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Old 09-27-2019, 02:55 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: MI
Posts: 25
Year: 2005
Engine: 365 International
Rated Cap: 22 handicap accessible
What kind of solar panels do you suggest?

I just found some solar panels on FB Marketplace for $125 ea (or $110 if buying 5 or more). Here's the description & a couple images - I'm wondering if these are good and worth the price:

FBM info:

72 cell, polycrystalline
Weather-resistant. Certified for salt mist and ammonia resistance
Anti-Reflection surface treatment

Specifications:

Rated Power: 270w
Open circuit voltage (VOC): 44.4 V
Max power voltage (VMP): 36.7 V
Short circuit current (ISC): 8.45 A
Max power current: 7.75A
Power Tolerance 0/+3%
Maximum system voltage: 600V
Fuse Rating: 15 A
IP65 Junction Box w/MC4 Connectors
Frame: Anodized aluminum alloy
Weight: 61.7 lbs
Dimensions: 77 x 39 x 1.8”

Panasonic. US made. Brand and UL label removed because used panels cannot be UL certified and our agreement with the manufacturer does not allow for factory warranty. They are guaranteed to work, have been tested. Original output rating was 300w but current testing and used condition we are rating them at 270
Attached Thumbnails
solar panel 1.png   solar panel 2.png  

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Old 09-27-2019, 03:20 PM   #2
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Location: Grayson County, VA
Posts: 1,428
Year: 1996
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Looks like it could be a good deal. That's about the size panels we've got. We put 4 of them on the front half of our bus and it's more than adequate for our needs. Ours are 280w panels, and we paid $180/each.
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Old 09-27-2019, 03:47 PM   #3
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Location: Culpeper, Virginia
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I would be hesitant without knowing age of panels and being able to physically inspect and test them before purchase. Solar panel warranties are based on output % decrease by age. Therefore these may be older panels that held up well and are recently degrading. Without any kind of warranty they could be useless within a few years. I got a great deal on Brand new LG Canadian made panels early last year through a "group purchase" deal organized on FB. About 12 people got together and purchased 150 panels, and they had a few left to sell that included a factory warranty. I ended up buying 6 450w for $1385. But, if you are just looking for something to get started with and dont mind the risk of replacement in under 5 years it could be worth trying.....just an opinion.
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Old 09-27-2019, 04:36 PM   #4
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Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Dawsonville, Ga.
Posts: 10,482
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Genesis
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Engine: DT466/3060
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I originally bought 10-245w panels for $55ea. They were really too large for what I wanted, left no wiggle room on the roof. Unfotunately my decision against them was made when the fire burned the pallet of panels to the ground. I replaced them with 6-100w Grape solar new panels. $85ea. Mounted they leave a nice walkway down the center of the roof.
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Old 09-27-2019, 04:47 PM   #5
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: MI
Posts: 25
Year: 2005
Engine: 365 International
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Thank you so much, @o1marc, @Defjr333, and @Drew Bru - I really appreciate your thoughts. You each helped a lot!


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Old 09-27-2019, 05:34 PM   #6
Bus Nut
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: the Missouri Ozarks
Posts: 258
Year: 1997
Coachwork: BlueBird
Chassis: International 3800
Engine: 466e
Rated Cap: its Yuge
Have you figured out how many watts you want?

I dont think these are that good of a deal espc for for a little older less efficient panel.

My 65x40 are 335 watts. And I feel like space is a premium
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Old 10-10-2019, 06:20 PM   #7
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Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Hollywood, Florida
Posts: 72
Year: soon
Coachwork: Bluebird or Thomas
Chassis: Probably International
Engine: Narrowing it down
Rated Cap: 65-ish
I don't know if you bought the panels already but from my research I read that the polychrystaline aren't as efficient as the monocrystaline. Check that out.



My disclaimer:

I'm new to the site and I haven't bought my skoolie yet. Only researching, a lot!!



Cheers!
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