Best new flex panels on the market?

[john61ct]

Yes all very nice, but IMO not worth 7+ times the price per watt, before talking installation.

I prefer to buy cheap - not cheapest, but best available say $2 per watt range **delivered**.

If faulty in 90 days 100% NQAMBG, often no need to even ship back.

I don't expect more than three years average lifespan, but with careful installation may be pleasantly surprised.

If I wanted longer I'd go framed, maybe $1.20 per watt, but shipping is the wild card, would try for a local seller with a good return policy, and that's where I'd look at rep for good CS.

[Velanera]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Yes all very nice, but IMO not worth 7+ times the price per watt, before talking installation.

I prefer to buy cheap - not cheapest, but best available say $2 per watt range **delivered**.

If faulty in 90 days 100% NQAMBG, often no need to even ship back.

I don't expect more than three years average lifespan, but with careful installation may be pleasantly surprised.

If I wanted longer I'd go framed, maybe $1.20 per watt, but shipping is the wild card, would try for a local seller with a good return policy, and that's where I'd look at rep for good CS.

For me is the same, 2/2.5$ for a good semi flexible solar panel is the right price. That's why I do not buy Solbian, but other trusted, less expensive brands but not the Chinese from ebay or amazon. But I understand who buys from ebay, like those who buy Solbian. Everyone has his - more or less - right reasons.

[Kenomac]

I believe this thread was started to discuss who makes the "Best new flex panels on the market," not the cheapest most disposable ones.

[Flyingriki]

Some people just can't face facts.....the Italian panels don't last that long nor perform as well as could be expected. Rigid lasts longer, does a better job and is cheaper, period.
Proven time and time again by many with the skills and intellect to install their own systems rather than just writing checks and pontificating....

[john61ct]

Best for each of us.

No way value, i.e. overall cost per year long-term isn't a major factor for most.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by Flyingriki

Some people just can't face facts.....the Italian panels don't last that long nor perform as well as could be expected. Rigid lasts longer, does a better job and is cheaper, period.
Proven time and time again by many with the skills and intellect to install their own systems rather than just writing checks and pontificating....

And some people have friends who can't read the directions on the solar panels which instruct them to remove the clear plastic protective film before using.... then complain when the panels cloud up. And some people also appear to have difficulty following a thread about "new FLEX panels."

BTW: We're still waiting for the pictures of your solar panel installation.

[Training Wheels]

Check out Sunbeam Systems, as they use Sunpower cells. I bought mine from Teknikhamstern. Shipping to US was cheap, like less than 20 euros.
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[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

Everyone wants the BEST SunPower flex panels, so why not buy them directly from SunPower.

SunPower Flex 110 watt $234 each

1165 x 569 x 20 mm (45.866”L x 22.4”W x.787)

https://us.sunpower.com/flexible-solar-panels/
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Have you tried to purchase direct from Sunpower? They don't seem to be setup to actual sell anything online.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

And some people have friends who can't read the directions on the solar panels which instruct them to remove the clear plastic protective film before using.... then complain when the panels cloud up. And some people also appear to have difficulty following a thread about "new FLEX panels."

BTW: We're still waiting for the pictures of your solar panel installation.

That's pretty funny logic. So are you implying that the fogging of flexpanels used in the tropics is caused by leaving the protective shipping cover on, or is this only true for the fogging of Solbian panels?

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by Paul L

Have you tried to purchase direct from Sunpower? They don't seem to be setup to actual sell anything online.

That is all I buy is SunPower panels.

Here is 3 of the SunPower X21-345 For my next project.
Dim. 61”L x41”W x1.8”H
Weight 41 lbs

They also make this same size and weight panel in a SunPower X22-360 for a bit more money.

Just have to call around to find a dealer, distributor or installer that will sell them to you.

All the world record setting solar boats only use SunPower panels.
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[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

That is all I buy is SunPower panels.

Here is 3 of the SunPower X21-345 For my next project.
Dim. 61”L x41”W x1.8”H
Weight 41 lbs

They also make this same size and weight panel in a SunPower X22-360 for a bit more money.

Just have to call around to find a dealer, distributor or installer that will sell them to you.

All the world record setting solar boats only use SunPower panels.
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I was hoping to see prices for the Sunpower flexpanels. Their website just punts you to an email. I've used Chinese panels that are built with Sunpower cells. If the the Sunpower flexpanels were sold at reasonable premium, then I'd sure rather buy them. The Solbian are just way too large a premium to justify. Do you have access to the Sunpower Flexpanels prices?

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by Paul L

I was hoping to see prices for the Sunpower flexpanels. Their website just punts you to an email. I've used Chinese panels that are built with Sunpower cells. If the the Sunpower flexpanels were sold at reasonable premium, then I'd sure rather buy them. The Solbian are just way too large a premium to justify. Do you have access to the Sunpower Flexpanels prices?

The SunPower 110 watt Flexpanel Price was in my original post as a PDF file.
They cost $234.
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[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

The SunPower 110 watt Flexpanel Price was in my original post as a PDF file.
They cost $234.
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That's a good price. At this point in the market I think those are the way to go, assuming you can find a dealer. Surprising that you don't see them listed online for direct purchase.

[Bleemus]

Click the link at the bottom of the page and email them. They will refer you to a dealer who can supply the panels to you. The price list is on their page. You just have to look for it.

[john61ct]

If they sold direct not many dealers would carry them.