how durable are the solar pannels
2015199
My husband says it's awesome and pretty durable. He says as long as you keep the stuff that's charging inside the zipper area you shouldn't have anything to worry about. He uses it all the time and it charges really well just sitting in our window.
806057
The panels are waterproof and rated for 100mph winds. Cold winds won't damage the panels or the solar cells. There is a 10 year performance warranty on the panels. Thanks for the question!
1773049
They have a pane of glass in front of the solar cells which could break, especially if hit by something. I think all panels of this type do. You might be able to take the frame apart and replace it with plexiglass. If you want the toughest, the roll-up flexible panels from Unisolar are less efficient and more expensive but appear to be nearly indestructible.
235326
I have mounted 2 of these on my roof and have caulked outer edge and they have done very well through the winter and heavy rains this spring. Very good solar panels.-Tom rose
778251
That's a hard question to answer,do you want to just keep the batterys topped off or is there going to be daily usage of the batteries also ? I would say with your constant sun 3-4 100watt panels would be enough. Mono or Poly panels don't matter with your amt. of sun. Go cheap ! They both will give you a life span of 25years give or take.Hope this helps.
867157
I've used mine outside for a year with no problem, and they're not even in an enclosure. They've worked beautifully, and we've had a tropical storm and a 5-inch rainstorm recently.
952561
I have these solar dock lights installed on the deck of my boathouse and along the seawall. I have had them installed for 2 years now and have had no issues with any of the weather elements. They are great. We have just completed a stone walkway and I plan to buy more the use there as well.
917825
I think it might depend on, not only how long they are exposed to sunlight, but also other environmental factors (humidity and bioregion). The manufacturer claims that UV protection is included in the manufacture of the product, but research that I did suggests that they will still begin to deteriorate in a matter of months. Ours were out in the open for most of an Oregon summer filled with moist dirt, and seem to be ok so far.
49817
We have had them for a year on a wood deck in the Texas heat and have not seen fading or had issues with durabilty. Ours are not used everyday, though.
1465688
They are quite durable under normal conditions. Mine are still working and looking great!
2219558
Not at all. Mine have been out since September and all 4 work great. Get the solar panel for it. WELL WORTH IT!!
626246
We have only had them a few months-- but it has snowed and been cold and so far so good. You might need to dust off the solar panel to keep it charged well but snow melted off ours
554910
The housing and flange are of decent gauge metal, painted to resist weather. Solidly built, although on appearance, the metal looks thin. Is thick enough to be rigid, but just enough thin to be flexed lightly into the roof cut out. Solar panel braces are strong and durable, no issues there and the panel is tough glass covered w/ a metal frame. Well built and durable. Just inspected this past July, 2013, 3 yrs on roof and no wx marks of any kind, no rust and paint not even faded! It's durable, John, I recommend to all my friends and a couple have bought and satisfied... Best roof solar vent on market. Buy the thermistor to auto turn on & off - it hangs in the attic and is worth the extra cost. The housing and flange are of decent gauge metal, painted to resist weather. Solidly built, although on appearance, the metal looks thin. Is thick enough to be rigid, but just enough thin to be flexed lightly into the roof cut out. Solar panel braces are strong and durable, no issues there and the panel is tough glass covered w/ a metal frame. Well built and durable. Just inspected this past July, 2013, 3 yrs on roof and no wx marks of any kind, no rust and paint not even faded! It's durable, John, I recommend to all my friends and a couple have bought and satisfied... Best roof solar vent... » Read More The housing and flange are of decent gauge metal, painted to resist weather. Solidly built, although on appearance, the metal looks thin. Is thick enough to be rigid, but just enough thin to be flexed lightly into the roof cut out. Solar panel braces are strong and durable, no issues there and the panel is tough glass covered w/ a metal frame. Well built and durable. Just inspected this past July, 2013, 3 yrs on roof and no wx marks of any kind, no rust and paint not even faded! It's durable, John, I recommend to all my friends and a couple have bought and satisfied... Best roof solar vent on market. Buy the thermistor to auto turn on & off - it hangs in the attic and is worth the extra cost. « Show Less
501099
If they are good batteries they should last a year or more, very easy to hang very soft nice light glowing colorsI had about 12 of them in my backyard last year, from an awing you might have to use a flexible wire to make a good hook connection however, if a storm comes up with high winds I would take them down or heavy snow The glass panel is easy to wipe off with a soft cloth or I use my finger�
68193
I have had two of them for about a year and they have been on my deck all the time. I live in Minnesota where we have very severe winters. I purchased some covers for them during the off-season and when I took them off this spring, they were in great condition. They appear to be well made, durable and so far so good:)
1940831
The solar panel is plenty strong. There are no weakness issues in the design I can see. It's really been useful camping since it also will charge cell phones!
1657463
We have 8 of these mounted on our garage. They are completely exposed to the elements & have been through many rainstorms for about 2 years now. They still look great!