TonyV
New Member
I need to get new panels, are the SanTan used panels ok? does anyone have actual experience with them? looking at the Snail trail SanTan 230W panels.
TIA
TIA
I don't want to get burned again
- Thread starter TonyV
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timselectric
If I can do it, you can do it.
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These are all from SanTan Solar.
Snail trails have been performing great.
Snail trails have been performing great.
Checkthisout
Solar Wizard
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I have the cracked back sheet specials operating in mild salt spray for 2 years now.
No issues.
With that said, there are some amazing deals on new, high wattage panels I would sleuth out before buying used panels.
No issues.
With that said, there are some amazing deals on new, high wattage panels I would sleuth out before buying used panels.
MisterSandals
Participation Medalist
Just out of curiosity, how did you get burned before?
OffGridInTheCity
Solar Wizard
Overall - I had success from @SanTan Solar and would recommend - but my experience is now 2 years old.
A couple of years ago, I did 2 separate purchases from Santan Solar. First order was 4 x 300w used monos. Panels were fine but one of them needed a new diode pack - cost $5 and a week to ship. Second order was 40 x Suntech 285w 9yr polys. Panels were fine but one (at bottom of 20 panel stack) had complete glass destroyed and one had bad diodes - again had to replace the diode pack.
TMI: I bought them for storage / emergency deployment - but have put 6 in service for over 2 years and they work fine.
The panels work fine, as advertised, and at $70 each.....
Depending on the size of you're order, I'd suggest ordering an extra one or maybe a couple of extra if you do 40 x. The shipping is the HUGE sticking point here - can't return them cost wise. Santan offered a discount on future order - but I never did order.
Also, I happen to have a metal skill saw and used it to chop into small enough parts the one that was totally destroyed to put in the trash can.
A couple of years ago, I did 2 separate purchases from Santan Solar. First order was 4 x 300w used monos. Panels were fine but one of them needed a new diode pack - cost $5 and a week to ship. Second order was 40 x Suntech 285w 9yr polys. Panels were fine but one (at bottom of 20 panel stack) had complete glass destroyed and one had bad diodes - again had to replace the diode pack.
TMI: I bought them for storage / emergency deployment - but have put 6 in service for over 2 years and they work fine.
The panels work fine, as advertised, and at $70 each.....
Depending on the size of you're order, I'd suggest ordering an extra one or maybe a couple of extra if you do 40 x. The shipping is the HUGE sticking point here - can't return them cost wise. Santan offered a discount on future order - but I never did order.
Also, I happen to have a metal skill saw and used it to chop into small enough parts the one that was totally destroyed to put in the trash can.
Last edited:
What are snail trails .?..are they really made by snails..?
timselectric
If I can do it, you can do it.
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Checkthisout
Solar Wizard
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I paid like $27.00 each for 10 of their 270 watt cracked back sheet panels.
How do y’all know these things even work…do they test em ..? Do you..? I have never considered used panels but I can see the value if you need a lot of them.. I know nothing of the used panel market..
I posted a question about this last week and only got a vague rely or two. I’m interested in San tan as many have talked about them… im not far from Georgia , can you pick them up there… ?. Can you go look and see them..? Is there any kind of warranty..?
J
Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
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Qcells, 1 year Santan warranty
www.santansolar.com
"Already been through the horse", but still 1 year Santan warranty:
www.santansolar.com
These don't mention warranty, but that may be an oversight:
www.santansolar.com
No $27 panels today. Sometimes there are discounts. I got REC a year ago for a great price.
Used QCells 315W Solar Panels Pallet of 25 | SanTan Solar
Used QCells QPEAK Duo Blk G5 315w Mono 120 Solar panel that is designed for optimal yields, whatever the weather with excellent low-light and temperature behavior. Normal wear and tear in good working condition. SanTan 1 year warranty.
www.santansolar.com
"Already been through the horse", but still 1 year Santan warranty:
Cracked Vinyl Trina 230W Solar Panel | SanTan Solar
These used Trina 230w solar panels have cracked vinyl which does not effect the performance of the panel. Perfect for you're DIY off-grid solar system application! Please see pictures for reference.
www.santansolar.com
These don't mention warranty, but that may be an oversight:
Snail Trail SanTan 250W Solar Panel | SanTan Solar
This listing is for 250W solar panels. These are used panels. They have developed a cosmetic blemish known as a snail trail. This does not affect the output of the panel. Manufacturing labels have been removed. Panels have been tested and have good output. These would need to be for off-grid...
www.santansolar.com
No $27 panels today. Sometimes there are discounts. I got REC a year ago for a great price.
