Solartech SPM010P-D 10-Watt 12-Volt ES Polycrystalline PV Solar Panel

by Solartech

Product Features

• Operating Temperature: -104-Farenheit to +185-Farenheit
• Maximum System Voltage: 1000-volt DC
• Dimensions: 14.4-inch by 12.2-inch by 0.71-inch, Weight: 3.3-pound
• Includes 9-foot DC power cord
• Can be linked in parallel to maintain a 12 volt system or can be linked in series to create a higher voltage system

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0047T6UDQ
• Item model number: SPM010P-D
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,736 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden)

Product Description

Polycrystalline solar panels are made from silicon wafers cut from multi-crystal silicon (they are also known as multicrystalline panels) and are also more efficient than amorphous panels. Polycrystalline panels are excellent for all small solar applications like RV's and 4WD's. Larger polycrystalline modules are also suitable for domestic and business solar installations. Polycrystalline modules come in both 12-volt modules to cater for 12-volt power systems and 24-volt modules for larger installations. They can be linked in parallel to maintain a 12-volt/24-volt system or can be linked in series to create a higher-voltage system. These modules have proven performance at high temperatures and generally feature a robust design makes the product durable in the field and easy to install. A polycrystalline solar panel is made from a block of silicon that has multiple crystals. These panels are square in shape, and may have a surface that looks somewhat like a mosaic due to all of the different crystals that make up the panel. Other types of panels may appear smooth and even, because they are made up of only silicon crystals, whereas the Polycrystalline looks fragmented and angular. The lifespan of a polycrystalline cell is a minimum of twenty-five years and can be more than fifty, making them a worthwhile investment for long term use. 10 years limited warranty of 90-percent power output and 25 years limited warranty of 80-percent power output. Specifications - Cell: Multicrystalline silicon solar cell (78mmx26mm), No. of Cells and Connections: 36 (4 by 9), Operating Temperature: -40C to +85C, Type of Output, Terminal: Junction box, Power at STC (Pm): 10W. Maximum Power-voltage (Vpm): 17.6V, Maximum Power Current (Ipm): 0.6A, Open Circuit-voltage (Voc): 21.7-volt, Short Circuit Current (Isc): 0.64A, Tolerance: 5-percent. Module Efficiency: 9.15-percent, Maximum System-voltage: 1000-volt DC, Dimensions: 368mm by 310mm by 18mm, Weight: 1-1/2-kilogram.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Works great!, July 2, 2011

By 

R. Flower (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Solartech SPM010P-D 10-Watt 12-Volt ES Polycrystalline PV Solar Panel (Lawn & Patio)

I've only used ours a little (ok -- ~30 minutes) but in direct sun in July (Los Angeles), I was getting a bit over 21V from it.. This was good enough to hook up with patch cables to my truck's battery which was low due to a failed voltage regulator. Anyway, in about 30 minutes it brought the battery voltage from 12v up to 12.6v. The panel is constructed solidly and looks like it will last a good long time! I highly suggest using a charge controller with a panel like this such as the Morningstar Sun Keeper which is more than enough for this panel -- using a charge controller will ensure that you do not overcharge your battery and will take care to reduce any charge effects by using PWM (3-stage) charge control. I'll be using ours to power a door motor on a chicken coop to let the birds out in the morning and lock them in, in the evening. This panel will work just fine for this purpose!

5.0 out of 5 stars only one small problem, January 20, 2012

By 

Bruce Graham "Cracker" (Storrs, CT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Solartech SPM010P-D 10-Watt 12-Volt ES Polycrystalline PV Solar Panel (Lawn & Patio)

I bought 3 of these to power 3 12v DC fans. This is my first experiment in using electric solar power. If I were to rebuy the collectors I would buy slightly larger ones for more power output. That is not a product issue. It is a my inexperience issue. The collectors do put out the power advertised. I could just use a bit more for more RPMs. My one manufacturer complaint is that they did not provide info about weatherability of the collectors and worse did not reply to my email requesting that information. I believe that I could increase power output by relocation but the panels would then be weather exposed.