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Post by X on Jan 12, 2014 21:52:55 GMT
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Post by Firefox on Jan 12, 2014 22:11:47 GMT
Not a total rip off. I have seen the same price kits for just one 100w solar panel. But yes you would be better off getting the bits separately, the kits are just for people who don't have much idea what they would need. You will be able to get a better controller too for about £280 total. They aren't making a great deal of profit unlike some solar providers.
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Post by ross on Jan 12, 2014 22:20:55 GMT
Last summer I got 1 x 100 W panel, controller & cables from eBay & Amazon for approx £150, so I'd search for separates. Bought a single 10m extension cable with male & female ends which I halved for the wiring to controller and was more than enough.
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Post by stonedaddy on Jan 13, 2014 11:43:50 GMT
Charlie they are nice big 100w panels but look very expensive. I got off Ebay last summer 2 x 80w panels. one roof joint box, one 30amp controller, 2x5m lengths of 4mm cable, 2 insulated bulldog clips, 1x20amp fuse and holder, all for £157. I got all the stuff off different suppliers. Since I installed them I have never had a flat battery since. I never had any mounting corner pieces as I put mine on brackets so they would add a bit more to the price. .... Tom ....
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Post by Firefox on Jan 13, 2014 11:51:32 GMT
I used ali angles from Wickes and roof sheeting bolts. Probably cost me another £15 or so. It's a bit more work - the ones supplied in the link have nice built in supports, so again convenience which you pay a premium for.
I think Tom's price is exceptional; would have to shop around very carefully to get everything for that, but shows how much you can save.
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Post by stonedaddy on Jan 13, 2014 12:35:31 GMT
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Post by stonedaddy on Jan 13, 2014 12:52:37 GMT
This is the original Posting Charlie. It looks like the insulated bulldog clips and fuse and holder was added later so not in the original pricing like I first posted.
stonedaddy's Avatar stonedaddy stonedaddy is online now Full Member
Member Number: 10239 Join Date Mar 2010 Location Manchester Posts 351 Likes Received 526 Cheap solar panals I don't know if they are a good make or not but I have ordered two of these off flea bay and they seem a good price for the size. I have also ordered this 20am controller as it looks quite reasonable for a 20 amp pricewise.
NEW SOLAR PV PANEL 80 WATT 18 V VOLT SUN ENERGY MONO SOLAR POWER MODULE | eBay
20A 12V- 24V Solar Charge Controller Panel Regulator Safe Protection CE Certify | eBay
To go with those two things I also ordered this water proof box and glands but I am not sure if I will use it or go direct into the van.
1x IP65 Rated 2 Way WATERPROOF ELECTRICAL JUNCTION BOX BOPLA EUROMAS GRP | eBay
After that I thought I would buy some cable so went for this 4mm coil.
Free crimped MC4 connectors + 10m DC rated.1000V 4mm solar panel pv cable TUV | eBay
I may need a few more bits and pieces but its unlikely they way I am planning it. If it goes in series I will need to put a couple of cheap bypass diodes in to prevent shading. I am still toying with that idea as at 18v per panel could equal 36v being pumped down into the batteries and I am not sure if the cheap regulator controller will be good enough for that. At £157.40 for 2 80w panels equaling 160w plus the other gear I think it looks quite cheap and should do the job. I have seen kits with similar controllers and far less powerful solar panels for nearer £300 so I have taken the plunge and am going to suck it and see what happens. .... Tom .... artheytrate, witzend, craig9760 and 1 others like this.
If you are going to fit solor's good luck and hope this helps a bit. .... Tom ....
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Post by X on Feb 2, 2014 10:06:54 GMT
Cheers Tom
Am now looking at the semi flexible panels as saves brackets ! Just seen some for £129.99 for 100w so am thinking 2 of them I have even been on roof to check they fit so this may happen in the next 2 years as have been meaning to do it for the last 2 years ! Just texted the guy so may happen this year !
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Post by X on Feb 2, 2014 10:11:34 GMT
Just been looking at regulators ! Think I need a lie down now as so many it`s` making my head spin ?? MPPT or PWM and that is just the start of it
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Post by Firefox on Feb 2, 2014 10:38:42 GMT
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Post by robmac on Feb 2, 2014 10:49:59 GMT
Cheers Tom Am now looking at the semi flexible panels as saves brackets ! Just seen some for £129.99 for 100w so am thinking 2 of them I have even been on roof to check they fit so this may happen in the next 2 years as have been meaning to do it for the last 2 years ! Just texted the guy so may happen this year ! Have you got a link for the semi-flex ones Charlie?
