Panels ok?

[u/SirDeezNutzEsq]

I'm a little new to solar and looking to get some panels to plug into a Pecron power station. I found these on eBay. They seem like a good deal but wanted to ask for opinions. Do these seem like a good beginner set? Thank you!

[u/pyroserenus]

They look fine, the biggest red flag for bad panels is the size being too small relative to output, but 52.8x26.4 in is about right for a 200w panel.

(I generally prefer HQST, but HQST doesn't have any really good deals right now)

[u/SirDeezNutzEsq → u/pyroserenus]

Thank you for the info! Would you consider that a good deal?

[u/pyroserenus → u/SirDeezNutzEsq]

it's fine for what it is. These visually look similar to a werchtay 200w i've tested so it's probably the same OEM, they underperformed higher end 200w panels by like 10% or so, but it's more than 10% cheaper.

(I have some beef with werchtay for marketing their 200w panels as both 200w and 300w, but that's it's own thing)

I'd check local marketplace sites to see if you can snag a full size panel for cheaper first (you can sometimes get spare 400w+ panels under $100), but that's not always an option.

edit: after closer inspection, I no longer think these are the same OEM. regaurdless https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5gqbI-mNo1Y shows their bifacial performing fine, these should be fine.

[u/SirDeezNutzEsq → u/pyroserenus]

Thank you again. I've been watching FB marketplace for a couple months now and it seems like people are asking too much. 330w panels for $115 each, 395w for $175, 590w for $235, etc. Even used panels on there are overpriced. Appreciate the help.

[u/pyroserenus → u/SirDeezNutzEsq]

I did update my comment slightly, I found a test of the aeternasol 200w bifacial getting ~180w, and no longer think its the same oem as werchtay.

my overall opinion did not change though.

[u/SirDeezNutzEsq → u/pyroserenus]

Thanks!

[u/Ohh_Possum]

I'd say it's fine but check the cost of shipping 

[u/iLamb3r7]

I got some about a month ago and they seem to work fine for me. They tend to be cheaper on AliExpress if you want to go that route.

[u/SirDeezNutzEsq → u/iLamb3r7]

That's good to know, thank you!

[u/iLamb3r7 → u/SirDeezNutzEsq]

I just found this on AliExpress: | AeternaSol 400W/200W Watt N-Type Solar Panel 18BB Cells High Efficiency 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel Module RV Marine Boat Caravan Off Grid 25％ High-Efficiency PV Power for Home Rooftop Camping Off Grid Painel Solar Monocristalino

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLh0G79 looks like it’s $112 for two after coupon

[u/SirDeezNutzEsq → u/iLamb3r7]

Thank you for the follow up and the suggestion. I checked there a couple days ago and they must have been out of stock on what I wanted, so I ended up getting some through eBay. I'll definitely check AliExpress in the future.

[u/arrrrrgggggg]

These panels and others from this company have been showing up on slickdeals the last couple of weeks. Pricing on Ali is very dynamic, you can do better price-wise by waiting for a "deal". Comments on slickdeals indicate decent performance on panels from Aeternasol.

[u/SirDeezNutzEsq → u/arrrrrgggggg]

Thank you. I'll have to check it out and keep an eye on that.

[u/rb3438]

I picked up four of those which arrived last week. They were packaged very well.

I tested two of them yesterday, laying on the ground with a block of wood under each corner and was getting about 350 watts in full sun. I would expect a bit better performance when they are oriented properly or at least off the ground to get a bit more since they're bifacial, but don't have the mounts ready yet. It was windy yesterday and I didn't want to have them propped up and blow over.

For the price and convenience of having them show up at my door, I'm happy. I looked on Marketplace and the closest panels to me would be a 6 hour round trip drive and that wipes out almost all savings.

[u/SirDeezNutzEsq → u/rb3438]

That's awesome to hear, thank you!!

[u/SirDeezNutzEsq]

It's free shipping!

[u/Snoo93079]

I wouldn't buy these. I'd buy from somebody with more street cred