Solar Panels

[numpty]

NEW - 100W Folding Kit Solar Panels Monocrystalline Module 12V Camping Caravan | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-100W-Folding-Kit-Solar-Panels-Monocrystalline-Module-12V-Camping-Caravan-/220913218622?pt=AU_Solar&hash=item336f74343e)

Any one have experience or opinion on these?

Thanks Perry

[weeds]

they are priced right......

[isuzurover]

Price is good. Mono have higher output compared to poly, but effectively stop working when not in full sun. So if you plan to camp in areas with trees around, polycrystalline may be better for you.

[Debacle]

I paid about $100 for a 40 watt single panel which I think were made by the same mob, and that didn't include a regulator which are about $30, so that price sounds about right.

[101RRS]

I have the 120w version and it seems to work pretty well. Used it the weekend before last camping - was under a heavy coverage of trees and still provided reasonable charge.

One thing I didn't like (understand) is that it has a alligator clips and as the panel has no on/off switch and generates power when exposed to light even when folded (leads store inside folded panels) I was concerned about shorts. I cut off the clips and put on an anderson plug on the lead and one on the alligator clips.

I recharged the batteries through the van anderson plug but have the option to use the alligator clips if required - when stored the alligator clips lead are not connected to the panels so there is no chance of a short (but not sure it is an issue).

I am very happy with mine and I paid about the same as the ones in the listing (mine was an auction though and I got lucky).

Garry

[MEANZ06]

only if they would ship to me...:(

[Blknight.aus]

price is right BUT that regulator is not the most effecient unit, that said

IMHO assuming the panels are up to scratch and the framings decent for the money you could spend a lot of time trying to get a better starter kit.

[Graeme]

Is 100W enough considering effectively only about 80W is available without an MPPT regulator? Even if 100W is obtainable, will it produce enough charge in sunlight hours to replace the battery power drawn by whatever it is to run?

[Graeme]

Mono ... effectively stop working when not in full sun.
I understood that with the latest generation the opposite is now the case.

[Blknight.aus]

Is 100W enough considering effectively only about 80W is available without an MPPT regulator? Even if 100W is obtainable, will it produce enough charge in sunlight hours to replace the battery power drawn by whatever it is to run?

in townsville or brissy summer conditions a single 80w panel will keep a sensibly run engle going pretty much forever if the battery is in good nick.

[Graeme]

This 200W one doesn't fold and doesn't have a regulator but at $287 delivered its more like what I would buy, if I was actually buying!
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Solar-Panel-12V-200W-Off-Grid-Use-Caravan-Boat-12-Volt-200-Watt-/170765898352?pt=AU_Solar&hash=item27c270d270

[isuzu110]

This 200W one doesn't fold and doesn't have a regulator but at $287 delivered its more like what I would buy, if I was actually buying!
Solar Panel 12V 200W - Off Grid Use - Caravan - Boat - 12 Volt 200 Watt | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Solar-Panel-12V-200W-Off-Grid-Use-Caravan-Boat-12-Volt-200-Watt-/170765898352?pt=AU_Solar&hash=item27c270d270)

If you were serious about buying, I'd suggest thinking carefully about the physical size of a 200W panel, unless permanently mounted on your roof. I recently borrowed a mate's 125W panel over Christmas and it was getting to the point of being unmanageable to lug around and store.

[Graeme]

Yes, the weight can be a problem. I'm thinking ahead to possibly fitting batteries and solar charging to my pop-top but that weight on 1 end of the pop-top might make the top too heavy for me to lift, necessitating a smaller/lighter panel at each end.

[DiscoMick]

Do others agree with the previous post that 80w is enough to run an Engel as a fridge? I've been wondering if 80 would be enough or if I need 100 or 120. Its a trade-off of power for compactness with twin panels, I think.

[Grumpy]

Numpty just be carefull about 9 months ago, there was a mob trying to flog 80w for 100w. Even changed the stickers. Unfortunately cannot remember who it was.

Tony :wheelchair:

[Awest]

Well I just bought this (http://www.bitoo.com.au/Solar-Panels/Folding-Panels/80W-12V-Solar-Panels-Folding-Kit/52/productview.aspx) from here Bitoo (http://www.bitoo.com.au/).

I hope it arrives by Wednesday as I am camping from Thursday to Sunday for Aust day. Not sure why I will need it though as I think it will be raining the whole time!

[Grumpy]

Yes, the weight can be a problem. I'm thinking ahead to possibly fitting batteries and solar charging to my pop-top but that weight on 1 end of the pop-top might make the top too heavy for me to lift, necessitating a smaller/lighter panel at each end.

