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Solar panels (= solar modules) are essentially an assembly of
many solar cells encapsulated behind a glass plate mounted in
an aluminum frame for better protection and handling. If you expose
them to (preferably direct) sunlight they will generate a voltage,
typically 12-15V, with a current depending on the suns intensity
and the angle facing the sun.
Only recently became available solar panels which are flexible.
These facilitate compact transport (when rolled into a tube),
lighter weight (no Al frame), no cells that can break (e.g. when
dropped) and often easier installation, especially on non-plane
surfaces, such as boats or round buildings.
In order to properly charge (not overcharge or drain) a battery
you will need a charge controller that ensures optimal charging
at all weather / light conditions. Consult a book on photovoltaic
or solar electric systems from the books section or a solar kit
from the educational & toys section if you are not confident
with what you need!
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If
you know of new and exciting solar panels or related products, please
send us a link or at least a description, and we will include it
in the solar shop & products review.
Some selected retailers/suppliers:
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Flexible
Solar Panel Roll (29$/W*) |
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Price range (USD)*: $400
To buy from retailer REI, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
Comment: |
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You're looking at the
next generation of portable power! At just over a pound, Brunton
SolarRoll packs enough juice to power small electronics from afar.
Produces up to 14 watts of energy, enough to power
a satellite phone, laptop or digital camera - great for sending
dispatches and tracking field data. Hang it from your tent, from
a tree or prop it on the ground and get ready to soak up that environmentally
friendly solar power.
Rolls into a 3-inch diameter tube for compact storage
during transport. Grommets at all four corners; measures 57 x 12
inches when rolled out flat. Weigh: 1 lb. 1 oz. Material: Tefzel
floropolymer. Waterproof. Includes several adapter cables for different
electronic devices.
Maximum output is 14 watts (15.1 volts at 900 mAh).
Link multiple units together for increased power.
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14
Watts (15.1V at 900mAh)
14 Watt panel
= 57 x 12 inches (1lb. 1oz); 3 inch
diameter when rolled into tube
Compact, latest "state
of the art" power panel for the enthusiast.
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Flexible
Uni-Solar Flex 5/11/32-Watt panels (from 12$/W) |
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Price range (USD)*: $110-395
To buy from retailer Gaiam, click on the desired
module size on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
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Comment: |
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Uni-Solar Marine Flex
modules are now available! These flexible triple junction modules
(solar panels) can be rolled down to an 8-inch diameter without
damage.
Features blocking diodes within the potted junction
block to prevent battery discharge and nickel-plated brass grommets
at corners. Includes eight feet of cable with built-in fuse holder
and a 2-pin SAE connector.
Uni-Solar Marine Flex modules come in three different
sizes to deliver 5, 11 or 32W. For more power, just connect several
of these amazing modules in parallel and you can add up the current.
This is the type of module chosen for the Horseback
America Expedition. USA.
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A
flexible lightweight solution. You can use these beautiful panels
to power your sailing boat, camping equipment, (mobile) home, and
also for some portable cooling boxes.
- Rated Watts: 32.0 Watts @ 25°C; L x W
x D: 56.3" x 16.7" x 0.3"; <12$/W
The modules provide decent
flexiblity - you can roll them into an 8 inch tube, but not 3 inch
as others. Good value for money when some flexiblity is requiered.
Download data file (pdf) for USF-5, USF-11 & USF 32 here.
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Flexible ICP PowerFlex
5/10/20/40-Watt Solar Panel
(from 15$/W*) |
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Price range (USD)*: $110-580
To buy from retailer Amazon, click on the desired
module size next to the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
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Comment: |
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Durable, lightweight
and flexible solar panels designed to maintain and charge your 12
volt battery and power most of your portable electronics. Versatile
construction and choice of mounting options make the PowerFLEXª
ideal for all types of marine, RV and outdoor applications.
Made of extremely flexible and durable CIGS solar
cells: a material proven to be very stable and long-lived, even
when subjected to the rigors of extreme radiation in space.
Lightweight: Easily install multiple panels when
you need more power (plug'n'play side connectors facilitate panel-to-panel
installation).
Offers a higher efficiency than other flexible
solar cell technologies. Works under cloudy / rainy skies. Will
flex to fit most curved surfaces. Each panel weighs less than 2
lb / 0.9kg. Weatherproofed and UV resistant.