Lt.Dan
Solar Wizard
I've purchased 66 used snail trail panels over the course of 3 years from San Tan. I tested the panels and some had issues, but they made it right with little issue.
Would buy again, but with the deals on some of the new panels now... it might be hard to decide
Would buy again, but with the deals on some of the new panels now... it might be hard to decide
Checkthisout
Solar Wizard
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Would definitely go new with some of the deals seen last month.
Intresting….I may call and talk to them…im looking at 8 packs of Rich solar 335 - 400 watt as a possibility..Qcells, 1 year Santan warranty
Used QCells 315W Solar Panels Pallet of 25 | SanTan Solar
Used QCells QPEAK Duo Blk G5 315w Mono 120 Solar panel that is designed for optimal yields, whatever the weather with excellent low-light and temperature behavior. Normal wear and tear in good working condition. SanTan 1 year warranty.
"Already been through the horse", but still 1 year Santan warranty:
Cracked Vinyl Trina 230W Solar Panel | SanTan Solar
These used Trina 230w solar panels have cracked vinyl which does not effect the performance of the panel. Perfect for you're DIY off-grid solar system application! Please see pictures for reference.
These don't mention warranty, but that may be an oversight:
Snail Trail SanTan 250W Solar Panel | SanTan Solar
This listing is for 250W solar panels. These are used panels. They have developed a cosmetic blemish known as a snail trail. This does not affect the output of the panel. Manufacturing labels have been removed. Panels have been tested and have good output. These would need to be for off-grid...
No $27 panels today. Sometimes there are discounts. I got REC a year ago for a great price.
there seems to be somewhat of a deal on them but they are still nowhere near low cost…I will let you know if I do ,as the price will drop dramatically within a few days… Haa…
thanks for the input..
J
thats my main concern…it’s sorta like a pig in the poke.. ya may get lucky ….or ya may not.
thanks
J.
Lt.Dan
Solar Wizard
I will say, when I called and told them I had 8 panels that were horrifically underperformed, we went back and forth a couple of times with them asking my testing process, and when I showed proof, they shipped 8 almost pristine panels for absolutely free, and told me i could keep the 8 underperforming ones. The only downside is they sent me silver frames when the rest of mine were black frames, but I couldn't really complain.
Hard to beat that……I may try some as a test order to see how it goes…Thank guy.
J.
Brucey
Solar Wizard
Grab some new Samsung 300W panels for $86+shipping from sig solar and then can take the 30% tax credit on top.
timselectric
If I can do it, you can do it.
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Appreciate that… will Look them here and there and see what Samsung is doing..
J.
Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
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It is quite refreshing when a vendor treats customers right. Stands out in stark contrast to some "other" vendors that fill the tabloids here.
Santan is one. I bought a few extra panels beyond multiples of 8, 110 total. Only issue was one with a nick through the backsheet which damaged a cell. Likely not their handling or shipping, but before they got it. They took care of that. Others report them handling bigger issues, like above.
Current Connected is another. I haven't bought from them, but people report good results. Including one who had bought just before manufacturer slashed prices. He grumbled here, Dexter addressed the issue off-line, and buyer reported back that he was satisfied.
Many panel choices from Santan, ranging from old degraded lower efficiency ones to newer and brand new. Design your array including minimum Vmp and max Voc as well as current per MPPT input for compatibility with your inverter/SCC before buying, and buy a few extra.
Santan is one. I bought a few extra panels beyond multiples of 8, 110 total. Only issue was one with a nick through the backsheet which damaged a cell. Likely not their handling or shipping, but before they got it. They took care of that. Others report them handling bigger issues, like above.
Current Connected is another. I haven't bought from them, but people report good results. Including one who had bought just before manufacturer slashed prices. He grumbled here, Dexter addressed the issue off-line, and buyer reported back that he was satisfied.
Many panel choices from Santan, ranging from old degraded lower efficiency ones to newer and brand new. Design your array including minimum Vmp and max Voc as well as current per MPPT input for compatibility with your inverter/SCC before buying, and buy a few extra.
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