4 Responses

1. You don’t say what you are doing. Are you trying to get electricity from them and need solar photovoltaic panels or are you trying to run a heating or hot water system and need solar thermal panels. It is unfortunate that both of these are known as “solar panels as they are really two entirely different designs.

   Currently the solar thermal panels are more efficient and therefore have a quicker pay back period usually measured in lower single digit years while the photovoltaic panels have paybacks that are sometimes more than double that unless you figure in increased property values and state and federal subsidiaries and tax credits where available.

   Edit: Recent advances make any current investment in photovoltaic panels likely to be obsolete in 5 years.1 Still someone has to be on the cutting edge. Two currently available technologies are concentrating the sun’s rays within the collector on a much small chip area.2 This improves the efficiency and lowers the cost as concentrators are cheaper than chips. The other option is newer chips that accept a wider spectrum of solar energy.3 This has the potential advantage of producing more energy on cloudy days. This may not be so important in your situation. Balanced against cutting edge technology will be the possibility of getting older panels at a less expensive cost.

   The bottem line will always be pay back period. More panels at a lower efficiency and cheaper price will be just as good as high efficiency at a higher price if the numbers work out. 4

   Between two answers here you now have a criteria for selection and some recomendations. Good luck with your project.

2. Bp380j Bp 80w Solar Panel (brand 80w 12v Module)
   Bp380j Bp 80w Solar Panel (brand 80w 12v Module)

   Ventamatic Solar Panel 10 Watt, Model# VX SOLAR PANEL
   Ventamatic Solar Panel 10 Watt, Model# VX SOLAR PANEL

   Additional 10 Watt multi-crystal solar panel for use with Item#s 336620, 336622. … 18 x 13, Works With: Solar Fans, Solar Panel

   Bushnell Trail Scout Pro Solar Panel Accessory 119750C
   Bushnell Trail Scout Pro Solar Panel Accessory 119750C
   PANEL (CLAM) $59.95
   B&H Photo-Video-Audio

   Note: This is just a partial list. However, a brand does not really matter for solar or wind power. Most of them comes after the testing done by the government. Also if you can find local electrician to suggest how to get second hand panels for your house would be even better…

3. Mitsubishi panels have served us well for 3 years so far, no problems.

   Kyocera had a well-known problem many years ago, but they lived up to the warranty and replaced defective panels. Their current products are considred good.

   I like the value delivered by Suntech panels. Might be a best buy – shop around.

   I have not heard about any of the major brands having trouble, lately.

   If you’re intending to connect to the grid, be cautious about used or blemished panels. While they might work fine, they usually are ineligible for rebates.

4. i install them and Buderus is the top brand.