<span class="highlight">Solar</span> <span class="highlight">panel</span> kit question

Submitted: Saturday, Feb 23, 2013 at 17:36

ThreadID: 100721 Views:3191 Replies:3 FollowUps:0

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Michaeljp

I saw a add for a 80w solar panel + 80 amh battery and battery box for about $550. here is the link,
http://www.aussiebatteriessolar.com.au/deep-cycle-batteries/aussie-batteries-80ah-battery-80w-solar-panel-box-combo/

Would this kit be good for a 40 litre engel fridge? Or if i bought a solar panel alone would an 80w panel be good enough to recharge the battery
I was looking at an Arkpak + 130amh battery + a dc to dc adaptor to recharge it from the car as im driving along + a solar panel to recgharge when i stop for a day or two.
I dont really want to go the dual battery system route.
Or could someone recommend me another set up?

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Reply By: MEMBER - Darian, SA - Saturday, Feb 23, 2013 at 19:17

Saturday, Feb 23, 2013 at 19:17

Re prices (will leave solar calculations to the experts).... you can get the battery for $219 delivered on Ebay - 80W folding panels with regulator and lead for $165 delivered... you may be paying a bit too much..... but then, price is not everything :-o).... advice, service and warranty support count for a lot (and they might all be on tap from the Ebay vendors too - sigh - who can tell ?).

AnswerID: 505404

Reply By: Racey - Sunday, Feb 24, 2013 at 11:05

Sunday, Feb 24, 2013 at 11:05

Michael, I would go for the 130ah battery set up. Currently we have a 40 ltr Engel, we run as a freezer, connected to a 75ah Thumper which sits behind the back seat. The battery is charged from the main car battery via redarc relay. This arrangement does not keep the Engel running overnight with out being supplemented by the caravan batteries. If the Engel was run as a drinks frig it may be OK. I have found a 120w solar panel will keep the battery charged during the day. Over the next 2 months the battery will be changed for a 120-130ah AGM battery and fitting a dc-dc charger to the charging circuit.

Cheers
Racey

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AnswerID: 505429

Reply By: Michaeljp - Sunday, Feb 24, 2013 at 11:45

Sunday, Feb 24, 2013 at 11:45

Thanks for your replies gents,
Since my first post i looked into it a bit further on this site and found a 140w solar panel with MPPT regulator for $215 which ive ordered. I now just have to get the Arkpak and battery, a 120 or 130amh deep cycle and a dc to dc adaptor.

AnswerID: 505430