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5W: 22$/W
10W:17$/W
20W:15$/W
40W:14.5$/W
Very good bargain for a flexible
solar panel.
More info under www.icpsolar.com
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Uni-Solar
Triple Junction US5/11/21/32/42/64-Watt Modules
(6.5$/W) |
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Price range (USD)*: $90-240
To buy from retailer Gaiam, click on the desired
module size in the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
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Comment: |
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Like all previous
Uni-Solar products these unbreakable modules are deposited on a
stainless steel backing with DuPont’s Tefzel glazing and,
due to unique construction, have the ability to continue useful
output during partial shading. Frames are anodized aluminum. Wire
pigtails are supplied on 21-, 11-, and 5-watt sizes.
The new triple-junction technology brings the price
down to a level equal to or better than single crystal technology.
Like all amorphous modules, power output will fade approximately
15% over the first month or two.
Rated power is post fade, and is warranted for
20 years. UL and CUL listed. USA.
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If you can afford
the larger surface area, the Uni-Solar triple-junction modules are
one of the best PV bargains available The
table below gives an overview of the differnt panels (values rounded,
prices may have changed).
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V |
A |
L |
W |
D |
rel.p.* |
price* |
| W |
V |
mA |
inch |
inch |
inch |
$/W |
$ |
| 5 |
17 |
300 |
19 |
9 |
0.9 |
18 |
89 |
| 11 |
17 |
620 |
19 |
15 |
0.9 |
14 |
149 |
| 21 |
17 |
1300 |
37 |
15 |
1.3 |
9 |
195 |
| 32 |
17 |
1900 |
54 |
15 |
1.3 |
8 |
256 |
| 42 |
17 |
2500 |
37 |
29 |
1.3 |
7 |
294 |
| 64 |
17 |
3900 |
54 |
29 |
1.3 |
7 |
448 |
These panels made of amorphous
silicon give the best output for your money.
For more info checkout the pdf file for framed Unisolar panels US-3
to US-64 here
or go to www.unisolar.com |
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Kyocera
80/120 W Solar Panels (from 5.7$/W) |
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Price range (USD)*: $465-685
To buy from retailer Gaiam, click on the desired
module size next to the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
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Comment: |
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Kyocera's top-of-the-line
module, the KC120, delivers a powerful 120 watts. No other module
we offer delivers as much power in as small a footprint. The multi-crystal
KC120 features standard 36-cell construction, tempered, low-glare
glass, EVA encapsulation, polyvinyl backsheet, anodized and clear-coated
aluminum frame, with a large excellent, weather-proof junction box.
The J-box has four standard 1/2"" knockouts. Bypass diodes
are installed halfway through the 36-cell series to reduce the effects
of partial shading.
Sporting the same features and construction as
the KC120, the KC80 is assembled with 2/3-size cells. Features include
standard 36-cell construction, tempered, low-glare glass, EVA encapsulation,
polyvinyl backsheet, anodized and clear-coated aluminum frame, with
a large, excellent, weather-proof junction box.
UL and cUL listed. CE certified. Twenty-five-year
warranty. Japan.
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Rated Watts: 80
Watts @ 25°C
Voltage (@ maximum power): 16.9 Volts
Current (@ maximum power): 4.73 amps
Max.Volt.: 21.5 Volts
Max.Current: 4.97 amps
L x D x W: 38.4" x 25.7" x 2.0"
<5.8$/W*
Rated Watts: 120 Watts @ 25°C
<5.7$/W*
Because of the high output
per area, ideal if you have only little space for the panel. Not
flexible.
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Sharp
185 Watt Module 24 Volt (<5$/W) |
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Price range (USD)*: $925
To buy from retailer Gaiam, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
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Comment: |
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A great choice for larger multi-module power systems, this large
polycrystalline Sharp module features 72 cells with 24-volt nominal
output, tempered glass, built-in bypass diodes, and the most robust
anodized aluminum frame we’ve ever seen.
Output is via a pair of 51” outdoor-rated cables with simple,
quick, watertight MC plugs. Long series strings of modules, as
commonly used for higher voltage utility intertie systems, are
very quickly assembled with the MC plugs.
The 185 watt module is the same size, voltage, output cables,
price per watt, and warranty, but is assembled with single-crystal
cells rather than polycrystalline cells. It packs a little more
punch per square foot.
25-year warranty - Japan.
