Let me try to straighten this out for you.
westend wrote:
Horizon170 wrote:
Who makes the most efficient solar panels for the size?
Approx 2' x 4'.
SunPower
Too expensive
Marvin
How about this:
Renogy Kit on AmazonOr this:
Another Renogy kit from AmazonThe original question was, "what is the most efficient panel?" I took that to mean the most efficient, electrically, i.e. power density for size.
If your question is, "what is the best deal for power/cost?", there are a lot of choices, some of them bearing on end use and user. Typically, the "solar kits" are sold at a premium for the parts they contain. This added price is for the convenience of the DIY'er, he doesn't have to order the individual pieces. The kits may come with a controller of less functionality than can be had and the mounting brackets may not be the best for all applications. Also, wire length is fixed and may/may not be enough for some installations.
One positive note is that many of these kits include free shipping. That may be a significant savings. Here is a similar kit from Solar Blvd for less $$$:
320W for $369, free shipping.
To the OP:
As was posted, solar panels are pretty much alike. China makes more of them than any other country. Look at load and frame specifications to see differences in durability. You will be hard-pressed to find a USA panel. I have one but the mfg has since closed their plant and moved back to Italy. If worried about durability or warranty enforcement, choose a module from a known good brand. My list would include Kyocera, Sharp, and Canadian Solar.
