So if kyocera is the best solar panel manufacturer..

groundhog · #1 (**permalink**) 11-13-2011

Who is second best?
And third and so on...
groundhog

hellosailor · #2 (**permalink**) 11-13-2011

It doesn't really matter, does it?

Either you are intent on buying the best, or you will buy whatever your budget allows.

"Best" is a terribly vague word. If you want a 25-year marine-vehicle-use warranty, most of the brands are off your list completely. If you don't want a Chinese vendor who may not be around in five years, all the cheap ones are off your list. If you want monocrystalline panels for highest output per square meter, more go off your list.

So, define "best". Remember all the little things tha can kill the deal. Then introduce "best" to your budget and redefine "best". Remember to add in the availability or shipping costs.

norsearayder · #3 (**permalink**) 11-13-2011

when its blowin 50 its nice to be confident your equipment will be working throughout and after the storm,

groundhog · #4 (**permalink**) 11-13-2011

So you seem to be saying, there is kyocera at the top, and all other manufacturers are way way down there.... so far below, you cant even see them?

If i must buy kyocera, i will, but they are expensive.

gh

hellosailor · #5 (**permalink**) 11-13-2011

No, there's other good stuff. Just that companies with similar reputation, express warranty, etc. are likely to be similarly priced. You'd need to see who else warranties them--if that's important to you. And if the budget allows that.

mitiempo · #6 (**permalink**) 11-13-2011

What size panels are you looking for? And the controller?

killarney_sailor · #7 (**permalink**) 11-13-2011

My understanding from about six months ago was that Kyocera was not going to be selling to retail markets and was only going to sell to pick installers. Don't know if this is true and if so, whether it was temporary because of supply issues.

I bought two Kyoceras a few years ago but one was destroyed in a knockdown. I bought a Tenesol panel in Tahiti that is made in France. It was very inexpensive and seems to be of good quality.

tdw · #8 (**permalink**) 11-13-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by killarney_sailor

My understanding from about six months ago was that Kyocera was not going to be selling to retail markets and was only going to sell to pick installers. Don't know if this is true and if so, whether it was temporary because of supply issues.

I bought two Kyoceras a few years ago but one was destroyed in a knockdown. I bought a Tenesol panel in Tahiti that is made in France. It was very inexpensive and seems to be of good quality.

When we did Raven a couple of years back now, Kyocera were unavailable at a retail level in Australia and continues to be so. At the time (being the bleeding heart liberals wot we is

) BP was not an option and we ended up going for Solar E. I'd never heard of them but the price was good and our supplier seemed happy enough wih them. Zero complaints.

mitiempo · #9 (**permalink**) 11-13-2011

Northern Arizona Wind and Sun shows a good variety of Kyocera panels on their site from 20 watts up. The 135 watt Kyocera is their most popular @ $325
High Power Solar Panels - Over 100 Watts

groundhog · #10 (**permalink**) 11-14-2011

This brings up another thought...
I have been to the kyocera web site and viewed their product offerings.
The smallest panel I found is the 135 watt.
But on ebay and other places, I see people selling smaller panels like 50 to maybe 85 watts.

How can these be sold as new if kyocera is not making them?