I bought mono panel on line after MUCH research on seller. The panel produced about 90% of rated output for 120w panel. OK for me but shows be careful.
Be sure to compare mono, poly etc.
Jayco had 120w mono panels for about $425 last time I looked. So if you are unsure and you need reliable power ie to run the beer fridge etc etc, maybe buy from a reputable seller OR get someone to help rate the ebay seller.
-- Edited by Baz421 on Friday 18th of January 2013 09:56:10 PM
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Why is it so? Professor Julius Sumner Miller, a profound influence on my life, who explained science to us on TV in the 60's.
Just make sure you select the right seller. All my panels came from Ebay and they seem to be Ok and most of the people I know have ebay purchased panels. You need someone who can read the specs from the panels and make sure they are Rv panels and not house panels. There is a lot of hype about different controllers etc but depending on your battery type and the level of control you want, most time all that is needed is for heavier cables if portable and if you can remove the controller close to the batteries. Like most things you can get detailed or just go with the flow. I existed for several years with portable panels with the regulator on the back of the panels LOL. I have panels on the roof now but still maintain my portables just in case they are needed. For simplicity look for the panels to suit your battery voltage. eg 12v system you need panels to give about 17v. Check for any threads on the tech section as for sure someone has gone to the trouble to explain the meanings on the back of the panels. Regards Brian
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11 Mtr house Boat based at Mannum hoping to travel up the Murray as far as I can get then drift back again
Yes they are but you might have to take them to an auto electrician to get the wiring changed to a bigger size. They only put tiny wiring in. Cost me another 50.00 to get that done.
Be very careful, .I had a bad experience, brought what we thought was 80w, they wouldn't do what an 80 should. Turned out they were about 60w. Tried to contact seller but they t wouldn't reply. We only buy from a reputable seller such as a legitimate solar shop. Some good brands would be, Suntech, BP, there are others but I would be very wary of ebay panels. At least you would have some come back at a local shop.
My ebay portables seem to work well. I had to replace the controller but that was probably my fault if not bad design. That has been changed on the current offerings. I've compared much more expensive panels to mine and the legs and fittings are a little better on the dearer ones as far as I can see. I fixed my own wiring with anderson plugs and a 6B&S extension lead, which is heavier than most people use.
I personally would buy again from Ebay and most probably will.
When you are reliant on panels and batteries to run your van effectively and are mostly free camping, you need gear that is not going to stuff up you need excellent equipment. We learnt by experience. Our first few trips away were spent with Rob's head in the boot monitoring batteries, not a good look. Now we have fixed panels and 3 good batteries to keep us out there, we have never had to use the genny to top up batteries. Good luck with whatever you decide.
I've bought panels, 8 over a couple of years from www.solaronline.com.au they have been very good and reliable, well priced, just a bit more than the cheaper ones on line, monocrystaline, 80watts for $209, they are at Newcastle but delivery is very good and reasonable, they are good to deal with.
I have been around Aust 'relying' on RV-type solar panels for power and currently live on stand-alone solar panels on acreage so.....
In my opinion, basically a little research (eg choice website) would be good for info and, like most things, you will get what you pay for...cheap = just that usually.....
Also, there is MUCH more to a good, reliable, solar power system then just the panels... the regulator and batteries (and wiring) are also VERY important; so is the inverter (if you want 240V).
If this is to be relied upon as your power source, consider spending $ on proven, quality equipment...afterall, what price reliability when you are far-from-home(?)
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A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. ~ Lao Tzu
