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brucedownunder2
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Joined: 14/09/2005
Location: Australia
Posts: 1548

Posted: 02:24pm 17 Dec 2016

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I came across about 20 x 110 watt black solar panels for around $70 each..

They look in good condition

My question is ,,, Black ,I've never seen these before , are they old discontinued stock ,were they any good in their day.

My thoughts are they would get terribly hot ?

Bruce

Bushboy

Warpspeed
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Joined: 09/08/2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 4406

Posted: 02:46pm 17 Dec 2016

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Black sounds like monocrystalline panels.

I have some of those, they are slightly less efficient in full sun clear blue sky conditions.
But seem to be superior when there is total cloud, and a threatening dark grey sky.

Cheers, �Tony.

Tinker

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Joined: 07/11/2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 1904

Posted: 12:23am 18 Dec 2016

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They might be 'Sunpower' panels. I bought 2 off 210W panels when I started this DIY electricity thing years ago. Those panels were very expensive then but also the most efficient on the market. They are still doing well.

All solar panels are getting hot in the sun, I doubt the black ones are getting hotter than my other, multicrystalline, panels. I ought to climb up there with my infrared thermometer and check.

The big black panels are on a tracker so they get air flowing all around. But I also have those semi flexible and very black panels on my yacht, they are mounted right on top of the bimini but don't seem to get unduly hot.

The price looks OK if they are in good nick but I would test the short circuit current and open voltage before handing over money. I guess at 110W they would be 12v nom. panels

Klaus

Tinker

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Joined: 07/11/2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 1904

Posted: 11:09pm 18 Dec 2016

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Checked the solar panel temperature today at lunch time. Panels were oriented the same angle and it was a cloudless day with some wind.

Black 210W panel:54 degree C
Gray 190W panel: 53 degree C

So there is hardly any difference at my panels.

Klaus

yahoo2

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Joined: 05/04/2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 1166

Posted: 05:25am 21 Dec 2016

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they sound like Amorphous Silicon Thin Film panels to me. if they are then they will work at a higher voltage than a mono or poly

A 110 watt panel could be 77volt 1.42 amps for example.

they come into their own in the North QLD summer with diffuse and polarized light.

the only issue they have is a high surface area to output ratio. that means they cover a lot more space and need more racking. that's a big issue for a commercial installer on a tight margin particularly on a site with limited suitable aspects for panels.

if you have the room its not an issue.

I'm confused, no wait... maybe I'm not...

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