We are starting to look at the upgrades we need in readiness for a Pacific crossing next year.

Currently we have 2 x sp100 Solbian flexible panels which have been on top of our Bimini for 8 years and appear to be significantly less efficient than they were. I’m looking at replacing them and fitting another 2 on the Bimini as we have the space BUT each panel now costs around US$950! That would means nearly US$4,000 for 400 watts!!

I’ve been looking at the Sun Powered Yachts website https://www.sunpoweredyachts.com/shop and they seem to be selling identical panels ( SunPower® 100W E-flex solar) for US$179 each.

A line by line inexpert comparison of the specifications demonstrates very little difference. What am I missing? How can a seemingly identical panel be more than 5 times more expensive?

Anyway, it looks like we’ll be going with Sun Powered Boats! Any advice welcome.

Simon