Thread: Mandrake's Solar Power

What setup would you reccomend for the roof of my 110 tourer?

Ben ,

Sorry for the late reply but I didn't receive the email advice ...

I have a 140 watt panel on my roof rack which is connected to a 20 Amp MPPT controller and then a 100aH AGM - This set up easily powers my
Waeco CF50 when I am travelling .. I don't have a dual battery setup as I
usually only camp away from Mains for 2-3 days .. The camper has a small 50 watt panel to look after the 85 aH which runs my LED lights and laptop charging etc ..

So depending on what you are going to power and if its similar to mine then the same setup will cover you reasonably well - The only downside is not using the full roof rack or not using it at all ...

Haven't got a pic of the panel but this is the power plant in the back behind the rear seat .


If I can help with more specific info let me know - I do have a small excel spreadsheet which helps to work out power use and solar / battery requirements.

Cheers

Steve

Great post Steve

and this would be a great place to have that spreadsheet,,,

As requested - Below is a basic Solar Power Calculator - save it to your PC otherwise you are locked in "READ-ONLY" mode...
It is filled in with some data now just replace or remove anything in the green coloured fields . there are notes on the sheet to explain certain things hopefully it is clear enough - But if you have any problems with it or questions feel free to PM or email ..

Cheers

Steve

going to save up for one of your 100w units as we want to put a unit on our camper...we have been looking at solar for the last 4.5 years, but we have also as much as we have wanted one been waiting for the price to come down too.

It's so refreshing to hear the word "saving" - LOL -
If you are going to attend the Blackwood ( VIC ) meet - I have been
invited and will be showing off my panels and kits .. I guess I'll knock a few dollars off the price as well for on the spot cash buyers ...
They are currently listed at $700 ( $630 to AULRO ) which is about 300-400 below most others ...
Cheers

Steve

no wont be going down to the meet....perhaps you will have to come to sydney and show off your gear

Originally Posted by Mandrake

Ben ,

Sorry for the late reply but I didn't receive the email advice ...

I have a 140 watt panel on my roof rack which is connected to a 20 Amp MPPT controller and then a 100aH AGM - This set up easily powers my
Waeco CF50 when I am travelling .. I don't have a dual battery setup as I
usually only camp away from Mains for 2-3 days .. The camper has a small 50 watt panel to look after the 85 aH which runs my LED lights and laptop charging etc ..

So depending on what you are going to power and if its similar to mine then the same setup will cover you reasonably well - The only downside is not using the full roof rack or not using it at all ...

Haven't got a pic of the panel but this is the power plant in the back behind the rear seat .


If I can help with more specific info let me know - I do have a small excel spreadsheet which helps to work out power use and solar / battery requirements.

Cheers

Steve

Thanks Steve,

I already have a dual battery system and Traxide (Drivesafe on here) SC40 controller. So I take it I would just need a panel and controller?

I want to permanently mount the panel to the ribs on a 110 roof. The roof is only 1350 or so wide, so a 1300 wide panel may get damaged by brushing against trees.

The 80W panel seems like a good compromise - any word on the ETA of them?

Which controller would you suggest for the 80W panel?