250 watt ETFE Folding panel

[DeeJay]

I bought one of the above on special ($161.00) on Ebay & just ran some tests against my 200 watt folding panel & I can say that there must be differences in quality of these panels.
I really didn't expect it to produce 250 watt but it seems nearer to 100-110 watt.
To even the playing field I used the same controller & positioned them in the same orientation & swapped leads in a few seconds to take readings.
The battery was on 12.4 volts running a 14 amp load at the same time - if that affected the readings, it would be even between the panels.
I guess you get what you pay for, or, looking at the size of the panels, maybe a bit more honesty in advertising is called for. I certainly gave them both barrels in the feedback..[bigsmile1]

200 Watt panel with the new ETFE Panel in front



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200 Watt panel reading- reasonable sunlight
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ETFE panel within 15 seconds177360
It got a bit cloudy later & readings were 3.69 against the new panels 2.14 & 1.41 against 0.60

[simonmelb]

Yep - much better off getting a panel that actually is tested.

I bought a 100w panel from this mob and it really puts out 100w through my Victron regulator.

Facts you must know before buying lightweight flexible solar panels (https://www.solar4rvs.com.au/buying/buyer-guides/how-to-compare-good-and-bad-flexible-solar-panels/)

[DieselLSE]

Yep - much better off getting a panel that actually is tested.

I bought a 100w panel from this mob and it really puts out 100w through my Victron regulator.

Facts you must know before buying lightweight flexible solar panels (https://www.solar4rvs.com.au/buying/buyer-guides/how-to-compare-good-and-bad-flexible-solar-panels/)
Have no hesitation in endorsing "this mob". I purchased my panels and controller from them during the lockdown and they were spot on with advice and help.

[trout1105]

Just like many other things you usually get exactly what you pay for and solar panels are no different.
If the price seems to be too good to be true then it usually is in my experiance.
Occasionally you can get a bargain that lives up to expectations But this is usually Not the case.

[DeeJay]

I dug out my 100 watt " recognized brand" solar blankets and they do have slightly less performance - and are larger than the ETFE panel, I recall paying just on $700 for the 2 of them, but a few years ago now.
Picture for comparison. So I guess the main problem was in overstating the performance in the advertising. Time will tell with durability etc.

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