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We installed the Kyocera solar panel in the summer of 2004 and have been pleased with it’s performance. The solar panel is rated at 7.10 amps max and we have surprisingly found this be be under rated. Our panel when pointed directly at the sun actually puts out about 7.80 amps. It’s not often when you find a product that performs better than it’s specs. During a normal sunny day without adjusting the solar panel to meet the changing position of the sun we can usually put back about 30 to 35 amp hour back into our batteries. If we were to adjust the angle of the panel throughout the day we can get up to 50 or so amp hours.

The construction is a solidly built aluminum frame with a water tight junction box that houses the terminal connectors. Diodes to block battery draining when the panel is not being productive are built in so there is no need to purchase them separately. Kyrocera provides a 10 year warranty with this panel.

Because there is no moving parts in a solar panel maintenance is minimal, basically consisting only of keeping the panel clean. We have been extremely happy with the panel’s output and are confident that we will get many years of productive use out of it. I just wish we had room for one more.

Rating:

Performance                  10
Quality                                9
Ease of Use                    10
Installation                         9
Documentation              n/a
Customer Service         n/a

Overall Rating                 9.5
Would buy again            Yes
 

Copyright 2004, 2005, 2006 S/V Bruadair. No reproduction without written consent.