Solar Panel Differences?? Teach Me!!

[jdholder]

So - I have a location where I can fit either of these solar panels (but not anything larger), but just wondering, why is there a big discrepencey between the two specs of these units? They are approximately the same size - I am a newb on this stuff, so and help is appreciated - but I always though size was important in solar panels.

This HQRP one is (47x21 inches): "80 watts" - Maximum Power Voltage: 17.6V; Open Circuit Voltage: 21.8V; Maximum Power Current: 4.83A - [ame="http://www.amazon.com/HQRP-Mono-crystalline-Anodized-Aluminum-Coaster/dp/B002OSAB28/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1283881003&sr=8-21"]CLICK HERE[/ame]

and this Bruton one is (42x15 inches): # "15 Watts" - Output Voltage: 12V; Maximum Power Current: 1000mA: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Brunton-Solarflat-15-Solar-Amorphous-Protection/dp/B001NG0WVW/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1283881441&s r=8-10"]CLICK HERE[/ame]

So - why the big different in specs?

I am looking to run a Engel MT040. I have two small (space issues) 35AH batteries that I want to keep charged via solar.

Thanks for your help!

[Corey]

Solar can be quite confusing.
I have a thread in this section on my installation from last year.

I went with a 60 watt panel on the recommendation of Martyn at Adventure Trailers, also where I bought my panel and cables from.

I use mine to keep the stock battery charged up while running the ARB fridge and the tents 12v light.

60 watts is also enough that it could power the fridge all by itself if the panel was getting full sunlight, but I bought the panel to just keep the batteries charged full all the time.

There should be lots of informative threads in this section.

[jdholder]

Right, but I can't fit the 60 watt panel that AT sells! I need to know about these two.

How can two panels of approximately the same size produce far different specifications?

Also, why is one 50% of the other in cost? I imagine the higher cost one uses a different technology that improves power generation, but is it real? Or just smoke and mirrors from flawed testing, or marketing hype?

Thanks!

[dzzz]

http://sunelec.com/index.php?main_pa...page=1&sort=3a

Picking obscure items from amazon and asking about prices isn't asking an answerable question. Or rather the answer is that they cost what they do because that's what the seller decided.
The link above is to Sun Electronics, a major discounter. All the panels they sell are from major suppliers. Pick a panel with a Vmp of 15-18, pick an appropriate size inexpensive Morningstar or Blue Sky controller, talk to the vendor about wire and mounting and you're done. (Blue Sky you would need to buy elsewhere).

[UK4X4]

Solar panels.....I spec and use panels at work for remote monitoring stations

1 there are many technologies
2 china does not make reliable or efficient panels
3 stick to the major manufacturers BP/Shell/TOTal (all oil companies but also manufacture panels)

more watts per size usually means a higher spec and higher cost.

Bruton make camping gear, their solar stuff is just a sideline

Buy once buy right, I have installs coming up to 10 years old functioning fine with zero input.

here's a site with good prices and no odd name panels, good quality- you have to pay for !


If a big name professional company makes a 60w in 0.5 meters square for example

and kyyusun kitchen ware and solar inc china has a 150w with the same dimensions.........buyer beware !

[jdholder]

http://sunelec.com/index.php?main_pa...page=1&sort=3a

Picking obscure items from amazon and asking about prices isn't asking an answerable question. Or rather the answer is that they cost what they do because that's what the seller decided.

I didn't and don't know enough to know that I was asking about an obscure item.

Thanks for the link!

[jdholder]

Solar panels.....I spec and use panels at work for remote monitoring stations

1 there are many technologies
2 china does not make reliable or efficient panels
3 stick to the major manufacturers BP/Shell/TOTal (all oil companies but also manufacture panels)

more watts per size usually means a higher spec and higher cost.

Bruton make camping gear, their solar stuff is just a sideline

Buy once buy right, I have installs coming up to 10 years old functioning fine with zero input.

here's a site with good prices and no odd name panels, good quality- you have to pay for !


If a big name professional company makes a 60w in 0.5 meters square for example

and kyyusun kitchen ware and solar inc china has a 150w with the same dimensions.........buyer beware !

There wasn't a link in your message - what is the site with good prices and no off name panels?

[jkam]

Of the 2 you mention, the Brunton won't do much more than trickle charge your batteries. It doesn't have enough power to run the Engel.

Big difference between 80 watt and 15 watt panels, even though similar in size.

What is the size of the space you have available? With that, I can help better with a panel.

Also, might want to consider some of the portable suitcase style panels out there now.
80 watt ones are priced pretty reasonable and include a charge controller.
Many to choose from, most made in China so have to be careful on the quality.
Able to be placed where the sun is without having your rig in the sun.

[Xterabl]

crystalline silicon (c-Si) vs. amorphous thin film silicon (a-Si TFPV): much higher watts per unit area is the difference you're seeing.
For mobile application, you pretty much want to stick with c-Si since space is at a premium. Some people like the roll-up CIGS cells which fall somewhere in between c-Si and a-Si...but price is quite high.
Sanyo, Kyocera, Sharp are some of the best c-Si panels, though they do not make very low-wattage panels...maybe 40W at a minimum? Yeah, check for Kyocera KC40T...it's a pricey but high-quality panel..$200-$300.
Also, better panels will have better weather sealing and less power drop over the life of the cell compared to most Chinese manufactured panels.
Having said all that, do your DD...I suggest at least a few hours research for every $100 you plan to spend.
Good luck!

[UK4X4]

http://www.altestore.com/store/Solar...r-Panels/c677/

link sorry !