Another <span class="highlight">solar</span> <span class="highlight">panel</span> question

Submitted: Friday, Jan 31, 2014 at 14:13

ThreadID: 106027 Views:4123 Replies:3 FollowUps:4

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Michaeljp

Not long ago i sold a 140w folding solar panel as it took up too much space in my wagon. Now I'm looking at the Projecta 120w folding panel, not the bi fold panel but the smaller multi fold panel SPM120K. It folds up into a 30x56cm package.
It will only be used top up the charge of a 120 amh battery in a Arkpak when I'm parked for a couple of days and it only is used to power my 40lit engel fridge.
My question is, the panel has a 8.5amp solar regulater, would this panel be good enough to keep my battery charged? Yes its pricey but very easy to pack and thats what I'm after.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PROJECTA-120W-PORTABLE-FOLDING-SOLAR-PANEL-KIT-4WD-CARAVAN-SPM120K-4X4-HUNTING-/281175524447?_trksid=p2054897.l4276

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Reply By: Notso - Friday, Jan 31, 2014 at 14:17

Friday, Jan 31, 2014 at 14:17

I use an el cheapo Ebay 140 watt panel and I can keep my 50litre EvaKool running as a freezer for 6 days, which is the most I've done so far, not all sunny weather either. I also ran the van lights and radio off the same system during that time. So, I reckon 120 watts will handle the engel easy enough.

AnswerID: 525493

Follow Up By: Michaeljp - Friday, Jan 31, 2014 at 14:21

Friday, Jan 31, 2014 at 14:21

Thanks for that mate, I was more concerned at the 8.5amp regulator and wether that was good enough.

FollowupID: 807412

Reply By: Brian 01 - Friday, Jan 31, 2014 at 14:25

Friday, Jan 31, 2014 at 14:25

You would be lucky to see much more than 6 amps instantaneous from a 120w panel on a good day, so allow for an average 45Ah per day if you diligently keep the panels pointed at the sun.
Whether it will keep your battery charged will depend on how deeply you discharge it.

AnswerID: 525494

Follow Up By: Michaeljp - Friday, Jan 31, 2014 at 14:48

Friday, Jan 31, 2014 at 14:48

Thanks for that brian, but is the 8.5 amp regulater good enough?

FollowupID: 807415

Follow Up By: Member - Frank P (NSW) - Friday, Jan 31, 2014 at 15:53

Friday, Jan 31, 2014 at 15:53

Michael,

It is not just the amps figure that determines whether or not your reg is good enough - there are other factors.

But yes, on the face of it your reg is fine. Otherwise Projecta, a reputable company, would not have supplied it with those panels.

Is there any particular concern you have that makes you ask the question?

Cheers