Community Forums

C.Martin · 06-07-2017, 04:34 PM

I am totally into the whole solar energy thing. I am just frustrated as all get out over how screwed up it gets trying to purchase panels that are actually close to useable.

I started with a 6 panel system. Decided on trying the 180 watt "Assembled in the USA" panels made by Grape Solar and sold by Home Depot. Of the first six panels I ordered...UPS managed to destroy two of the six. So, I ordered two replacements. When they showed up...only one of the two were acceptable. Finally...the last panel arrived in good enough shape to install. So...nine panels...to get six useable panels....and weeks gone by waiting for additional shipments from Oregon to Florida.

Reluctantly...I recently ordered two more panels hoping to complete my system at 1440 watts. They arrived today...and low and behold, one of the panels is completely shattered.

How is this country ever going to make solar a viable industry when manufacturers do such a poor job of packaging, and shippers, like UPS, cannot transport panels without destroying 50% of them each time they are employed to do so?

By the way...I completed a survey regarding my purchase from Home Depot. They decided not to publish my review. I was appalled that they would decline a truthful review of a product...because it didn't please them. This is a policy which actually can harm thier customers by shielding them from the TRUTH!!! You should be aware that it might take weeks and weeks to recieve enough undamaged product to complete your project.

Advice...order twice as many as you need....return the ones that are damaged or not needed. It will save you a lot of your own valuable time and energies.

Hgrace56 · 06-07-2017, 04:56 PM

HD would never be my go to solar supply

harryn · 06-07-2017, 06:19 PM

A lot of people have learned the hard way that you should buy solar panels that are stocked locally, not ones that you purchase for shipment. This is true even if they are not exactly the panels that you want.

There is a reason that panels purchased locally cost a little bit more, they have already dealt with the shipping and losses, plus when you purchase by the container, the panels are packed for this type of shipment. I have shipped a flat screen TV across the country (when they used to cost more) and it worked because I made a 3/4 inch plywood box for it with room for a lot of packing. You just can't afford to do that with a solar panel.

Of course now if I need a flat screen for a trade show, I just buy one locally and donate it at the end.

You might find some Suniva panels in your area. Even though they are a 24 volt type panel, they might work. The last time I looked, Suniva has a factory in Georgia and Michigan. I wish they made an RV size / nominal 12 volt panel (approx 16 volt Vmp)

There is quite a bit of demand for 12 volt / RV style panels right now. My local supplier is also out, but is planning to run a batch "soon". I am pretty lucky - I can pick them up just 20 miles away - when they have them.

computerguy · 06-08-2017, 06:42 AM

Dunno. Bought panels on 2 separate occasions and never had a problem.
Most recently Made in the USA panels shipped from Ohio to Florida and all arrived in perfect condition AND super fast.

vsheetz · 06-08-2017, 08:10 AM

Sorry to hear of your problems

Last year I bought 15 panels directly from Renogy. Well packaged and delivered by FedEx. No problems whatsoever.

Dranoel · 06-09-2017, 08:01 PM

Renogy, 6 panels, all arrived fine.

WheelingOn · 06-09-2017, 09:20 PM

In my case, no issue with Grape Solar via Home Depot, delivering the 180W panel to my address. Passed both visual and multimeter checks.

AZ FullTimer · 06-12-2017, 06:29 AM

I've never had a problem getting my solar panels delivered by UPS, by the way you do give your local UPS driver a Christmas Tip don't you?

C.Martin · 06-12-2017, 10:31 AM

It's good to know that the rest of the country isn't plagued with rough handing UPS service. I guess it's the routing involved - Pacific Northwest to Florida that is the problem.

I had ordered a very nice Espresso Machine from Seattle Coffee Gear this spring. Lucky for me...they repackaged the machine in a huge box with very large volume of shipping p'nuts. When I pulled the inner box out..,the espresso machine had been dropped so hard that it ruptured it's original packaging. Luckily...the shipping P'nuts protected it from total destruction...I managed to get away with a scuffed up warning label on the E61 grouphead, and no other apparent damage.

UPS is batting 1000 when it comes to mis-handling fragile shipments to me. I only use them for indestructible items when I ship...all other times I use FedEx. It helps that FedEx offers airline employees an interline discount for personal shipping.

The good news is...I just got back home from 5 days out on the road and tested the one panel that did arrive unharmed. The short circuit voltage and amperage are outstanding on this module. I hope when the replacement arrives next Friday...it will be performing as well.

Well...save hail or falling limb damage --- hopefully, I won't be ordering any more panels anytime soon. If I ever do my house...I will buy them palletized and shipped via freight. I've never had an incident with anything shipped freight on a pallet. They usually don't stack fragile items...guess they can read labels.

greenhorn1 · 06-14-2017, 04:30 PM

Have ordered three 100 watt Grape panels from Home Depot.Actually ordered on 3 separate occasions. Had them shipped to the store and picked up there.
All 3 were in excellent condition. Get them on sale a couple of times a year for $99.

mcnugget · 10-03-2017, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hgrace56

HD would never be my go to solar supply

surprisingly, if you want those grape panels, HD tends to be one of the cheapest places to get them....

Timon · 10-03-2017, 09:41 PM

If I ordered solar panels through HD I’d have them delivered to the store. That way I can inspect them there and only take the good ones home and let the store take care of ordering replacements. Keeps things much simpler and quicker.

Quote:

Originally Posted by C.Martin

I am totally into the whole solar energy thing. I am just frustrated as all get out over how screwed up it gets trying to purchase panels that are actually close to useable.

I started with a 6 panel system. Decided on trying the 180 watt "Assembled in the USA" panels made by Grape Solar and sold by Home Depot. Of the first six panels I ordered...UPS managed to destroy two of the six. So, I ordered two replacements. When they showed up...only one of the two were acceptable. Finally...the last panel arrived in good enough shape to install. So...nine panels...to get six useable panels....and weeks gone by waiting for additional shipments from Oregon to Florida.

Reluctantly...I recently ordered two more panels hoping to complete my system at 1440 watts. They arrived today...and low and behold, one of the panels is completely shattered.

How is this country ever going to make solar a viable industry when manufacturers do such a poor job of packaging, and shippers, like UPS, cannot transport panels without destroying 50% of them each time they are employed to do so?

By the way...I completed a survey regarding my purchase from Home Depot. They decided not to publish my review. I was appalled that they would decline a truthful review of a product...because it didn't please them. This is a policy which actually can harm thier customers by shielding them from the TRUTH!!! You should be aware that it might take weeks and weeks to recieve enough undamaged product to complete your project.

Advice...order twice as many as you need....return the ones that are damaged or not needed. It will save you a lot of your own valuable time and energies.