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Topic: Solar panel purchase (Read 969 times) previous topic - next topic

Solar panel purchase

I need a couple solar panels to complete my solar project.
I have a limited amount of space and need 2 panels that fall into a specific size range and output.
I live in the Chicago area, not exactly a solar mecca of sellers or installers. I don't see much of a selection on our regional Craig's list.
A purchase from an on line retailer looks to be my best option.

Can anybody suggest a online seller?
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Solar panel purchase

Reply #1 –
To get my 5th panel I Googled the part number and manufacturer of the original 4 I put up. Bought one on-line, it was the only way I could get a perfect match to what I had bought on Craigslist.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Solar panel purchase

Reply #2 –
Maybe not the best prices but lots of different sizes on Amazon and eBay.  Make sure on eBay that the supplier has USA stock or it might take much longer for delivery.
I have 4 100watt Renogy panels and impressed with the quality, but certainly not the cheapest.  They do have them in a couple different dimensional sizes.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: Solar panel purchase

Reply #3 –
AM Solar in Oregon has various sizes. Shipping charge  is the question.

On my last coach I had AM Solar ship to Albuquerque.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Solar panel purchase

Reply #4 –
I bought two LG panels a year ago from Wholesalesolar with a Morningstar controller from them, talked to them this morning about upgrading to a third panel and new controller, a Morningstar TriStar TS-MPPT-60 Charge Controller and remote.  Excellent service and pricing with scratch and dent inventory which often are just overruns from from big installations.  They shipped to a local freight companies yard which made shipping less.  Items were well packed to prevent shipping damage.  The packaging had "Do Not Walk On, Glass" stickers all over panel packaging.  Of course there was also footprints where someone had walked across the panels.  When unpacked, no damage, very well packed with foam, reinforcements, etc.  I highly recommend Discount Solar from Shasta, Ca.  Do not be afraid to ask phone agent to check scratch and dent inventory.  I am now using 32 volt, 60 cell, mono LG panels with a MPPT controler, and will order a new panel and controller this week.  I will post my 1 year old Morningstar controller, ProStar PS-MPPT-40M, Charge Controller and remote for sale as soon as it is removed, probably within a month.

I have also bought from AM Solar and found them terrific to deal with.  Wholesalesolar will have a better selection of products.  Both will give excellent support in choosing the right system.

Buy Solar Panels | Learn from the Solar Experts
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Solar panel purchase

Reply #5 –
Most of these panel prices include shipping. Many of these sellers have sold hundreds if not thousands of panels and you can read their feedback. 
solar panels | eBay
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Solar panel purchase

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Want2rv –
I've been looking for some panels as well and found these at Home Depot.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Grape-Solar-100-Watt-Polycrystalline-Solar-Panel-for-RV-s-Boats-and-12-Volt-Systems-GS-Star-100W/204211365
Don't know if they good, but a reasonable price and convenient to buy.
Grape used to make good panels, i still like the ones from AM Solar best
Prior 2003 U295  40ft  400Hp -Sold
2020 F350 Tremor - Sold
2021 Bundutec Roadrunner - Sold
2017 Airstream Classic - Sold that POS
2017 F250 - Sold
2019 Sprinter Van - Sold
2022 Winnebago Revel 4x4


Army Airborne Vet.

Re: Solar panel purchase

Reply #8 –
Not to leave the question un- answered;

I bought (2) LG 360 watt Neon R panels from SOLARIS.

They will fit in my area requirements.
Final solar count, (4) 300 watt panels and (2) 360 watt panels. Another Victron Charge controller will also be ordered ( if I can get Alan at Bay Marine on the phone) to handle the 2 new panels.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Solar panel purchase

Reply #9 –
Glad you went with 300+ watt panels!

Nice system.
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.