<span class="highlight">Solar</span> Panels

There was a seller on EBay under the name of Ozplaza living that got a good wrap from members here previously so I bought my panel from them about 18 months ago No complaints so far

Hey thanks a lot for your reply Alby, I'll check that out today. Have agood weekend mate
Cheers
Bill

Thanks Bob, I'll check them out as well. BTW Love that truck Bob
Cheers
Bill

Bill,

Best to use an MPPT controller, to get about 10-15% more efficient use of the panel. Important (essential !) that the panel be suitable for 12V battery charging, and NOT one intended for domestic/mains solar installations. (The peak power voltage should be about 17V or open circuit voltage about 23V).

Depending on your likely consumption, you may find 120W a bit on the small size. Suggest have a look at our Electricity for Camping where a lot of considerations are discussed.

Cheers

John

The other thing to consider is upgrading the cables and making sure the controller is closer to the battery than the pannel.

A poster on another forum, baught a folding pannel system....ran a number of measurements and tests as delivered....found the performance pedestrian to say the least.
Then changed only the cables.....going for heavier cables and relocating the regulator provided next to the battery rather than on the pannel.

Result was a near doubling of output.

cheers

Just remember that if you put the panels on the roof, when your looking for shade on a hot day they won't work very well, or you'll have to leave the car in the sun. The folding panels are good but for me they were to big to carry in the wagon, so i bought a set of folding panels Projecta 120w. the only problem with them is that they cost twice the price of the bifold type. But at least they fit in the pocket behind the drivers seat. I also have an Arkpak and 120ah gam battery and the set up works very well just for a 40l engel fridge.