Solar panels from company called Solar Technology

[Milk Tray Man]

Hi all,

Apologies if this has been covered in the past but looking to access the collective expertise and experience.

Buying a new MH and the supplier is suggesting their own provider of solar panels vs. the makers (Frankia). When I bought them for our current van it was very much the case the German was best for quality but things change and time moves on. They are suggesting 2 x 120w units from Solar Technology, does anyone have experience of them, the quality of the product, aftercare etc so I can hopefully make an informed decision.

Thanks

MTM

 

[rosalan]

I will be most interested to hear what differences in price and quality there are. In this and other Forums, many people praise the price (value?) of the various types of panels available. There are many people who have bought huge panels for minimal price and claim total satisfaction. So where to from this information? Well most middle-men dealers such as Frankia, will be adding their commission, whereas the manufacturers should be able to offer the best value. Me? If I wanted more panels I should most likely look on Ebay.

 

[MikeD]

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Is this the company - they appear to be based in UK

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[Snowbird]

Am a little out of touch with solar technology. Like most things technical things move on very quickly. BP were always thought to be at the top of the solar tree and there products were very good. I do believe the Germans have been winding down there solar production since China has now jumped on the gravy train.

 

[Milk Tray Man]

Sorry folks, been away with work so just catching up.

MikeD, that is them and yes they are UK based.

No doubt things move on and as 'new' technology become normal the standards across manufacturing equal out and don't want to discount a good UK company for what could be outdated view that german is best when it comes to solar panels.

Thanks for the responses

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[Gromett]

No doubt things move on and as 'new' technology become normal the standards across manufacturing equal out and don't want to discount a good UK company for what could be outdated view that german is best when it comes to solar panels.

It is my view that the production techniques for solar are pretty much standard across the industry now. They all use the same techniques and materials.

Having made the effort to make my own solar panel from scratch I now understand the construction of them very well.

So my opinion is. Buy the the cheapest panel you can find, 80Watt used to be the sweet spot for £ per watt but I think it may have moved to the 100 Watt panels now.

When is comes to charge controllers though, cheaper is never better. Make sure you get a decent quality MPPT charger. The cheap chinese ones tend to use a crappy inductor which makes them very poor at energy transfer. Basically they look like MPPT but can be even worse than PWM.

Installation is also the other place where going cheap can cost you in the long run. Either go DIY and do a proper job or find a reputable dealer who knows what they are doing. If you want the best job doing look at places like VanBitz, @eddievanbitz is a member on here and can answer any questions you have.

 

[Bobby22]

If your buying a new Frankia, i would imagine the cost of the system isn't high on your priority list.

If i were you i would have the supplier fit what he recommends. He (the dealership) will be familiar with that system.
If anything goes wrong both with the van or the panel it is the dealers problem and the buck stops with them...........no get outs

If you are having it done by the dealer, sometimes you can negotiate for extras as part of the purchase price.

 

[aandncaravan]

I agree with bobby22, but if this is a new vehicle, suggest you ensure it is fitted to the exact recommendations of Frankia, using a Frankia (and it's electronics supplier) approved regulator as in our experience, most are not.


We have just supplied a replacement Schaudt Elektroblock to a Dethleffs customer, who couldn't get Dethleffs to honour the warranty as a 'none standard' Solar Installation had been carried out using 'none approved' parts with unapproved changes to the wiring. The Schaudt Elektroblock burnt out as a direct result, and I mean burnt.
The Solar install was a bit of a bodge, nice and tidy but they didn't have a clue about Dethleffs workings. It was provided by a professional company contracted by the Dealer.

Dethleffs wanted over £1,000 to put thinks right. We are waiting to see who will be paying our £300 for a replacement EBL and wiring fix. Dethleffs are saying see the Dealer, the Dealer is saying talk to the Solar Installer, The Solar Installer is saying 'that is how we do them all, no problems with any others', etc.

You will find your Frankia approved kit does not require the standard wiring to be altered at all, it is Plug and Play. This also keeps the cost down as the approved Solar regulator can be wired to a Frankia Controller/charger in less than 5 minutes.

I would guess the choice of Solar Panel will not impact the warranty, just how the regulater is installed/wired.

 

[tonyidle]

Currently bargains to be had:

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