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Post by X on Feb 2, 2014 11:00:12 GMT
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Post by robmac on Feb 2, 2014 11:07:18 GMT
So if you ordered 2 for me as well, could maybe get an even betterer deal?
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Post by X on Feb 2, 2014 11:10:50 GMT
So if you ordered 2 for me as well, could maybe get an even betterer deal? No harm in trying If done outside ebay most prices are cheaper I have found so I always look for a website and check these days !
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Post by X on Feb 2, 2014 15:41:49 GMT
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Post by Firefox on Feb 2, 2014 16:14:07 GMT
All the solar buffs recommend MPPT. I got a cheap controller from Maplins for £20 to start with. It kind of worked but was overcharging sometimes.
Your link is OK. Bit it is nearly £100. Mine is cheaper at £75. No remote meter though, unless you really want a remote meter.
Probably can get a decent controller for £50 to £60. I didn't really shop around that much.
I see you have corrected the spelling - well done!
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Post by n brown on Feb 2, 2014 16:25:51 GMT
where's that thread about soar panels gone ?
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Post by X on Feb 2, 2014 16:47:26 GMT
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Post by Firefox on Feb 3, 2014 1:44:39 GMT
Yes it is a bit of a minefield. The very cheap ones are just crude diodes with a heat sink. I wouldn't go down to £10, too risky that you may get a box of shite. I don't pretend to know much about them, just followed the advice of people on WC who were discussing them endlessly and boringly.
I think a readout panel is essential so you know just what you are getting off the panels. Not a remote sensor though.
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Post by billieblue on Feb 3, 2014 9:28:48 GMT
where's that thread about soar panels gone ? Trust you to say that! Classic Mr Brown!
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Post by Neva Aglenn on Feb 3, 2014 17:56:21 GMT
I'm also up for 1x 100W Flexi-Panel! (Only been thinking about this for 1 Year tho'!) Reckon now's the time to do a deal...before spring sunshine!
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Post by X on Feb 3, 2014 20:24:33 GMT
I'm also up for 1x 100W Flexi-Panel! (Only been thinking about this for 1 Year tho'!) Reckon now's the time to do a deal...before spring sunshine! He says £118 if we order 10 ? A few quid more for the 5 It has a 3 year warranty he says but is it really ? I am up for 2 Rob says 2 and 1 for you so half way there
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Post by robmac on Feb 3, 2014 20:36:41 GMT
By the way Charlie, they are made in China, it is printed on the corner of the panel in the picture. Not that it matters.
(Charlie and I were discussing on the phone earlier).
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Post by Neva Aglenn on Feb 3, 2014 21:47:37 GMT
Charlie, is this the 'friendly green giant' on fleabay?....I'm currently bidding on one...just been out-bid to £115....interesting to see how much..or how low...They're willing to sell for..? ...Edit:- Yes it is...went back & clicked your link!!
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Post by X on Feb 3, 2014 21:51:16 GMT
Charlie, is this the 'friendly green giant' on fleabay?....I'm currently bidding on one...just been out-bid to £115....interesting to see how much..or how low...They're willing to sell for..? Yes that is the guy I spoke to him earlier and the best he will do is 118 paid to his bank not paypal . He is still way cheaper that any of the others
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Post by Neva Aglenn on Feb 3, 2014 21:57:12 GMT
Yeah, They were at £159 last year (when I 1st decided to fit one!!) So We'd get a 10% discount on 10 of.... Can We hang fire for a short while?.....I wanna try a £118 bid on just 1, just to see!...
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Post by stonedaddy on Feb 3, 2014 22:49:52 GMT
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Post by Neva Aglenn on Feb 3, 2014 23:23:54 GMT
Tom, thanks for the link M8! I've had a Maplins Regulator sitting here for a year now but realised I'd have to also get a separate voltage display. Just read Vernon's post about occasional over-charging so might just try this one...assuming We can wind the Panel price down! I like the fact that the Loads can be wired from this Reg. too, something the Maplins one does n't do...
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Post by Neva Aglenn on Feb 7, 2014 22:41:28 GMT
Charlie/Rob:- The Last 2 100W Panels have sold for £120....for single panels, inc. Delivery! Unless there's a Shill Bidder involved, surely We can get 5 for £118 each?!! (or a bit less....?!).... I can try ringing Him...but won't be 'till I get back from Norfolk on Monday...assume that We're cool with £118 if that's His bottom line?...... Oh, delivered to Who?... I don't mind bringing Yours to H/Hill...think I've got room!
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Post by X on Feb 8, 2014 19:44:57 GMT
anyone else up for a panel as going to order on Monday ? Might take me another 2 years to fit mine !
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