Fake outputs on flexible solar panels

[uniko_designs]

I want to know why ebay allows sellers of flexible solar panels to write whatever output they want, such as 300W, 350W 400W from panels of half a square meter which cannot be done, some are advertised at 500W from a 1320 x 820 panel, which is technologically impossible with todays cells for such a small panel.

There is another seller stating 500W output from a 540mm x 430mm panel !!!!!!

Anyone that knows anything about solar panels from the physical size and the maximum efficiency solar cells are made from, knows it's impossible for these panels to output that much power.

Every seller is promoting ridiculously high outputs from these small panels, that the average buyer doesn't understand why their promised 400W panel is only outputting 90W under full summer sun.

ebay needs to get their act together with these sellers because they are ripping off the buyer, I have had 4 mates buy them only to find out the maximum output was 1/3 or even 1/4 the stated, outputs were tested using solar irradiance meter and specialised solar panel wattage output devices, I told them all to send the panels back. 

Another problem is majority of these panels are being sold from Regens Park, or Villawood in Sydney, it seems coincidental that there is 40 different sellers in Villawood selling under rated panels, IMO it's the same seller with 40 different ebay store names.

You guys need to stop these sellers ripping off the unsuspecting buyer.

[twyngwyn]

China?……………….

[lezned-toycollector]

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@uniko_designs wrote:

You guys need to stop these sellers ripping off the unsuspecting buyer.

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I understand your point of view, but in response to your final statement... No, we don't - nor are those you are addressing capable of doing any such thing.

The members posting here have absolutely no say in how eBay implement or apply their policies.

[davewil1964]

You get what you pay for.

If what is advertised is impossible, that's a red flag.

If the price is too good to be true, correct.

Your mates should have consulted you before buying cheap Chinese junk.

Caveat emptor.

[springyzone]

ebay needs to get their act together with these sellers because they are ripping off the buyer,

Ebay doesn't personally monitor most ads. Only to the extent they legally have to.

There have been complaints before about solar panels.

Items coming from China don't have to conform to Australian standards.

Many ads across a whole range of products are deceptive, there are a lot of knock off products, there are ads that promise warranties that are useless.

The list goes on.

The fact is, if you're buying solar panels from some random unknown on ebay, there's no guarantee you'll get a decent product. You're more likely to get duds.

Ebay has a money back guarantee in that if a product is not as described, a buyer can apply for a refund within 30 days of receiving it.

I'd advise your friends to open a claim, if they have time.

That's how ebay covers itself. They allow claims.

But ebay is never going to stop those sellers you mention. Not unless the government stepped in or unless a lot of the buyers were opening claims. But I bet you're right and a lot of buyers don't have a clue.

I wouldn't necessarily say all those 40 sellers are the same person. I suspect it is just as likely that those places are industrial and have some warehouses where different Chinese sellers send products. Get your friends to look up the seller's location. Not the item location, the seller location. I'd be willing to wager most are from China.