Solar Charging System

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by willardj

I have these panels on my sailboat and have to say they are nice for the $$. I am building a new shed out back that I am planning on putting 6 of these on to run the whole shed. The one thing you have to remember is shipping it runs $100 to $120 for these panels and $20 or so for controller.

wow, didnt think about that one. wonder if they are the cheapest with shipping.
showing $96.48 shipped to new york.

for that size and voltage, yes...
they do not list an address, but i wonder if you can pickup if you pay tax...
number suggests Florida.

[Opie91]

I have 2 of these http://www.ebay.com/itm/100W-Watts-1...ht_1535wt_1161 and they are putting out just as advertised.

$149.00 each and free shipping....

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by Opie91

I have 2 of these 100W Watts 100 Watt Solar Panel Off Grid 12 Volt 12V RV Boat USA Solar Cells | eBay and they are putting out just as advertised.

$149.00 each and free shipping....

what you posted
$300 for two @ 100 watts $1.50 per watt free shipping
what i posted
$368 for two @ 158 watts $1.16 per watt after shipping

[willardj]

Originally Posted by scoobert

wow, didnt think about that one. wonder if they are the cheapest with shipping.
showing $96.48 shipped to new york.

for that size and voltage, yes...
they do not list an address, but i wonder if you can pickup if you pay tax...
number suggests Florida.

Not sure I know they also sale them on Amazon as well. I got mine about a year ago for $120 each to the house. Super deal.

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by willardj

Not sure I know they also sale them on Amazon as well. I got mine about a year ago for $120 each to the house. Super deal.

WOW!
i just looked them up on there. they charge $120 shipping to me thru amazon, or $98 thru their site. i wonder if they offer free shipping on occasion?

[willardj]

Originally Posted by scoobert

WOW!
i just looked them up on there. they charge $120 shipping to me thru amazon, or $98 thru their site. i wonder if they offer free shipping on occasion?

Not sure I keep checking everyday just in case they do. My shed need power soon. If not soon, I will start picking 2 up at a time. If I don't and get all 6 a week later it will be free shipping. :/ That's my luck

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by willardj

Not sure I keep checking everyday just in case they do. My shed need power soon. If not soon, I will start picking 2 up at a time. If I don't and get all 6 a week later it will be free shipping. :/ That's my luck

if your in GA, just take the drive to go get them!!!

[willardj]

Originally Posted by scoobert

if your in GA, just take the drive to go get them!!!

I think they are located out west. AZ. I think.

[Minggat]

I have the two 140 solar panels, single controller. I did have a Honda 2000. I am also from So Cal and Minggat in now in the same Mexico your headed to. In my opinion, after have done what you are talking about, you're putting in some expensive overkill.

When trying to bring it all together, we often go for the worst case scenario. that is why I HAD the Honda 2000. Sold it. Never needed it at all.

Save the money there and be nice to yourself. You can use the space that the Honda would consume to put a stand along refrigeration unit of some kind. I have a Fridgfreeze. I have seen it consume as little as 11 amp hours all night.

Which is another point you may not have thought about. Once you get solar, you don't have to count amp hours during the daytime. I have seen my panels put out as much as 20 amps and I am always full well before noon.

I have come to realize that I was really worrying way too much. I now run my 19 TV and DVD and the stereo, along with the fridge and anchor light and VHF 24/7 and the batteries still get topped off before noon.

And just so that you are aware, I used to add water to my batteries once a year in So Cal, if they need it or not. It's once a month in Baja, I have 3, 12 volt TPPL AGMs because I DID mind the extra maintenance. 2 of my 3 banks are miserable to get to.

[Opie91]

Originally Posted by scoobert

what you posted
$300 for two @ 100 watts $1.50 per watt free shipping
what i posted
$368 for two @ 158 watts $1.16 per watt after shipping

Take it easy, not looking for a competition. Just giving him some options....

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by Opie91

Take it easy, not looking for a competition. Just giving him some options....

please do not take my math personally.
i am looking for the best deal myself!!!

[Opie91]

Originally Posted by scoobert

please do not take my math personally.
i am looking for the best deal myself!!!

Would have loved to go for more power, but not enough room.... The panels I mentioned above fit my dimensions perfectly.

[sailorboy1]

the best deal is always going to be larger panels that are close enough to you that you can go pick them up

don't restrict your search to just the internet and suppliers, look for local solar installation companies and see what kind of deal to can get though them as they buy lots of panels

[LWatson]

We bought 2 Kyrocera 135 watt (now 140) panels in La Paz Mexico for less than they were selling in San Diego at Downwind Marine and use a Morningstar 20 amp controller. Works fine but will get a new mppt, probably BlueSky 2512i as it is sized about right my panels. The price is right and it seems to be very popular with the other cruisers here in Mexico, no reports of failures from the others. The panels are mounted on some custom stainless work on the bimini frame.

[jonahmulski]

Willardj and Foggysail, how are those DM Solar panels working out? Any issues?