Cheap solar panels?

[Natgreen]

Anybody know a good source for cheap panels? I want to get the big 320w residential type panels. Like 2 or 3 of them.

 

[highdesertranger]

SanTan solar in Gilbert, AZ

https://www.santansolar.com/

side note for bigger panels like the ones you describe you need to pick them up yourself as shipping gets pretty outrageous.

highdesertranger

 

[Natgreen]

Thanks Mr ranger. Do you know a good mounting bracket system for thus? I need enough clearance to open my fantastic vent. Also I have a hitop. It's not level.

 

[B and C]

Ladder racks will be what you need to get height. Get a ladder rack based on the height above the roof you require for the vent plus whatever height to get to your drip rails. Most ladder racks attach to drip rails.

 

[Gypsy Freedom]

I'll second Santan solar. shipping is definitely cost prohibitive on just 1 or 2 panels. we ordered 6 of the 435 watt panels at $200 each and paid $220 in shipping total. that was just over $0.50 per watt, and we wanted those panels as they are some of the largest available and have a very high efficiency. meaning more watts per square foot, considerably more.

depending on where in the country you are, you may be able to find other companies or groups selling at good prices. there is a guy in northern nevada that advertises on craigslist and usually has 295 wat panels for around $0.45 per watt but is pick up onl, he will not ship at any price. i have also seen a company selling out of the san fransico bay area that gets in big panels from time to time, they also advertise on craigslist. i saw another company in the redding area of california.

i forget the name of the company, but i also found a company that was selling new 385 watt 60 cell panels back in like Massachusetts or that area for around $0.65 per watt

if you are interested in any of them, PM me and i will go back through my records and try and get you contact info if you cant find them online. also just try craigslist in areas near you

 

[Gypsy Freedom]

custom mounts is the way to go, just kinda gotta build what you need.

i would not recommend raising them up high enough to open a vent underneath.

i just put 1740 watts on the roof of a 16ft box truck and we had to move the vent so we could put it in between a couple panels

 

[eflyersteve]

I'd check Craigslist for your area. There are tons of 305-310 watt panels within an hour of where I am for $100 each. Most are used but in fantastic condition.

 

[jonyjoe303]

you can find "L" brackets at home depot to mount them, thats what I used. But you might have to remove the cover from your roof vent. Removing the cover won't cause any leaks when it rains, the panel will act as a cover.  

 

[maki2]

Just contact a local solar roofing company and see if they have some used panels and brackets. If you don't find any good deals locally then expand your search area to the next closest metropolitan areas.