Graeme don't put them on the poptop's roof, I tried it and yes it is dam heavy. They are now carried behind the two front seats and held in place with two ocky straps.
My set up is a 120a/h battery and two Unisolar 65w panels. I can camp right in the shade and have the panels out in the sun. The run all the lights and a 32litre engel used as a freezer. If you are in an "unknown" area, have a length of 3/16th or 1/4 stainless chain and a couple of good padlocks. :nazilock:

Tony :wheelchair:

[isuzu110]

Do others agree with the previous post that 80w is enough to run an Engel as a fridge? I've been wondering if 80 would be enough or if I need 100 or 120. Its a trade-off of power for compactness with twin panels, I think.

I don't wish to ignite a fridge brand war, but I believe only 80W is too marginal. Perhaps you can run an 47l Engel on fridge only, however, I was never able to run my 60L fridge/freezer on only 80W for extended periods in SE Qld. I believe a minimum of 100W is a better rule of thumb.

The less solar you have, the more time you spend chasing the sun and not sitting back and relaxing around camp.

[d@rk51d3]

I always held the opinion that 80w was the bare minimum you'd want to run. Opted for 120w myself, just for a bit of leeway.

[DeanoH]

.....................................One thing I didn't like (understand) is that it has a alligator clips and as the panel has no on/off switch and generates power when exposed to light even when folded (leads store inside folded panels) I was concerned about shorts. I cut off the clips and put on an anderson plug on the lead and one on the alligator clips.

I recharged the batteries through the van anderson plug but have the option to use the alligator clips if required - when stored the alligator clips lead are not connected to the panels so there is no chance of a short (but not sure it is an issue).............................

Garry

Solar panels are the only power source I know of that that it is OK to short circuit. In fact Isc or short circuit current is a measure of a panels output. This is measured by connecting an ammeter (short circuit) directly accross a panels terminals and measuring the resultant current. (Don't) try this with any other power source and 'watch the sparks fly'.

Your solar panel should have a solar regulator so that it delivers the correct charge to the battery. ie. With no load (open circuit) a '12 volt' panel will generate in excess of 20 volts, with a short circuit it will deliver 0 volts. What is required is something in between, usually around 13.5 volts (depending on battery type). The solar regulator does this for you. I would not recommend short circuiting the output of your solar regulator.

The regulator should be as close to the battery as practicable. There's no point in having the regulator at the panel and then losing voltage in a long cable to the battery.
It is also very important to ensure that a panel has protection diodes fitted. These protect the panel from damage, particularly from reverse connection/current.

Deano:)

[DeanoH]

I always held the opinion that 80w was the bare minimum you'd want to run. Opted for 120w myself, just for a bit of leeway.

Found the same thing.

Our caravan has an 80 watt panel on the roof and a Dometic fridge (same Danfoss compressor as a Waeco). It is marginal. 100/120 watt would be optimal.

Deano:)

[TerryO]

We went camping over christmas with four other couples for a week, two of the couples had 80 w portable solar panels each to charge their batterys. which were basically only used for their fridges It was sunny every day and both in general ran their genys every other day for up to two hours.

To me that kind of set up is a complete waste of time and why would you bother, either get a good solar set up where you don't need a geny unless it rains for days on end or get a huge battery and use your geny every two to four days depending on power demand.

As mentioned else where on here we have two Kyocera 135 w panels on the roof of our van connected to a ProStar 30m regulator which supply power to two x 100 amp AGM batterys.
No matter how much power we use the day before and believe me we use plenty with lots of LED lights inside and out, fans, 60 litre fridge, stereo, water pump and the TV occasionally, by 10.00am the next morning the green light is flashing on the regulator.

One thing I will say is, not all solar panels are good quality and or deliver what they promise especially many of those sold on ebay.

cheers,
Terry

[numpty]

Thanks for the replies.

My understanding also is that mono panels work in shaded conditions.....not as efficiently of course.

My rough calculations were that an 80w panel (6 to 7 amps) operating for 5 hours a day (sensible average) produces 30 to 35 amps of power. My 40 litre Engel averages 1.5 amps per hour, therefore requiring 36 amps for a 24 hour period. As I can now run my Engel for 4 days on my 2 batteries (and have done) with little effect on starting ability, this would give me a much greater margin. I should say also, that I run 2 start batteries for this purpose and the last 2 lasted 5 years before any lack of starting ability became apparent. I only ever run the Engel as a fridge, set on 1 1/2 where it cycles between about .5 and 4 deg.

Being 100w and folding, this would take up less space than a single 80w panel. I have contemplated a solar setup for years, so this may be the time.

Perry

[cookiesa]

Personal experience is very good quality panels, 80w is fine up to around 60l fridge (not dual zone) and some lights.....

