I need replacements for 4X12 fafco solar panels. I see many different brands out there for sale, used, of course. My questions is...are there other brands that are compatible with fafco panels? I don't want to travel a distance, buy something and then it doesn't fit. Thanks !
Fafco solar panels
- Thread starter Dave2590
- Start date
Raising your post back to the top, hoping that someone with some knowledge of the issue will see and respond.
hwy17
Well-known member
There are these Vortex brand panels that claim to be Fafco connection and dimension compatible.
Personally I would be very resistant to the prospect of non-Fafco replacements. The Fafco product is delicate enough on it's own, I'd really rather not found out how it could be worse.
The sucky part about Fafco is they're channel only distribution. Only their AGP heaters are readily distributed online through a third party. So what you need to do is find a local solar installer / distributor and ask them for pricing. Hopefully they can come in at or under $450 per panel for 4 of them. There is a benefit in that their distributors receive the panels on a specialized pallet rather than rolled up so it will arrive in better condition.
Personally I would be very resistant to the prospect of non-Fafco replacements. The Fafco product is delicate enough on it's own, I'd really rather not found out how it could be worse.
The sucky part about Fafco is they're channel only distribution. Only their AGP heaters are readily distributed online through a third party. So what you need to do is find a local solar installer / distributor and ask them for pricing. Hopefully they can come in at or under $450 per panel for 4 of them. There is a benefit in that their distributors receive the panels on a specialized pallet rather than rolled up so it will arrive in better condition.
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I have purchased 6 4X12 Fafco panels that are Sunsaver St panels. These have individual channels that snap in to a bracket running across the panel. I am replacing Fafco panels with the channels all bound together. ( Not sure of their model name). My question is whether the two types will play nice with each other? Are they compatible?
hwy17
Well-known member
Should be compatible as far as I know then, here's the spec sheet listing identical dimensions and the connector size should be the same too.
If you are replacing only some panels, say 4 panels out of an 8 panel bank, then they might have slightly different flow characteristics or thermal expansion movement, but probably no problem.
If you are replacing only some panels, say 4 panels out of an 8 panel bank, then they might have slightly different flow characteristics or thermal expansion movement, but probably no problem.
I would call the company to ask:
FAFCO, Inc.
435 Otterson Drive Chico, CA 95928
Phone: (530) 332-2100
FAFCO, Inc.
435 Otterson Drive Chico, CA 95928
Phone: (530) 332-2100
I did call them. They have a totally automated phone system, no real people. They "will get back to me". I'm not holding my breath given their reputation for poor customer service.