mixing solar panels

[Kenny kustom]

I have a pair of go power flex panels that came installed on my roof.
I thought about adding a few more, but am wondering if i can mix with other brands of panels. Go power wants $500usd for their 100 watt.

These guys have 100 watt flex for $249cdn.

https://www.solarwholesaler.ca/produ...e-solar-panel/

The specs are close, but unsure how " close " is ok ?

[Kenny kustom]

other brand :


– Dimensions: 41.73″ x 21.25″ x 0.12″
– Voltage: Vmp 17.8V – Voc 21.6V
– Amp: Imp 5.16A – Isc 5.97A
– Weight: 3.43lbs

Go Power Flex


Vmp 17.5
Voc 21
imp 5.68
isc 6.28

Close enough >?

[ScottBrownstein]

I would say so. They are all basically "12 volt" 36 cell panels. The very slight differences could be diodes or whatever. In parallel, they should be fine.

[Kenny kustom]

Originally Posted by ScottBrownstein

I would say so. They are all basically "12 volt" 36 cell panels. The very slight differences could be diodes or whatever. In parallel, they should be fine.

I thought so.. They're also less than a third the price of Go Power

[Flybob]

They should be fine. I have 4 different panels on one of my systems and everything is working well. The subtle differences should make no difference. Most all panels have built in diodes.

[WeekendEscape RV]

Yes you can.

[Kenny kustom]

Good stuff! Now to dump the go power controller and add a few more panels!

[ScottBrownstein]

Most veteran solar designers and installers recommend getting the best deal you can on the panels and mixing and matching them as needed. My diode comment wasn't that some have them and others don't, but there may be small measurement differences between the diodes and the internal wiring of the panels themselves.

[VinceU]

Only one big question, were the original panels built well and withstand the rigors of vibration and travel? First thing I'd check is quality. Remember the famous man "You get what you pay for!" Fit this situ.

[Rich.M]

Should be fine , just don't walk on them, the silicone wafers can fracture and become a fire risk when coupled with a diode failure. That was the basis of the Renogy flexible panel recall. One or 2 fires had been documented on RV roofs. They haven't offered flexible panels since the recall.

[Kenny kustom]

Originally Posted by VinceU

Only one big question, were the original panels built well and withstand the rigors of vibration and travel? First thing I'd check is quality. Remember the famous man "You get what you pay for!" Fit this situ.

Oh I preach that daily.. although, go power is not the only flexi solar panel.
There are others that are less than half the go power price.

Maybe they are just out to lunch...