Is this Solar setup good enough?

**Slunnie** · 13th November 2016, 10:09 AM

Hi all,

Just looking for some opinion - if these solar electric systems will do the trick.

The Disco2 has a 150ah rear 2nd battery and this powers an Evakool ED50 50litre fridge, a camping ARB flouro versa light (in reality I usually use an LPG gas light) and device charging (eg phone, camera, ipod etc)

For touring (eg winter desert) where we are driving substantially each day, I think that setup is enough.

For camping though (eg Xmas on Fraser Island, Sydney latitude camping etc) where driving each day is minimal, in its later worn out years the 2nd battery (100ah Lifeline) wasnt coping at all. I've just replaced it with a 150ah Lifeline, but am thinking it might be nice to supplement the input with a solar setup and a roofrack mounted panel. Hopefully this keeps power in the battery.

Considering it would only be used for maybe a week each year, would these panels do the trick or are they that crap?

My leaning is towards the 250w setup but I do like how the 160w panel will fold up and use less space when travelling. I really don't know a lot about solar and dont want to throw a heap of money at it.

250w $284
https://www.vicoffroad.com.au/sport-...rging-kit.html

200w $197
https://www.vicoffroad.com.au/promo-...regulator.html

160w $200
https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/pro...lar-panel.html

100w $124
https://www.vicoffroad.com.au/sport-...rging-pwm.html

**Ferret** · 13th November 2016, 12:35 PM

Found this solar panel sizing calculator on some other forum some time ago. Forget where I found it so can't correctly attribute it to it's author, but it is not my work.

No documentation but some cells have comments behind them (red triangle in upper right corner of the cell) which explains what the input data is about.

Maybe it can give you some guidance given you have already identified most of the data it requires (the buff coloured cells) for your particular situation.

**Blknight.aus** · 13th November 2016, 12:40 PM

the 160w panel will be more than enough for a weeks camping with a 150ah battery running a fridge and a couple of hours worth of basic lighting.

Try to restrict charging appliances to when the panels are charging the batteries and youve got it made.

the 200w panel represents about your best investment out of that lot.

**Homestar** · 13th November 2016, 02:59 PM

I've got a 160 watt panel charging 2 x 100Ah batteries. Generally used for charging phones/iPads, running up to 3 x 6 watt LED globes, and a small TV. Never been short of power, even when I was running the Engel as well (which I don't now as the setup has ended up in my Caravan). If I did it all again, I'd go the 200 watt panel just for the extra bit (if ever needed) but the 160 watt panel will do as well IMO.

**Slunnie** · 14th November 2016, 11:47 AM

Fantastic, thanks everybody! I really appreciate the comments and feedback.

**Slunnie** · 17th November 2016, 08:11 PM

Originally Posted by Ferret

Found this solar panel sizing calculator on some other forum some time ago. Forget where I found it so can't correctly attribute it to it's author, but it is not my work.

No documentation but some cells have comments behind them (red triangle in upper right corner of the cell) which explains what the input data is about.

Maybe it can give you some guidance given you have already identified most of the data it requires (the buff coloured cells) for your particular situation.

Great calculator to play with and work out variables. Thanks!

**DeeJay** · 19th November 2016, 08:21 AM

My understanding of AGM batteries is that a 10-20% charge is the most efficient. It's not critical as a 5% charge ( IE 7.5 amps in to a 150 amp battery) will still charge it but take longer on a pro rata basis - if that makes sense.

**nismine01** · 19th November 2016, 10:41 AM

Just in line with where you are going, and I realise you have replaced your battery, but I am following along the same lines.

I have found Lead Crystal batteries, they weigh the same/ish as lead acid but they have a different composition, can be discharged down to zero volts and cycled more often than any other battery.

I think the site was Alpha Technologies or Alpha Batteries.
Price is comparable with AGM etc.

regards

Mike

**VladTepes** · 28th August 2017, 09:48 AM

Slunnie... did you get your solar system (above) up and running ?

How's it working out for you?

I'm looking at options myself....

**Chops** · 28th August 2017, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by nismine01

Just in line with where you are going, and I realise you have replaced your battery, but I am following along the same lines.

I have found Lead Crystal batteries, they weigh the same/ish as lead acid but they have a different composition, can be discharged down to zero volts and cycled more often than any other battery.

I think the site was Alpha Technologies or Alpha Batteries.
Price is comparable with AGM etc.

regards

Mike

Not sure about this, as electrics aren't my thing,,, but, wont your fridge turn itself off at about 10 or so volts anyway?

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