THREE Choices for 200W Panels - Grape, Rich, HQST ?

Mark H. · Jan 22, 2021

I've narrowed down my RV van roof panel choices to three brands that are no longer than 62" and spec'd to about 200 Watt each. Any thoughts appreciated:

RICH SOLAR - 200 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel High Efficiency Solar Module for RV.
58.7'' x 26.8'' x 1.4''

RICH SOLAR MEGA 200 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel | Best 12V Panel

Rich Solar 200 watt solar panel has been designed to provide maximum efficiency and output power. It offers high reliability and durability. Features 9 buss bar solar cell configuration and Mono PERC Technology. Lightweight anodized aluminum frame. High Transmission, AR (anti-reflective) Coated...

richsolar.com

HQST-190D 190 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel
60"x26.8"x1.4":

190 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel

The HQST 190 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel will give you the most efficiency per space and have the ability to withstand extreme elements and severe weather

hqsolarpower.com

GRAPE SOLAR - 200 Watt
61.5x28.5

200W (12V)

The Grape Solar 200-Watt Monocrystalline PV Solar Panel use high efficiency solar cells with high module conversion efficiency and long term output reliability. Virtually maintenance free. Ideal for RV's, cabins, sheds, remote locations and other small power generation needs. Pallet Quantity...

grapesolar.com

Aside from price, is there any other consideration I should be aware of? For example, I like the idea that Grape Solar can be bought from home depot which would make a return much easier.

snoobler · Jan 22, 2021

Sounds like you're going with Grape.

Hedges · Jan 22, 2021

How many panels?
I didn't find that exact one at Home Depot, but looked like around $1/watt for some they carry.
Consider the second-hand alternatives. Here's one from Santan, 65", 250W, $50 ($0.20/watt)
These panels put out 30Vmp, so use with MPPT charge controller not PWM.

Used SanTan 250W Solar Panel | SanTan Solar

store.santansolar.com

Shipping costs, of course, but perhaps break-even at one panel and save money with two. If you're buying 1kW worth, it would save hundreds.
Sometimes you can find used panels locally, better way to go for small number.

Mark H. · Jan 22, 2021

Hedges said:
How many panels?
I didn't find that exact one at Home Depot, but looked like around $1/watt for some they carry.
Consider the second-hand alternatives. Here's one from Santan, 65", 250W, $50 ($0.20/watt)
These panels put out 30Vmp, so use with MPPT charge controller not PWM.

Used SanTan 250W Solar Panel | SanTan Solar

store.santansolar.com

Shipping costs, of course, but perhaps break-even at one panel and save money with two. If you're buying 1kW worth, it would save hundreds.
Sometimes you can find used panels locally, better way to go for small number.

Two panels. Home depot said they will list the Grape 200w panel when they it get restocked. But thanks for the Santan, although it might be a couple of inchs too long for my application (and at 41lbs might be too heavy for my rooftop mount).

Mark H. · Jan 22, 2021

snoobler said:
Sounds like you're going with Grape.

Actually I am not yet sold on the utility of a Home Depot purchase. Given the good review of RICH's 100 watt by Will I might lean towards their brand.

Ceberha · Jan 22, 2021

You might also consider the 200w panels from the fred480v store on eBay. $335 for 2 with free shipping. Ghostwriter had recommended them on some other threads, and I purchased 4 last year. Working well so far.

Mark H. · Jan 22, 2021

Ceberha said:
You might also consider the 200w panels from the fred480v store on eBay. $335 for 2 with free shipping. Ghostwriter had recommended them on some other threads, and I purchased 4 last year. Working well so far.

THX, I'll check out.

Jims94vmx · Jan 23, 2021

Isn't that HighTec?

Ceberha · Jan 23, 2021

Jims94vmx said:
Isn't that HighTec?

Yes

JRG · Jan 24, 2021

I'm going through the same decision. My feeling so far is that there isn't much difference between any of them.

Jims94vmx · Jan 24, 2021

I originally contacted (or tried to) Hightec through their site months ago.....still waiting btw....then a friend was just at their shop around the same time and gave me Jesse's email to contact him that way. again, months ago and nothing.

I ended up going for the Bougerv 180w panels for 160ea. When one came in shattered I got a refund and ended up going through Continuous Resources for the Hightec 180w for 165. Continuous Resources was great. I really tried to order from Hightec.

Price was the same btw...

Ceberha · Jan 24, 2021

I ordered my Hightec panels thru their Ebay store (fred480v) last spring with no problems. Got here less than a week after ordering. Not sure if things have changed since then due to Covid or something....

CamoGreg · Dec 30, 2021

Ceberha said:
I ordered my Hightec panels thru their Ebay store (fred480v) last spring with no problems. Got here less than a week after ordering. Not sure if things have changed since then due to Covid or something....

I ordered 4 about the same time last year with good delivery and results as well.
But Covid has thrown a wrench into lots of things that used to work well.

Mark H. · Jan 21, 2022

I went with two 200 watt solar panels from Rich. Fit perfectly and seems to be working well. No complaints on quality of build.

THREE Choices for 200W Panels - Grape, Rich, HQST ?

Mark H.

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