FatWallet.com: 230watt Polycrystalline UL 24 Volt Solar Panel for $149.50 + Shipping, posted on 04-01-2013 06:33 AM

[fromFatWallet.com]

230watt Polycrystalline UL 24 Volt Solar Panel for $149.50 + Shipping

Rating: 0 Posted By: MikeGroovy
Views: 352 Replies: 2

http://www.solarblvd.com/p2725/Perlight-Solar-PLM-230P-60-230-Wa...
230Watt 24Volts Solar Panel $149.50+Shipping
From the site:
"Please keep in mind that shipping for these will be approximately $130 anywhere in the United States for one or two because of the oversized dimensions."

At first I thought that the $88.05 (176.10 for Two) shipping to Oklahoma was a deal breaker but actually it comes to a pretty good price per watt. For me this deal comes to $237.55 or about $1.03/watt

This panel is also UL listed which is important for insurance purposes.

This panel should not exceed 10Amps.

Amazon has a very basic 24V 10AMP charge controller for $19.99 + FS
http://www.amazon.com/Solar-Panel-Charge-Power-Controller/dp/B00...

Or a 24V 30Amp Charge controller for future expandability. (Has some programmable features.)
http://www.amazon.com/Controller-Regulator-Charging-Automatic-Fu... Amazon has it for 29.59 + FS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0U00BZ7466 Newegg has it for $28.99 + FS

Two 12V batteries would be needed with the charge controller. And an Inverter for plugging in your non DC electronics.

Alternatively, instead of getting a charge controller and batteries, a UL listed grid-tie Enphase 215 micro inverter can be found for around $150-160+shipping. Non UL listed grid tie inverters are cheaper but won't work for legitimate grid-tie agreements with most electric companies.

This sure beats Harbor Freight's 45watt offer or HomeDepot's 55watt offer!

Something this size could make for a nifty hobby project. I'm thinking of making my networking closet and alarm system off grid. It would be a long return on investment though (at least in OK.) Electricity is so cheap in Oklahoma, my electric bills are only around $100 each month. Might use it to run a light in the garage and living room depending on how much juice I have left after all of the networking stuff.