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Old 07-10-2012, 08:32 PM   #1
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Grape solar kits

Was searching the web for solar panels and came across this one, http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical-Alt ... reId=10051, at Home Depot. Anyone had any experience with these? The $690 price for a 200 watt kit with controller and inverter is very tempting.

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Old 07-10-2012, 09:13 PM   #2
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Re: Grape solar kits

If they fit and can be installed on a bracket it might be a good deal. The inverter won't run a microwave though. It's pretty small.
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Old 07-11-2012, 07:30 AM   #3
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Re: Grape solar kits

I just did a quick look at

affordable-solar.com

MAYBE a better quality panel w/ a blue sky with mmpt
(mmpt=gets more juice to battery with some Voodoo)

@ $500 for panel and controler

Cons:
no wiring (one at HD will prob not have enough for a mount)
no inverter ($50 on amazon http://www.amazon.com/Samlex-Sam-450-12 ... B004RCWXWK )

I like package kits too, but when you dig a little
maybe more bang for buck

I would call affordable solar
have them look at the HD site and price out a similar unit
they are pretty cool
you might be supprised

Post your results here

bw
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Old 07-11-2012, 08:06 AM   #4
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Re: Grape solar kits

Looks like a good deal, Larrie. I was looking at a similar one that costs ~$100 more for a bit more power but is essentially the same thing (comes with mounts, not sure of the Home Depot kit):

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.as ... opnav=&s=1

I try to buy everything I can from Costco just because of their excellent returns policy, which takes some of the risk away, but Home Depot is a quality company, too.
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Old 07-11-2012, 06:40 PM   #5
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Grape solar kits

I just ran across the Costco system as well. I do not need the inverter but it might be a nice to have. Thanks for the affordable solar link, will see what they have and can put together.
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Old 07-11-2012, 11:58 PM   #6
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Re: Grape solar kits

Quote:
Originally Posted by larrie
I just ran across the Costco system as well. I do not need the inverter but it might be a nice to have. Thanks for the affordable solar link, will see what they have and can put together.
Make sure what ever you get is warranteed for road use. Many are not even if it says "great for the RV or boat".
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Old 07-12-2012, 08:10 AM   #7
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Re: Grape solar kits

Note that the cells suggested by the original poster are monocrystaline cells. These are both more efficient and expensive than polycrystalline cells. I haven't compared directly but I think you'd find that they are priced pretty well for the more expensive cells.

I still think that company reputation and warranty is more important though. The panels ought to be around for at least 20 years.
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