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This
panel uses single crystal silicon. For that reason it delivers more
power per area than polycrystalline or amorphous panels. |
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ICP SolarPRO Plug'n'Play
50/75/100-Watt Kit |
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Price range (USD)*: $440-800
To buy from retailer Amazon, click on the desired
module size next to the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
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Comment: |
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With various sizes, ICP Global offers you the right solution
for higher power solar needs. From cottages to boats and RVs,
these modules are built to withstand the worst weather conditions.
- Exclusive LED display charging level indicator
- Plug'n'play award winning technology corners for easy installation
and expandability
- High efficiency crystalline cells
- Aerodynamic heat-dissipating aluminum frame
- Impact resistant tempered glass
- Fully weatherproofed
- Lifetime warranty on power production
- 6 stainless steel mounting brackets and screws
- 10 ft (3 m) 12-gauge (2 mm) power cable
- 1.5 ft (0.46 m) 12-gauge (2 mm) jumper wire
Installs in seconds. Easy to expand as needs
grow.
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Watt
Rates:
50 Watt (3.3 Amp): <8.8$/W*
75 Watt (5 Amp): <7.3$/W*
100 Watt (6.7 Amp): <8.0$/W*
Dimensions:
75 Watt panel = 50 x 23.4 x 1.4 inches, 22 pounds
100 Watt panel = 60.3 x 28 x 1.4 inches, 30 pounds
Choose these panels if you
want a simple and effective power solution. Price includes many
useful accesories. |
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ICP SolarPRO Plug'n'Play
150/225-Watt Kit (from 7.6$/W) |
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Price range (USD)*: $1200-1700
To buy from retailer Amazon, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
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Comment: |
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These kits provide a
complete power independence solution for full-time RVers, class-A
motor homes, large cruisers and sailboats; especially for those
who want to avoid using generators.
The SolarPRO plug'n'play solar is a backup power
kit providing electricity during emergencies, power failures or
engine-off periods to help run your small appliances such as radios,
lights, TV, computers or alarm systems.
Note:
150-Watt kit consists of 2 x 75 Watt modules
225-Watt kit consists of 3x 75 Watt modules
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Watt Rates:
150 Watt (10 Amp) (2 x 75W): <8.0$/W
225 Watt (15 Amp) (3 x 75W): <7.6$/W
Dimensions:
Each 75W panel = 50 x 23.4 x 1.4 inches, 22 pounds
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ICP
SolarPro 150/225-Watt Kit with CC20 Charge Controller |
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Price range (USD)*: $1460-1960
To buy from retailer Amazon, click on the desired
module size next to the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
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Comment: |
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These kits also include
the CC20 digital charge controller, which digitally monitors solar
power systems up to 300 watts.
Its LCD shows solar array current and battery voltage,
and it also has an easy-to-read LED bar graph battery condition
indicator. Other features include fuse protection for both battery
and solar array, built-in reverse current blocking diode, and reverse
polarity protection.
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Watt Rates:
150 Watt (10 Amp) (2 x 75W)<9.7$/W
225 Watt (15 Amp) (3 x 75W)<8.7$/W
Dimensions:
Each 75W panel = 50 x 23.4 x 1.4 inches, 22 pounds
This is a complete power
system including even the charge controller! |
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Marine
Solar Kit (from 8.1$/W) |
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Price range (USD)*: $520
To buy from retailer Gaiam, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
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Comment: |
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With solar power, your marine life can be truly independent.
Solar power can keep your galley appliances, communications, navigation
gear, running lights and pumps all running happily.
The marine kit employs an unbreakable, shade-tolerant Uni-Solar
module with anodized aluminum frame. Flexible, floating versions
of these modules can be substituted. The simple Battery Monitor
shows system state of charge at a glance with red/yellow/green
LEDs. The PV array can be doubled in the future without upgrading
the controller. Mounting structure and DC fusbox are not included
with this kit. 12vdc output.
Includes:
1 Uni-Solar US64 PV Module
1 Phocos CML 10 Charge Controller
1 Universal Battery Monitor with Fuseholder
1 30A Fuseblock with Fuse & Spare
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Rated Power 64W
Operating voltage 16.5V
Operating current 3.88A
Open circuit voltage 23.8V-27.1V
Short circuit current 4.8A-6.3A
Weight 20.2 lbs.
