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Old 09-15-11, 04:15 PM   #2
Ryland
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Their watt rating does not look to be the standard watt rating, it looks to be the power output that you could get with a Maximum Power Point Tracker, it's a sneaky way to put higher numbers on your panels, but you will never see that output without a MPPT so in reality your power output would be about 15% to 20% less.
I'm not sure what the current cost is to build frames, but aluminum is not free, nor are junction boxes, by pass diodes or your time, so all of that is something to keep in mind as well, more so when you are looking at new, either US made or Made In Japan panels that are costing $2.50 per watt or less now, that are UL listed, with frames, junction boxes, quick connect weather proof plugs and a rated watt output that is inline with current standards so you can compare it to other panels more accurately.
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