What about these solar panels?

[VanKitten]

i found these today...

Suniva opt340-72-4-100 Silver Mono  panels

The company is USA made.   Seems OK.   I cannot tell much about the efficiency of these...are they within the acceptable range for a motor home?   

They would fit up on top ...  but... are they a decent buy at ~$1k? Including shipping

 

[BradKW]

That's pretty much what I have except mine are the 325 watt flavor. The "silver" relates to aesthetic condition iirc...mine were Suniva silvers and has some cosmetic blemishes on the frame. But the Suniva is a good panel and I've been pleased with them.

I paid like $0.60 per watt, but got lucky finding a local guy who'd just bought a pallet at pallet pricing. Are you saying $1k is for 3 panels? If $1k includes shipping and there's no local options, it's a fair deal on 3, over-priced for 2, and a rip-off for 1. I would want to feel comfortable about the return and damaged goods policy though, as shipping one back could cost more than the panel itself.

Also be aware that if you get 3 of them you will need to look at different options for solar controllers as 1000+ watts exceeds most all the specs at 12v. Think only the Outback 80 could do it. Of course if you step up to 24v as I did, you have all sorts of headroom and choices. but plan on dropping ballpark $500+ for a controller.

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Ford-E450-Box-Truck-RV-Conversion?pid=203523#pid203523

 

[VanKitten]

Only 2 will fit on top of my RV.

Yeah, the shipping part of that is $380

Only place I have found any panels above 300w is well out of state. In this case Calif.

 

[abnorm]

I've also been looking at Georgia based Suniva panels............they produce some big panels............I intend on purchasing them..........

But I've been looking at Suniva "B" grade panels available from Sun Electronics down in Miami....about a 3+ hr drive for pickup of the oversized panels.....they also have a Phoenix store

B-grade Panels with cosmetic blemishes not affecting electrical output................ for about $.60 a watt................I like a bargain

https://sunelec.com/

On the phone .................Their biggest concern for my RV conversion was the "High Voltage" output (requiring an MPPT controller)

The install manual calls for rail mounting locations about 40" apart..................I can't use that with the transit mounting points ...........I'll redrill and rail mount at about 50" spacing

doug

Edit............Yeah Brad beat me to it.................................

 

[VanKitten]

Just spent a frustrating amount of time on their website  sunelec.com

There doesn't seem to be any working links?   

The solar panel I want to look at...no clickable link??  The sign up...link..doesn't work.

I cannot tell what the deal is there.   It looked like on some bits of info you either buy a pallet or minimum of 4 panels?

Can you do me a favor...pretend you were buying 2 of the suniva 340 panels...see what their final cost is...with shipping to zip code 81527?     Cost per watt for me has to include all the shipping too.   

If they can beat the current cost offered from that Calif outfit, I will order today.

Thank you!

 

[BradKW]

I remember being frustrated with them too...they're close enough I was going to drive up. While my panels did end up coming from sunelec, I wasn't the one dealing with them. IIRC, there is a 4 panel minimum unless otherwise stated, and the only way to get answers is by phone. Looks like there's a Phoenix store nearer to you...perhaps shipping would be reduced. You should giv'en a call

 

[jimindenver]

Kat

This was my source in Abq, NM for the 435w. He owns his own small trucking company so maybe you can work out shipping. It's the only source of the 435w's that I can find.

https://santafe.craigslist.org/app/6050588819.html

 

[becida]

On the phone .................Their biggest concern for my RV conversion was the "High Voltage" output (requiring an MPPT controller)

I've had good results with the Tracer mppt controller I bought off Amazon, it was not real spendy either.

 

[akrvbob]

Sunelec is so huge they don't deal with small-fry like us. The only way to get anything done with them is to call them. Things do change, but the last I heard they had a minimum of 4 panels and even that was on just a very few panels. Most must be sold by the pallet, the truck load, or the train load.

 

[VanKitten]

Well, this has been a very frustrating experience.
It looks like the only source is that warehouse in California. Yeah, I get that they are not offering a good deal. But, it appears they are offering the ONLY deal for high watt panels.

 

[makenmend]

I went with these.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/272008199222?...%3D711-127632-2357-0%26rvr_id%3D1041194085183

I ordered 2 they arrived in 4 days. I think by UPS, anyway noticed package had slight damage and on opening found 1 panel had the tempered glass shattered, the other panel perfect. called the supplier immediately after taking phone pics and forwarding them to supplier who said they would replace the damaged one at no cost.
I received the replacement panel in 2 days, in good condition. These are installed, so 320 watts through Windy Nation 30 amp MPPT controller to 200 ah AGM . My lowest SOC to date has been 63 o/o and always 100 by midday.

MM

 

[VanKitten]

Maken. Too small. I am looking to get over 640w up on the roof total. Or more.

I found a pair of 325w panels. I am probably going to order them

 

[abnorm]

I spoke to Sun Electronics (Miami) again today......They have a new deal on the Suniva B-grade panels I've been looking at......325 watt panel for $.29 a watt or about $100 ea.......

.........and absolutely NO minimum quantity...........my 3 panels:  "No Problem"...............

That's for pick-up...........I didn't even consider asking about shipping these very large panels........I wish I had more roof-top-real-estate to work with...........

As previously posted by others:  I know their website sux.....but they're available to answer your questions on the phone......give them a call and ask for yourself........here's the link again

https://sunelec.com/


doug

 

[VanKitten]

Finally went with the place in California.

Shipping was the killer.

Got the suniva panels 340. Shipping added another 350 to the price....but, that is just the way it is

Ordered them this morning.

Thanks you all your help! Now, on to the next step in this very long process! (Onward and upward)

 

[highdesertranger]

congrats, we need pics when you get them mounted. you can give us pics when you get them too. highdesertranger