Height 53.78 inches, Width 29.18 inches
<8.1$/W*
For more info about uni-solar
panels see: http://www.uni-solar.com
This is a great kit with
a very good, efficient panel. |
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13 Watt
General Purpose Solar Module (<10.7$/W) |
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Price range (USD)*: $139
To buy from retailer Gaiam, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
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Comment: |
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Delivering a peak 13.5
watts, this single-crystal, tempered glass module is useful for
any 12-volt charging applications. Features include weathertight
construction, a sturdy anodized aluminum frame with four adjustable
mounting tabs, a standard 36 cells in series, built-in reverse-current
diode, and 7-foot wire pigtail output with colored-coded clips.
Good for trickle battery recharging on RVs, farm
equipment, boats, and a perfect match with the Aquasolar 700 pump
for backyard fountains. China.
Construction: single crystal, tempered Glass Warranty:
90 Days
Weight: 3.5lb/1.6 kg
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Rated Watts: 13
watts @ 25 degree C
Rated Power: 17.5 volts. 710 mA
Max.Volt.: 18.0 volts @ 25 degree C
Short Circuit Amps: 750 mA @ 25 degree C
L x W x D: 15.1" x 14.4" x 1.0"
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ICP
Solar 10014 7 Amp Charge Controller |
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Price range (USD)*: $40
To buy from retailer Amazon, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
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Comment: |
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Reliable overcharge
protection for 12V systems.
Reduces system maintenance. Built-in status LED
indicators. Installs in minutes.
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A
low cost charge controller, powerful enough to cope with up to 7Ax12V=84W
panels. |
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ICP Solar 10064 SolarPro
CC20 Digital Charge Controller |
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Price range (USD)*: $150
To buy from retailer Amazon, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
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Comment: |
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Ideal use with RV, marine or residential solar
systems. Includes built-in LCD display and easy-to-read LED bargraph.
Digitally monitors solar systems up to 300 watts.
Digital LCD display shows solar array current and battery voltage.
Easy to read LED bar graph battery condition indicator.
Flush-mounting. Fuse protection on both battery
and solar array. Built-in reverse current blocking diode. Reverse
polarity protection. Low power consumption.
Max. Load: 300 watts / 20 amps
Cut-in Voltage: 13 VDC
Cut-out Voltage: 13.6 - 15.3 VDC (adjustable)
Dimensions: 7" x 3.75" x 1"
Weight: 1 pound
Warranty: 5 years
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Takes
over monitoring and controlling of a (less than) 300W, 20A, 12V
system. |
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Solar
Boost 30L/50L Charge Controller 12/24V(50A) and
24/48V(30A) with Optional LCD |
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Price range (USD)*: $420-560
To buy from retailer Gaiam, click on the desired
charge controller type below the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
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Comment: |
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PV modules put out higher voltage than your batteries can accept;
that’s lost power. Solar Boost controllers run modules at
their maximum power point, and use linear current booster technology
to down-convert excess voltage into amperage your batteries can
accept. With low-voltage hungry batteries and high-voltage cold
modules (winter-time, in other words), the amperage boost will
realistically reach 30%. The LCD optional display shows amps in
and amps out to easily gauge actual performance.
A battery temperature option is available for batteries exposed
to temperatures below 40°F or over 80°F.
All Solar Boost products are made in the USA, and have a three-year
mfr’s warranty and now feature ETL listing to UL 1741 specs.
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A
powerful charge controller that can boost the efficiency of your
panels by 30%!
Consider the gain in power
and it may well be worth the higher price -especially if your currents
are anywhere near controllers maximum for the used voltage. |
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Solar
Pathfinder |
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Price range (USD)*: $25/week (purchase price $360)
To rent from retailer Gaiam, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
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Comment: |
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An ingenious and elegant solution for siting your solar array.
Windering if that tree of building will shade your array during
certain times of the year? In less that two minutes. The Pathfinder
will show exactly what times of day and months of the year shade
will fall on any site.
It doesn't even need to be a sunny day! One quick siting gives
accurate, easily recorded solar site information for the entire
year. It only takes a fist-sized chunk of shade to effectively
turn off a PV module. The Pathfinder can quickly pay for itself
in saved siting mistakes. Every professional needs to own one
of these.
For homeowners, there is a $25/week rental program available.
USA.
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Certainly
worth the money if your panels are anywhere near objects that may
at some time in the year/day cast a shade on your panels.
Partial shadowing can affect
the performance of the entire system not just a few cells! |
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Sun
Tracker |
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Price range (USD)*: $110
To buy from retailer EdmundScientifics, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
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Comment: |
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Follows the Sun for
Increased Power!
