleased with it so far. It operates at rated numbers and appears to be a good piece of work.

Thanks for that info. Good to know. Eventually I'll be getting some solar. Hopefully before the summer.

It's a good time to be a buyer of panels.:)

I think the MX-Solar 235w is a good panel, double formed aluminum frame and a high rated film and substrate. It operates better in low light than I had hoped. Have you looked at the newer higher watt panels? They may give you better harvest density if your roof will accommodate the size. For price, it will be hard to beat SB's $.67/watt.

An MX-solar spokesman said the company couldn't compete at the price levels of the Asian flooded market and post-flood, also. He said it cost them more to make the panel than they could sell it. Mine is labeled "Made in USA".

[mena661]

westend wrote:

Mena, that's the same panel I have on my rig. I'm pleased with it so far. It operates at rated numbers and appears to be a good piece of work.

Thanks for that info. Good to know. Eventually I'll be getting some solar. Hopefully before the summer.

[JiminDenver]

For black friday they had 270w for $175.50. I thought about a pair but that's just a bit more than I want to run through a Eco-W.

BTW most auctions with free shipping for the ECo-W end between $80 an $90.

[BFL13]

Don't forget the cost of an MPPT controller for it-another 100 or three. There is the Eco-worthy at $102 and a Tracer for about $140 before you jump to the big bucks ones.