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I have two 130W Sunsei solar panels that I puchased from WM mounted above the bimini. This is the second set. They, like the last set, are showing small areas of what looks like corrosion under the glass. On the bottom of the panels, beneath the areas of corrosion the plastic is beginning to bubble. The prior set actually had burn marks on the underside in those areas. These, like the previous set are no more than a year old.
Has anyone else experienced this? Are these just poorly made?
I'm more than a little frustrated, I'm getting pissed. Nearly $2K invested and they crap out in a year. They supposedly have a 25 year guarantee.
Not sure why your buying solar panels from Wm. You could have saved yourself $800.00 bucks and got the panel that many are using, while cruising. Which is Kyocera Solar. Two of the kyocera 130 watt panels cost me under $1200.00. Have you contacted WM ? Pm me if you want more info on Kyocera.
I'd second Freesail on buying from WestMarine doesn't make sense. I have two 130 Watt solar panels, forget who made them, but they were about $1400 for both panels, the charge controller and shipping... and that was from California...
I cannot answer your question on the Sunsei panels. I did not buy those. I use Kyoceras, 130's, tied into a Outback MX-60.
My reccomendation would be Northern Ariz wind and sun. Top notch people. Not sales tax. Very good pricing. More importantly, they really know their stuff and have been a wealth of info for me. Here is there web page:
After jumping though a few hoops, I returned both panels and got a full refund from WM. Spoke with ICP tech asst and emailed them photos.
No response as of yet. Now to decide which panels to replace them with. Leaning towards Kyrocera (sp).
CD"s recommendation is good, I have bought stuff from them also. But the site I gave you I have also gotten good service from and they are a little cheaper, at this moment. Glad it worked out at Wm. What charge controller do you have ?
I don't remember where I read this, but someone else was having trouble with the same manufacturer's panels-it seems they are not warranted to be waterproof! What triggers the memory is that they were also purchased at WM. Go figure.
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