http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/29/busin ... .html?_r=0
http://economyincrisis.org/content/defe ... gy-efforts
There are many, many other similar articles. Type "defective Chinese solar panels" into Mr. Google.
The NY Times article is two (2) years old; the Economy in Crisis article is one (1) year old.
The NY Times article is particularly troubling, especially some of the admissions made by company executives and investigators.
Sadly, I have been unsuccessful in efforts to find an American solar panel mfg. that makes a solar panel in the US that is intended for sailboats (12v systems). I do not necessarily object to sourcing raw materials, minerals, etc., from overseas. I just want an American company that checks the raw materials, etc., to make sure they are safe and of quality and then have that same company build the solar panel. Perhaps "a bridge too far".
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)
I will continue to search because I would like to install a small solar panel (I believe similar to what Megunticook is thinking of doing) but I am admittedly scared of buying "Made in China", especially when it comes to something with the potential fire hazard of batteries.