Solar Panels - which one?

[VXman]

I have a NDS 175 watt panel on the van and I want to add another of similar power.

I can get it for £325 from https://www.dmsretail.co.uk/product-page/nds-175w-solar-panel-kit

I don't need the controller or the gland but weirdly this is the cheapest I can find even without the extra bits.

Alternativley I could get a panel from Craig solar for £160. It will need mounting brackets but they are only £14 https://www.craigsolar.co.uk/shop/160w

Question is - is the NDS really worth double the price? It would be nice to have a matching one but really not worth paying the extra just for looks when it's not visible most of the time.

 

[WillysMB]

Craig solar

Does anyone have any experience dealing with a solar dealer called Craig solar? He sells on ebay and has some fairly huge single panels for sale, I'm interested in a 340 watt panel for my camper, a big single panel would be an easy fit for me. I have a renogy dcc30s b2b with solar input, could I...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[Lenny HB]

Victron ones are only £160 and they are one of the best.

Victron Monocrystalline panel 175W-12V Mono 1485x668x30mm series 4a SP

Low voltage-temperature coefficient enhances high-temperature operation. | Exceptional low-light performance and high sensitivity to light across the entire solar spectrum. | 25-Year limited warranty on power output and performance. | 5-Year limited warranty on materials and workmanship. |...

vanjunkies.co.uk

 

[Sandancers]

Victron ones are only £160 and they are one of the best.

Victron Monocrystalline panel 175W-12V Mono 1485x668x30mm series 4a SP

Low voltage-temperature coefficient enhances high-temperature operation. | Exceptional low-light performance and high sensitivity to light across the entire solar spectrum. | 25-Year limited warranty on power output and performance. | 5-Year limited warranty on materials and workmanship. |...

vanjunkies.co.uk

Do Victron manufacture their own solar panels ? I'd have assumed they all came from a factory in China and just different names stamped on them.

 

[Lenny HB]

Do Victron manufacture their own solar panels ? I'd have assumed they all came from a factory in China and just different names stamped on them.

Nearly all panels are made in China but suppliers like Victron will set the standards they are made to.
What I have noticed is the cheaper unbranded panels have lighter frames and the output is about 5% less.

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[headlight]

According to Victron their panels are made in Malaysia and India.

 

[highwayman]

Bimble solar have 175w Victron panels at £152.

 

[VXman]

Bimble solar have 175w Victron panels at £152.

Looks good. It says these have PV-ST01 connectors. MC4 plugs seem to be the most popular method of connecting. Does anyone know the difference between these 2 types?

I will be needing to connect it in parallel to my current panel.

 

[Lenny HB]

Looks good. It says these have PV-ST01 connectors. MC4 plugs seem to be the most popular method of connecting. Does anyone know the difference between these 2 types?

I will be needing to connect it in parallel to my current panel.

PV-ST01 are MC4 connectors.