Sourcing 60 cell PV panels - DIY Solar Power Forum
Sourcing 60 cell PV panels - DIY Solar Power Forum
Also you don’t need the mounting height to match on adjacent panels, I know some people that stack a spacer of compatible metal on the shorter side. But note this will typically require you to add a grounding lug onto the solar panel since the spacer is not listed to bond the panel.
Also you need to check whether the old clamps are listed for reuse. I think IronRidge can be used a few times but UniRac cannot
Those Hyundai 305s look like a decent match. Probably leave some current on the table but whateverUh Oh! I reused a Unirac system. It seemed fine, but...
Also you don’t need the mounting height to match on adjacent panels, I know some people that stack a spacer of compatible metal on the shorter side. But note this will typically require you to add a grounding lug onto the solar panel since the spacer is not listed to bond the panel.
Also you need to check whether the old clamps are listed for reuse. I think IronRidge can be used a few times but UniRac cannot
Uh Oh! I reused a Unirac system. It seemed fine, but...The question is around how effectively it will make a bond and stay on properly.
Since I’m obviously an expert after installing 20 mid clamps and 20 universal end clamps, my feelings are:
- Mid clamp is perfectly fine from a mechanical angle to be reused.
- Universal end clamp does not attach in a secure fashion after the first use (can’t torque to spec). I think the bonding spike is actually doing a tiny bit of stabilizing work.
- If you use a multimeter or have a couple of new ones on the panel mixed in with the old ones, there is a higher chance of being OK. These things are intended to be slammed on without any meausuribg. Just torque to spec.
I remember someone said that 340 watt is the highest wattage 60 cell panel on the market. Maybe this. https://www.solarelectricsupply.com/solaria-power-xt-340r-bd-solar-panelIf they are going in series with the old modules then higher power will not be valuable. It’s likely a lot of the extra gain is from increased current vs voltage compared with the old panels. But the extra current will be blocked unless optimizers are used on the string. I believe with TIGOs you would need to add them to at least all the old ones on the strings, and it will enable 20% more harvest from the higher power new modules. Worth it? ?
EDIT: never mind these are higher voltage, maybe they are half or third cut and arranged in a way that boosts voltage
Call these guys and see what they have. Maybe these?Those look like a pretty good fit. A little long but maybe the best I can expect to find, unless someone turns up some used ones that are the right size. Thanks!
Hyundai 305W Solar Panel ( Black Frame ) | Half-Cell Mono-Crystalline | HiA-S305HG
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If they are going in series with the old modules then higher power will not be valuable. It’s likely a lot of the extra gain is from increased current vs voltage compared with the old panels. But the extra current will be blocked unless optimizers are used on the string. I believe with TIGOs you would need to add them to at least all the old ones on the strings, and it will enable 20% more harvest from the higher power new modules. Worth it? ?These will totally replace the old array so no worries about dissimilar panel voltages in this array. I plan to use the good panels that were left from this lower array, in the upper 2 row array, which are all AC panels with Enphase M215 microinverters.
EDIT: never mind these are higher voltage, maybe they are half or third cut and arranged in a way that boosts voltage
Those Hyundai 305s look like a decent match. Probably leave some current on the table but whateverSorry to admit this but I won't have any qualms about reusing the old mounting clamps. I don't live in California
Also you don’t need the mounting height to match on adjacent panels, I know some people that stack a spacer of compatible metal on the shorter side. But note this will typically require you to add a grounding lug onto the solar panel since the spacer is not listed to bond the panel.
Also you need to check whether the old clamps are listed for reuse. I think IronRidge can be used a few times but UniRac cannot
I remember someone said that 340 watt is the highest wattage 60 cell panel on the market. Maybe this. https://www.solarelectricsupply.com/solaria-power-xt-340r-bd-solar-panelAnother good option, although the width would only allow 2 rows of 6 in portrait mode instead of my original 7 across. But the added power (340 vs. 260W each) entirely compensates. Thanks!!!
Sorry to admit this but I won't have any qualms about reusing the old mounting clamps. I don't live in CaliforniaHey, I reuse clamps too, based on my own risk analysis and how much redundancy of bonding I have left.
I do keep some extras of those Universal End Clamps around since they are not able to lock on without play after even one reuse. I figure if it can jiggle a little bit after my best efforts to secure them (and I can't torque them past a certain point after the first install) then it ain't going to last a decade.
