Where to purchase solar panel?

[Leakylunar]

Well I’ve decided on size of panel based on price v output, 150-160w with Victron MPPT controller. Looked at 200+w but way to expensive as I’ve only a narrow pop top also space limited. So I’ve looked at Amazon/eBay/midsummer and phototronics any others I should know about?

 

[Figaro]

I used Photronic Universe through eBay for extra 100 watt panel and Voltronic mppt controller.
Works well and seemed good value.
About £100 for the panel I think.
But I read on here someone dismissing these cheap panels and saying you should be spending £3-400 !!!
Not sure on the wisdom of that as mine works fine.

 

[Leakylunar]

Yes confusing when one gives 6amp another 8amp plus I want to use a semi flexible panel if at all possible due to the slight curvature of the roof.

 

[mitzimad]

my son had the semi flexible panel on his pop top failed in 2 years from what i read they are not as reliable as the rigids they now do fixings for the semi's which may be an improvement as his was glued down

 

[Silver-Fox]

I bought from photonic.

If you’re a member of CCC you get a discount code ??

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[Leakylunar]

Yes I’m a member is it 50% by any chance?

 

[Garratt]

I used Sunstore Solar last year, and bought a complete kit including a Victron MPPT Bluetooth controller. I rang them up and got a discount for being a member of MH Fun.

 

[Minxy]

Make sure that your pop-top can take the added weight of rigid panels as the struts etc may not be able to hold the extra and/or dictate where you can mount them, eg right at the very end of the popped-up bit could be too much, whereas at the 'hinge' end might be okay.

 

[Leakylunar]

Thanks , being a celex the pop top opens a different way can hold 90kg on roof but still want flexible solar panel instead of heavy rigid one.

 

[Silver-Fox]

Yes I’m a member is it 50% by any chance?

Err no ?

I think it’s 10%

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[MANGOFORTH]

I got mine from photonic universe. 2 x 310w mono... Comes with a warranty too.

" This product is covered by a 5 year workmanship warranty. In addition, solar cells are guaranteed to produce at least 90% of nominal power in 10 years after purchase and at least 80% of nominal power in 25 years after purchase. This warranty is provided by the manufacturer of solar cells.“

P. S. Haggle with them ? retail of mine were £360 a panel and I brought 2 for £500 after some negotiating ??

 

[Driventemple]

Thanks , being a celex the pop top opens a different way can hold 90kg on roof but still want flexible solar panel instead of heavy rigid one.

When we had a Celex I bought a cheap flexible panel from Ebay that gave a very poor output, then finally died after two years. I purchased it's replacement form https://midsummerenergy.co.uk
It came with a self adhesive backing and was easy to stick it on top of the original - which had been Sikaflexed on!

 

[Leakylunar]

Thanks now torn as I’ve seen a Victron 170w fixed panel but don’t know if they will fit my slight roof curve! Looking like a flexible sticky backed panel at the moment but £200 more!

 

[Minxy]

Thanks now torn as I’ve seen a Victron 170w fixed panel but don’t know if they will fit my slight roof curve! Looking like a flexible sticky backed panel at the moment but £200 more!

There's no reason why you can't alter the mounting plates/feet to accommodate the curve of the roof, that would then keep the panel straight ... where in E Yorks are you?

 

[Driventemple]

I think a rigid panel will take your height to over the magic 2m level.

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[Silver-Fox]

Thanks now torn as I’ve seen a Victron 170w fixed panel but don’t know if they will fit my slight roof curve! Looking like a flexible sticky backed panel at the moment but £200 more!

Make your own Ali brackets to accommodate the curve.

 

[Leakylunar]

I live in Cottingham, like the look of the black moulded corners n sides as they look like they have a good footprint for bonding not sure about alloy brackets.
Also wondered about wind noise and extra weight of fixed panel over flexible one.
Decisions decisions!

 

[Leakylunar]

Just rang phototronics and my thoughts have been thrown in the air.
I thought I was looking at amp output but I should be looking at voltage instead!
The 10% off is for caravan & camping club I assume not caravan and motorhome club.

 

[autorouter]

Just rang phototronics and my thoughts have been thrown in the air.
I thought I was looking at amp output but I should be looking at voltage instead!

You want solar panels to generate electrical power. Both amp output and voltage are important.

 

[Leakylunar]

Now considering cigs panels 2x120w as these just fit on my roof being 2.5m long but just 300mm wide .
I’ll wait till Black Friday to make final decision, Thanks for all replies and suggestions.

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