Thread: Solar Panel Install

I have just installed a solar panel on the defender and thought I would share my works.

I picked up a 80w Unisolar panel rated 3.6amp, slightly damaged (aluminium frame small bend, and a couple of scratches on the panel) out of the trading post. I was originally going to buy a BP 80w but the Unisolar has worked out better as it is larger than the BP 80w which suited the main reason for the install being a wind break, the second reason for the install was to help batteries out on extended stops with no driving and the third reason I believe the solar panel will fully charge the batteries and conditions them for longer life (not sure if that totally correct).

I happy with the output of the 65w panel, it’s rated at 3.6amp output I think however in full sun it gets up to 4.5 - 5amp output, I think the BP 80w puts out about between 5-6amps. A 6amp regulator cost $60-$70, I decided not to get the regulator that fits in the box on the back of the solar panel so that I could install an amp meter to see what the output of the panel is. If I did it again I would have brought the regulator that fits in the box on the solar panel and put the amp meter between the regulator and batteries so I could see how much charge the batteries are taking i.e. if the amp meter is only showing 0.5amp or zero amps in full sun the batteries would be fully charged.

I already had two aux batteries in the cargo area behind the fridge slide, see photos page six in the gallery. I have a manual isolation switch, (idiot switch I think would be a good name as me being the idiot has forgot to either isolate or un-isolate. I have the option of selecting which battery or batteries are being charged i.e. both or start or aux. As the manual switch was already in the car I kept it instead of buying an electronic one. The regulator stops the panel sending charge to the batteries when the motor is running which I thought would not be the case as if it continued to charge it would reduce the load on the alternator. I do have the option that if I’m driving along with full sun on the panel I can isolate the aux batteries from the alternator and let the solar panel kick in to look after the aux batteries although the idiot switch comes into play again as I’m bound to forget that I have isolated the aux when the sun is going down or I’m driving at night. I’m yet to use this option.

It seems to be doing the job, a mate of mine is about to do the same sought of set up only he is going the 80w panel.

There are some more photos on the link below.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Are you putting a piece of poly-carb perspex
over the top to protect it from stones etc??[/b][/quote]
84RR - had not thought about putting perspex on top, it looks like it is made for a tough perspex, not sure if it would effect its performance. The likely hood of a stone hitting it would be about the same as one hitting the windscreen and due to the angle I'm hoping it would glance off





<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Don't know anything about installing in cars, but know from house solar that you have to have something to 'vent' the leftover electricity that the panel delivers once the batteries are fully charged?

Also do you need to have anything as a shock mount? Are the panels easily cracked?[/b][/quote]

abaddonix - good question about excess power, I think the regulator sorts all that out, I have not herd that I need anything to vent excess power, I will ask Springers next time i'm in there. I have not mounted on rubber, I will hopefully get time to put some rubber on the back mount tonight although I have not herd any rattles, Im sure the corrigations will soon let me know


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>The only thing you will have to watch is if the batteries are fully charged, they can be cooked if the solar panel does not have a reg on it.[/b][/quote]

drivesafe - I didn't quite mention in my post, I have fitted the regulator inside the console after amp meter, no chance of cooking the batteries.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Mate... you have enough power in tht car to jump start a d-9[/b][/quote]
Captain_Rightfoot - Can never have enough power, the extra power will be handy as I am now taking two engle, a 40L as a fridge and a 32L as a freezer.