Solar set-up for the Deefer

[cewilson]

Now this one is a bit hopeful - but is anyone using solar panels for their camping trips?

I was originally looking at using 2 x 65W panels for my needs, but I've come across this folding 120W set-up:

http://www.energymatters.com.au/bmz_cache/8/805af1684d43cb26bbc77e6e94178e08.image.499x550.gif

Now this looks to be ideal for what I want - run the 80 litre Wacko and the other accessories whilst camping for a number of days. It'd also top up the batteries which is a big bonus. AND it isn't bloody noisy like a generator to **** off other people (and my own peace and quiet) with no requirement to carry fuel etc.

It comes with a Morningstar 10A regulator which seems to be a damn decent little unit. Cost is $1395 which is a bit dear, however I think I can justify this compared to buying all the components seperate - and which I'd have to mount permanently as well.

http://www.energymatters.com.au/bmz_cache/5/55cde6da25e7cda085514d05c1a9e9fd.image.512x550.gif

Thoughts please?

Cheers
Chris

[weeds]

that price would be pretty competitive i reckon.....yep big outlay, you should get a good life out of them

[Blknight.aus]

good panels, good regulators...

protect them they are not as smash resitant as the manufacturer will have you believe but they are pretty tough..


buy a soft soft soft velvety smooth better than what you sleep on blanket keep that clean and If you store the panel for transport in the bag wrap it in that first otherwise the canvas will abrade the protective surface an it can hinder power developement (try looking through wire wheeled glass you'll get the idea)

[101 Ron]

Unisolar are the go with portable solar panels as they are tough and if a few of the cells get damaged it will not take down the whole panel.
The only problem the Unisolar brand are in demand and most production has been pre purchased so there are supposed to be few units for us people off the street.
The unisolar are not quiet as efficient as the crsyular panels but they are flexible if need be and harder to damage.
There is nothing wrong with the above set up and wish I had the money for one too.

[cewilson]

Trust me - it's not so much I have the money - as I'll be making some sacrifices to get it. At the moment I'm struggling with a 40 amp alternator and an 80 litre Wacko fridge on my trips. And I do enough trips to justify it - otherwise I'd just put the bloody ice in it:)

Cheers
Chris

[awabbit6]

We have recently bought 2 Unisolar US-64 64W panels for our camper trailer. They are quite big (about 1300mm x 700mm each) but out perform all other panels in low light and partial shade. They are also quite expensive. Unfortunately Unisolar are now focussing on some big domestic deals in the states and have cut production on the portable panels. When we bought ours, most suppliers were unable to replace any of their stock.

We used one of the panels on a recent 4-day trip. We run a Waeco CF-80 and a couple of flouro lights off our battery and the single panel was sufficient for the trip even with just one sunny day.

I'm now looking at ways to mount the panels as I'm not keen on leaving them on the ground.

Price wise, the ones you are looking at are quite good. We paid $1600 for ours with the regulator, cables, plugs etc. Like most things, you get what you pay for.


Paul