portable solar panels

Submitted: Monday, Jun 03, 2013 at 11:22
ThreadID: 102565 Views:2027 Replies:4 FollowUps:4
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I was wondering if there a prefered brand of solar panels ( eg.BP,kyocera etc).They will be used to charge van batteries and from what I can work out I will need 120 watts.

Thank you
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Reply By: Member - Redbakk (WA) - Monday, Jun 03, 2013 at 14:21

Monday, Jun 03, 2013 at 14:21
Mates and I bought ours off eBay, currently 120w folding on there for $169.00 with free postage, why pay more when you don,t have to.
We have had ours for 5 years now and still working fine even on cloudy days.
We take ours on fishing trips to keep the aux battery charged, it's a cranking/deep cycle type forRV,s and I run two waeco,s....1 as a fridge 60litre,the other a 50 litre as a freezer at -15 plus LED lighting at night and no issues at all......works for us.
AnswerID: 512453

Reply By: bks - Tuesday, Jun 04, 2013 at 17:50

Tuesday, Jun 04, 2013 at 17:50
Look on Ebay just be careful of what you are getting. there seems to be a minimum size for each size panel. If they are cheap and smaller than the other similar wattage panels on ebay keep looking.

I got mine on ebay from Ozplaza (or similar). It has been great. I also have upgraded the regulator to MTTP again from ebay.
AnswerID: 512520

Follow Up By: Member - Redbakk (WA) - Tuesday, Jun 04, 2013 at 20:45

Tuesday, Jun 04, 2013 at 20:45
Most definitely.....spend the extra bucks for the MPPT regulator, all mine are, they are the best.
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FollowupID: 790946

Follow Up By: bks - Tuesday, Jun 04, 2013 at 20:52

Tuesday, Jun 04, 2013 at 20:52
Also up graded the wiring to 6mm. absolutely pours the power into the battery now.
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Follow Up By: Member - Sonshine - Wednesday, Jun 05, 2013 at 21:53

Wednesday, Jun 05, 2013 at 21:53
I agree with Redbakk and BKS ...

I purchased a 120w folding set from ebay

The panels were fine, but the regulator was a cheapie that failed fairly early through corrosion. I bought a second slightly better regulator, which also failed before too long.
Finally bought a decent regulator with useful LCD status readout - its been working fine.
Also ditched the supplied cable and use 8B&S connected to either the Anderson plug on the car to run fridge / charge second battery, or again via anderson to the Van, where it then runs 6B&S to the van battery.
Gaz
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Reply By: Jason – Perth - Wednesday, Jun 05, 2013 at 07:53

Wednesday, Jun 05, 2013 at 07:53
Hi,

BP aren't making panels anymore so be careful if someone is selling new BP panels. Ameresco are the re-branded BP panel.

If they are for your van, have you considered purchasing a single 120W (I would buy 2 x 120W panels for most camping applications) as apposed to the folding, portable types and mount it on your roof?

Less wear and tear on getting the panels in and out.

Just a thought

Jason
AnswerID: 512544

Reply By: Ben J2 - Wednesday, Jun 05, 2013 at 21:46

Wednesday, Jun 05, 2013 at 21:46
Check out the Engel Powerfilm range. From what I've read this is the latest technology and doesn't need to be sun soaked (glass solar panels take an hour to start working), it can get holes in the panels and still work (I've even seen videos of the army shooting holes in it) and it is heaps more compact!
AnswerID: 512588

Follow Up By: bks - Wednesday, Jun 05, 2013 at 22:16

Wednesday, Jun 05, 2013 at 22:16
glass solar panels take an hour to start working????????????????????

Rubbish

Also look at the cost. you can buy at least double the wattage on ebay for the same money.
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FollowupID: 791031

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