(Dual zone fridge/freezers generally run as a freezer and spill the cool air in to the fridge section pushing up the power consumption considerably (often for 60l size realistically around 3 amps per hour instead of 1-1.5amp for a fridge. It is often around the same price to buy, and better on power to run a fridge and seperate freezer)

Cheaper the panel the more watts you will generally need as they aren't as efficient. Even comparing Monocrystalline panels can be hard ecause there are different grades. Ideally you want Mono, A grade cells.

Rather than just a regulator have a look at ones with a charger (MPPT is best, but a multi stage charger will make a big difference even if not MPPT)

I like to run with around 100w, good quality panel with charger. There are plenty of ways to achieve this, including fitting a charger that will run solar and also can be used as an auxillary battery controller if you want.

[Awest]

Well mine arrive today, quality looks good, not that I would know. Bit hard to try it out as we are in the middle of fairly good rain depression. Lets hope it clears by the weekend so I can try it out!

I never camp anywhere for a week, we are always on the move so I am sure my 80w will be fine for us.

We have an 80ltr Trailblazer which I generally only set on the lowest setting which sits the inside of the fridge between -5 and +5.


I have 1 small LED light in the canopy and 1 fluoro.

Cheers Barney

[DeanoH]

...................................My understanding also is that mono panels work in shaded conditions.....not as efficiently of course.

................................................ I have contemplated a solar setup for years, so this may be the time.

Perry

If your panels are shaded the output is negligible. If your panels are in direct sunlight on a hot day the output will be degraded as panel temp increase = output decrease.
I've had both mono and poly panels (both 80 watt) and found that the poly panels were better in poor conditions than the mono's, but in fairness the poly panels were newer and had a better reg than the mono system I had. I put this down to the 'crinkly' surface of the poly panels being able to better pick up light from different directions. Might be total BS, don't know.
In the end I got rid of the panels as being too much trouble. A couple of extra batterys with a good vehicle charging system and the use of efficient lighting is a lot easier than mucking about with panels.
The only time I see panels as a benefit would be in a fixed camp of say 3+ days duration or longer where it isn't practicable to have that much battery capacity. This is also where 3 way fridges come into their own. Totally hopeless on 12 volts as they suck power like there's no tomorrow but great on gas in a static setup.
I guess it gets down to the type of camping/travelling you do as to which is the better way.
As for generators, IMHO the scourge of bush camping, used by the totally selfish and irresponsible. If you need a generator to survive in the bush do everyone else a favour and stay at home. Not picking on you Numpty but their use was advocated earlier in this thread.

Deano:)

[Rusnut]

I like to run with around 100w, good quality panel with charger. There are plenty of ways to achieve this, including fitting a charger that will run solar and also can be used as an auxillary battery controller if you want.[/QUOTE]





C-TECH's 12-12+ solar charger works quite well

[numpty]

If your panels are shaded the output is negligible. If your panels are in direct sunlight on a hot day the output will be degraded as panel temp increase = output decrease.
I've had both mono and poly panels (both 80 watt) and found that the poly panels were better in poor conditions than the mono's, but in fairness the poly panels were newer and had a better reg than the mono system I had. I put this down to the 'crinkly' surface of the poly panels being able to better pick up light from different directions. Might be total BS, don't know.
In the end I got rid of the panels as being too much trouble. A couple of extra batterys with a good vehicle charging system and the use of efficient lighting is a lot easier than mucking about with panels.
The only time I see panels as a benefit would be in a fixed camp of say 3+ days duration or longer where it isn't practicable to have that much battery capacity. This is also where 3 way fridges come into their own. Totally hopeless on 12 volts as they suck power like there's no tomorrow but great on gas in a static setup.
I guess it gets down to the type of camping/travelling you do as to which is the better way.
As for generators, IMHO the scourge of bush camping, used by the totally selfish and irresponsible. If you need a generator to survive in the bush do everyone else a favour and stay at home. Not picking on you Numpty but their use was advocated earlier in this thread.

Deano:)

Exactly the reason I am going this route.

I have been vehicle camping for 40+ years, the last 30 odd with a fridge and 20+ of these with a 3 way, so I think I know what I'm contemplating reasonably well :D I dont like generators and have never thought of going that way either.

For info, I ordered a 100w kit yesterday.

[cookiesa]

I'm sure you will be glad you did!

Hear everyne's comments regarding generators! Sometimes the way people use them doesn't help either..... It is hard to get through to some people that if they REALLY need to use the microwave, run it through the genset, not the inverter then run the genny for two hours to recharge the batteries! Lol

[TerryO]

Seriously once you have had a decent solar system set up for camping it is highly unlikely that you would ever want to be without one again or ever want to carry around a generator.


cheers,
Terry

[DiscoMick]

Very true. I feel just as positive about the solar on my house. Why did I wait so long to do it?