Another good option, although the width would only allow 2 rows of 6 in portrait mode instead of my original 7 across. But the added power (340 vs. 260W each) entirely compensates. Thanks!!!You are right. I didn't catch the difference in dimensions. I also only want 65" x 39" inch 60 cell panels, so that I can easily replace should there be a problem. Have you checked craigslist in your area?
Why are you so determined to get 60 cell panels? Size? Voltage? OCD?
Just a quick search...
360 watt Canadian solar panels - general for sale - by owner - craigslist
I have (8) new old stock solar panels 360 Watt Canadian panels never installed. $284 each Three Three 0 Three 53 005 Three Johnny395 Watt Solar Panels - electronics - by owner - sale - craigslist
Brand new never used QCells 395 watt panels. Call or text Nick at 248-nine35-eight965.60-Cell vs 72-Cell Solar Panels: Everything You Need to Know
Short on Time? Here’s The Article Summary
This article compares 60-cell and 72-cell solar panels, highlighting their differences and best uses. The key distinction between them is size, with 72-cell panels being larger due to having 12 more solar cells. 60-cell panels are typically used in residential and mobile applications, while 72-cell panels are common in utility-scale projects.
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While 72-cell panels are generally rated at higher wattages, the cost per watt is crucial in determining which panel is more cost-efficient. Factors like installation costs also play a role, with 72-cell panels often being preferred for large-scale installations due to requiring less racking material and fewer electrical connections. When choosing between the two, consider your space constraints and budget. 60-cell panels are ideal for limited spaces, while 72-cell panels may be more cost-efficient in certain scenarios. Ultimately, the goal is to maximize your budget and solar power potential.
Introduction
The two most common types of solar panels on the market today are 60-cell and 72-cell. Today, we explain the differences between these two types of solar panels and which one is best for your solar installation.
What is the Difference Between 60-cell and 72-cell Solar Panels?
When it comes down to it, the only real key difference between 60-cell and 72-cell solar panels is size. Solar panels use individual solar cells that you can see as the squares that make up the panel. Obviously, 72-cell solar panels have 12 more solar cells than 60-cell solar panels.
The extra dozen solar cells cause 72-cell solar panels to be larger than the 60-cell solar panels. According to Medium.com, here are the average sizes of these two types of solar panels:
60-cell solar panels are 1.65m (5.41 feet) tall and weigh about 20kg (44.90 lbs).
72-cell solar panels are 1.95m (6.40 feet) tall and weigh about 28kg (61.73 lbs).
For sizing reasons alone, 60-cell solar panels are often used in residential and mobile applications, whereas 72-solar panels are commonplace in utility-scale projects where limited space is not an issue.
Wattage and Power Output of 60-Cell and 72-Cell Solar Panels
It is logical to think that more solar cells imply more solar power, but this is not always the case. Although 72-cell solar panels are generally rated at higher wattages, in some instances, 60-cell solar panels may have more output capacity than 72-cell solar panels. The most important factor in figuring out which solar panel is best for the price is determining the cost per watt.
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Let’s take a look at two different solar panels. The first is a 300W 60-cell solar panel that costs $200. The second is a 350W 72-cell solar panel that costs $225. The cost per watt of each solar panel respectively would be $0.66 and $0.64. Therefore, if you have room for either type of panel, in this case, the 72-cell solar panel would be more cost-efficient. Although the difference may seem insignificant, accounting for multiple panels over many years, maximizing your cost per watt will lead to the largest financial savings.
Cost of Installing 60-Cell and 72-Cell Solar Panels
In large-scale commercial or utility applications, installers tend to use 72-cell solar panels to save money on installation costs because 72-cell solar panels require less racking material, fewer electrical connections, and fewer security clamps than 60-cell solar panels. Of course, if you boiled these costs down to a residential solar install, there would still be some savings incurred, but at a lower rate.
Your solar panels also influence the rest of your system. If you plan to use micro-inverters instead of one large solar inverter, you will need to make sure that each is appropriately sized for your solar panels, especially when using 72-cell solar panels. Conversely, if you are powering a battery bank, one 60-cell solar panel alone may not provide enough voltage to charge the battery.
Final Words
When designing your solar energy system, either 60-cell or 72-cell solar panels will be best for your needs. If you are strapped for space for your system, for example, on a residential roof, van, or an RV, choosing 60-cell solar panels will maximize the number of panels you can install. If you have space, weigh your options and choose the panel that is most efficient and affordable. After all, when installing solar, the goal is always to maximize your budget and solar power potential!
We hope we provided some insight into choosing your solar panels. You can compare your options by browsing our selection of solar panels or contact us to discuss your project with a solar power expert.
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