Alexus Solar - new panel, any info? ALEX-400-B-54-S

[azscooby]

I officially entered the Solar world today with my purchase of an Airspool 12k Hybrid mini split along with 5 of these panels.

I've done my research on the Airspool, but these panels I've never heard of and SanTan Solar (10 miles from my home) had these on sale for $109 each. So I bought 5 of them because "why not?" Hard to choose when they have so many available at such good prices with no shipping and no tax. I'm not affiliated with them at all, but shout out, because they were quite helpful.

I called the Alexus office here in Tempe but got no answer, sent questions via the contact form. Have not yet heard back. But Santan seems to backstheir products and honestly I doubt it's ever worth the trouble to replace 10-15 year old panels, but time will tell.

I'm guessing these are made by someone else, can anyone tell? Since I don't pay shipping or tax it really makes buying panels a low risk proposition. They didn't tell me much about them other than they're an "exclusive" seller of these panels, so I'd also wager these are owned by Santan Solar (or an affiliate of some sort....?) Not that it matters, but more so I can get some info and see what I can expect from them as far as quality compared to other options in that price range.

Alexus Solar ALEX=400-B-54-S, Made in Cambodia (that probably narrows it down.)

Here's some pics
Thanks in advance.

 

[Jus2L8]

Have you installed them yet? SanTan quoted me the same panels. Just would like to know a little bit more about them.

 

[azscooby]

Have you installed them yet? SanTan quoted me the same panels. Just would like to know a little bit more about them.

I’ve had them installed for about two months now. No problems at all. Bought a total of 11 of them to date.

I also have 410 watt SolarEver panels, I think they’re the same manufacturer…..because they’re almost physically identical, down to the format of the barcode….

I have 2 410 watt ZNShine panels as well. The difference between these three panels is minute, at most.

The output seems to be exactly where they should be compared to others. I’m getting (in 140-160* AZ heat) about .74-.76 x (STC watts) at peak, comparable to others in my area. So about 300 watts out of each 400 watt panel. This is what to be expected as I understand it (Phoenix area so we lose quite a bit due to temp coefficient.)

I’m sure there are panels to stay away from, but seems that list is growing smaller and smaller.

I’m sure they’re likely made by a major manufacturer, it wouldn’t surprise me if they’re the same as the SolarEver.

 

[OldSchool?]

ME too! I am NEW to this world and am considering Alexus panels for my 1st project. I have been told they are American made. does anyone know if that is true?
I know that doesn't necessarily mean they are good. Anyone have thoughts or experiences?

 

[kc130up]

I have ~8 Alexas 405w panels and they work fine. My only complaint it eh MC4 connector. Not a fan when a special tool is needed.

 

[azscooby]

ME too! I am NEW to this world and am considering Alexus panels for my 1st project. I have been told they are American made. does anyone know if that is true?
I know that doesn't necessarily mean they are good. Anyone have thoughts or experiences?

They are definitely not made in the USA. The company on the label, Alexus Solar, is based in Tempe, AZ, but these are made in Cambodia if I remember correctly.

 

[azscooby]

I have ~8 Alexas 405w panels and they work fine. My only complaint it eh MC4 connector. Not a fan when a special tool is needed.

I’ve never seen a panel that DOESN’T have MC4 connectors…..??? They use the same tool my ZNShine’s and SolarEver’s use.

 

[azscooby]

If I were to do it over again I’d maybe look for a panel that has a higher Temp Coefficient, this panel is -0.34%/C’…..
BUT for the price, unless space is an issue, these are still probably thr better deal due to the massive price difference at least for me here in AZ.

No one but San Tan will sell to DIY’s, so that’s an issue if you’re like me and can’t buy a pallet at a time.

 

[kc130up]

I’ve never seen a panel that DOESN’T have MC4 connectors…..??? They use the same tool my ZNShine’s and SolarEver’s use.

They all have MC4's, i'm just not a fan of the type on these panels.

 

[azscooby]

They all have MC4's, i'm just not a fan of the type on these panels.

Understood. I don’t even remember what they look like but I do remember the Alexus and SolarEver had different styles of MC4. The biggest issue I had with the three brands I had was that one manufacturer had the placement of + and - OPPOSITE each other! That was a pain.

 

[kc130up]

The Alexus panels are the reversed ones. Annoying, but luckily the cables were long enough to crisscross.

 

[azscooby]

The Alexus panels are the reversed ones. Annoying, but luckily the cables were long enough to cross-cross.

See, now I know! Only ever owned two brands so it was a 50/50 guess, lol….