Your own automated solar power station! Capable
of over a 160° rotation east to west, the Sun Tracker will increase
the power output of photovoltaic arrays by over 200%
(solar panels not included), by keeping the face of the panels parallel
to the sun throughout the day. Made from light weight aluminum and
can be mounted in a fixed location. Weather resistant.
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This
sun tracking system can be used for small panels to multipy(!) power
output by automatically following the suns path in the sky (one
axis).
You could use this small
version to experiment if you consider a tracking system also for
a large system.
Alternatively use several
small trackers. |
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Real Goods 12V Solar
Gel Batteries, 32/74/86/183Ah (<2$/Ah*) |
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Price range (USD)*: $69-340
To buy from retailer Gaiam, click on the desired
battery type next to the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
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Comment: |
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These are the best sealed
batteries available anywhere. These true deep cycle gel batteries
come highly recommended by the National Renewable Energy Labs.
They are completely maintenance-free, with no spills
or fumes. Because the electrolyte is gelled, no stratification occurs,
and no equalization charging is required. Self-discharge is under
2% per month. May be airline transported as approved by DOT (Department
of Transportation), ICAO (International Commercial Airline Organization),
and IATA (International Airline Transport Association).
Life expectancy depends on battery size and use
in service, but no sealed battery will perform better or longer
than these. Amp-hour rating at standard 20 hour rate. USA.
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Ideal
for most 12V solar systems. Make sure your batteries can't freeze.
To get e.g. 24V connect two batteries in parallel (plus with minus).
A 12V charge storage system
is typically most practical - however, if you need to run long cables
(>10m or so) consider higher voltages to reduce losses or use
thicker cables.
32Ah:2.1$/Ah, 24lb
74Ah:2.0$/Ah, 54lb
98Ah:1.9$/Ah, around 70lb ?
183Ah:1.9$/Ah, 130lb
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Real Goods 6V Solar
Gel Batteries, 180Ah (1.1$/Ah*) |
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Price range (USD)*: $189
To buy from retailer Gaiam, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
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Comment: |
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"These are the
best sealed batteries available anywhere. These true deep cycle
gel batteries come highly recommended by the National Renewable
Energy Labs.
They are completely maintenance-free, with no spills
or fumes. Because the electrolyte is gelled, no stratification occurs,
and no equalization charging is required. Self-discharge is under
2% per month. May be airline transported as approved by DOT (Department
of Transportation), ICAO (International Commercial Airline Organization),
and IATA (International Airline Transport Association).
Life expectancy depends on battery size and use
in service, but no sealed battery will perform better or longer
than these. Amp-hour rating at standard 20 hour rate. USA.
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Great
batteries for a low voltage system.
Smaller/lighter sizes may
also be useful if you have to carry batteries around.
6V/180Ah, 1.1$/Ah, 68.4lb |
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GBC HUP Solar Battery
1270 Ah (<1.8$/Ah*) |
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Price range (USD)*: $1700-2850
To buy from retailer Gaiam, click on the image.
Also seen at retailers: n/a
To comment on this item, click here.
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Product description: |
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Comment: |
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General Battery, the largest battery manufacturer, these consist
of six propylene cells in what the industry calls a steel tray.
Features include heat-sealed cell covers, lead-plated copper intercell
connectors, and free freight! Yep, free freight in the continental
U.S. to a business with a forklift, or to a trucking terminal.
With proper maintenance these cells will last over 20 years.
HUP stands for High Utilization Positive. These use a patented
process that reduces positive plate flaking and shedding, the
primary cause of eventual battery failure. No battery offers better
performance, a longer life expectancy, or a better manufacturer's
warranty. Cycle life expectancy is 2100 cycles to 80% depth of
discharge, or 6000 cycles to 20% depth of discharge. Interconnect
cables are only needed between 12-volt trays; no cell interconnects
required. 10-year mfr.'s warranty. USA.
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Great large batteries
for a larger system
1270Ah; 12V; heavy.
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*The information on
this site (Solar Products Shop) may be regarded only as guideline.
Prices and features of the described items (solar panels, solar
chargers, solar powered lights, fountains, toys etc.) may vary and
the provider of the information on this site may not be held responsible
for any loss, damage or other harmful events in association with
any of the listed products.
solarproductshop.com
in association with solarpassion.com
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