Projecta folding <span class="highlight">solar</span> panels

Submitted: Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 08:39
ThreadID: 108835 Views:11494 Replies:5 FollowUps:6
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Is anyone using or know about the reliability, efficiency and general product quality of the Projecta folding solar panel kits,120Watt, SPM120K, model? I am considering these because of weight,7kgs, 1/2 that of framed 120W folding solar, space in vehicle and cost $590 compared with very expensive amorphous blanket type solar options. Wgt for me to lift & cost important. But need them to work! Will be running 23L fridge/freezer, USB, occasional camp light & pure sin wave Inverter for laptop. Also they come with alligator clips. Is it a problem to convert to Anderson plug?-thinking of the warranty (5yrs). Any feedback or suggestions much appreciated.
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Reply By: Les PK Ranger - Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:07

Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:07
Yes, have looked these myself, so will be interested to see any responses from users.
I like the fact you can roll out across a windscreen, and aim to afternoon sun at camp, both accessing the charging and blocking the sun from the interior of the vehicle.
As you say, compared to the amorphous blankets price and a regular panel space taken, I feel these are a good compromise.
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Reply By: Member Kerry W (WA) - Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:42

Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:42
Hi Stella

They sound good. I found this review

http://www.outbacktravelaustralia.com.au/camping-power/projecta-120-watt-folding-solar-panel-test-march-2014

they seem to be popular, thanks for bringing this up Ive been considering something like this.

Kerry W (Qld)
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Follow Up By: Member - Stella - Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 21:07

Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 21:07
Thanks for forwarding informative review. Much appreciated. Sounds positive.
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Reply By: Les PK Ranger - Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:47

Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:47
Meant to ask, what are you planning on running the panel to, a dedicated second battery (vehicle fitted or a battery pack), or your existing main battery ?

I do like the fact these have the inbuilt solar controller (maybe most panels do ?), even though it is only 8.5 amps . . . should be enough to top off / keep up with my AGM 100amp/hr in the Arkpak.
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Follow Up By: Member - Michael A (ACT) - Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 12:18

Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 12:18
Yep i hav a set and hav used them for about 10 months. got them due to thier size weight etc. Took a few weeks travelling channel country and birdsville etc about 6 weeks. We used the panels as our only form of top up besides driving and never had a issue with them. we stayed in several places up to 6 days and no problems

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M

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Follow Up By: Les PK Ranger - Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 12:42

Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 12:42
Ta for the feedback.
That controller is 8.5amps, but obviously overkill for the lesser amps generated from the panel.

Yes, my Arkpak runs my fridge and some led camp lighting for a few days no probs, and that's with no driving (very rare for me) or other input.
My Arkpak charges up the battery win about 4 - 5 hrs driving.

Of course best to keep battery charged and not allow to run low all the time.
That panel would be great for the odd days when driving is less, and has the added shading bonus on the windscreen.
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Follow Up By: Member - Stella - Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 21:17

Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 21:17
Running the panel to dedicated second battery, vehicle fitted.
Yes they do sound like a good compromise.
They were recently suggested to me for this reason. But haven't seen them in use nor read about them previously.
Appreciating the discussion and replies.
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Reply By: mbw650 - Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 14:29

Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 14:29
I got the same model about 2 years ago, don't know about now but back then it came supplied with mini Anderson, alligator clamps, cigarette plug and Waeco style plugs that simply changed over via a simple 2 pin (dummy proof) in line plug.
It was able to keep up with 60lt fridge, 12v lights and occasionally a DVD player for the 3 year old, our longest bush camp was 18 days and with sun every day we never had a problem. We even helped out another camper in an old Bedford bus motor home with a dead battery once, after 2 hours on the panel he was able to start his bus.( of course all he said was " didn't think that piece of sh#% would do it ", the brotherhood of free camping my ar+< !
AnswerID: 536418

Follow Up By: Member - Stella - Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 21:01

Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 21:01
Thanks so much for reassuring experience with the panels. Seem only to include alligator clamps now.
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Reply By: Member - graeme W (WA) - Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 23:47

Tuesday, Jul 22, 2014 at 23:47
Hi Stella. You should be able to buy good quality folding panels from reliable sellers on ebay for less that $200. Most folding panels come with cable that is to small just upgrade to 8b@s and add an anderson plug. Just do a search on this site for posts .
cheers Graeme.
AnswerID: 536444

Follow Up By: Michaeljp - Wednesday, Jul 23, 2014 at 17:07

Wednesday, Jul 23, 2014 at 17:07
Graeme, the ebay fold up panels are good if you have the room to store them. I opted for the 120w projecta ones because i can store them in the pocket on the back of my drivers seat. Yes, the projecta are more expensive but much much smaller than the folding type.
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