You claim it's expensive, but what about used solar equipment?
Yes, solar panels do lose their power over the years. But with a lifespan of up to 20-40 years, a solar battery that has worked for 5-10 years can still serve a new owner. Especially considering that the typical capacity degradation is only 0.5% per year.
Two of my panels are used. There was a place near me that would buy panels from solar farms. High end 25 year panels, 3-5 years old for cheap. I don't remember the number but, the amount of degradation in 20 years wont be significant in my use. My panels would have cost me over $300 each new and I paid $85. I can deal with that.
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With the rate of improvement in technology, especially in the field of solar, it is
definitely to one's advantage to shop around for used solar gear.
There is a rush recently for flat flexible panels; which means that perfectly good framed panels with good cells of high efficiency are available used for less than cost; often way less than cost.
It pays to know what you're buying, who makes the cells and panels, and how you're going to use them.
As someone who experiences a variety of solar needs and situations, from adventuring in different camp environments from highly shaded to open exposure, to rig parked for long periods, the ability to move my panels accordingly maximizes my potential solar gain.
Used solar gear, among many other types of gear right now during the huge rush to outdoor adventuring because of the pandemic, can be a great buy, IF you know what you're purchasing.
Here's a good guide to solar cell mfgs:
Learn all about solar panel efficiency: How high-efficiency solar panels stack up against each other and what factors impact efficiency.
news.energysage.com
Keep in mind that a lot of vendors of finished panels to the outdoor/adventuring market outsource their needs (they do not make them themselves) and what they sell one year may not be the same panel as the next year.
Right now, and for the last few years, the Sunpower Maxeon cells are the most efficient in gain and pulling power from partially shaded panels. Dig deep, when researching, as vendors don't always list who make their panels.
I love my 120W folding panels (I have two, both made with Sunpower Maxeon cells) , because I can both keep them on the top of my van and trailer when underway
or move them around accordingly when camped under canopy (I have about 100' of 10AWG extension of solar cable) to ensure I am keeping my deep cycle batts up to snuff.
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Roaddude - Traveling Photographer/Writer/Artist On the Road In North America. Gear, reviews, people, places, and culture.
roaddude.com
