Picking Panels by Size (46 inch)

[NLS444]

I am trying to fill up the roof of my van with panels, I have a 46 inch wide, 110 inch long rack. I was unable to find panels of that width from a US dealer, but am finding plenty of them on aliexpress, e.g.:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805511653373.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.17.74af2c87lL32WO&algo_pvid=2b3da672-c55f-414a-8db0-9bb10e214f3e&algo_exp_id=2b3da672-c55f-414a-8db0-9bb10e214f3e-8&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%21299.99%21117.0%21%21%21299.99%21%21%402103255b17030087344481657ef535%2112000034044210098%21sea%21US%212408544542%21&curPageLogUid=Y2fx019mq440

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805515434932.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.1.74af2c87lL32WO&algo_pvid=2b3da672-c55f-414a-8db0-9bb10e214f3e&algo_exp_id=2b3da672-c55f-414a-8db0-9bb10e214f3e-0&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%21283.99%21136.32%21%21%21283.99%21%21%402103255b17030087344481657ef535%2112000034054806948%21sea%21US%212408544542%21&curPageLogUid=COfFwnBG86Ab

Solar rookie here - are there any red flags with ordering these? Am I approaching this wrong? Any tips to maximize the solar I can fit on my roof would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[sunshine_eggo]

"Aliexpress" is generally a red flag.

"24% efficiency" another red flag.... that's 20% higher than most panels (20%).

 

[NLS444]

"Aliexpress" is generally a red flag.

"24% efficiency" another red flag.... that's 20% higher than most panels (20%).

Understood. I assumed there were some bold claims but I don't really know how to evaluate panel quality. Would choosing something smaller but trustworthy, e.g., the renology 100s, be a safer bet? I would end up with significantly less of my roof covered in panels due to their 40 inch width.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Understood. I assumed there were some bold claims but I don't really know how to evaluate panel quality. Would choosing something smaller but trustworthy, e.g., the renology 100s, be a safer bet? I would end up with significantly less of my roof covered in panels due to their 40 inch width.

Size constraints are often the most difficult to satisfy. This comes up time to time, and I've not found a good resource.

If you're okay with the panels you've identified only having 80% of the claimed power, then they may be fine.

 

[NLS444]

Okay that is the answer I was looking for! I think that still would yield the most power given my size constraints. Thanks!

 

[Rocketman]

Panels are something I would be hesitant to ship through that many hands - breakages.

Also there may be some excise taxes on imported panels… just be sure and check before you order.

 

[400bird]

I didn't click through your links.

But you could fit these if you go slightly over the 46" width:

BougeRV 200W 12V 9BB Mono Solar Panel (Full Cell Technology)

BougeRV 200 watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline 9BB solar panel is perfect for off-grid setups such as rvs, boats, and cabins. Shop this 200 watt solar panel.

www.bougerv.com

If the 46" width is a hard number you won't exceed, these are 43"

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Monocrystalline-Solar-Compact-Design/dp/B08YRKFWBD?th=1&psc=1