Yes, another solar question?

Submitted: Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 11:23

ThreadID: 105967 Views:2100 Replies:3 FollowUps:3

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Solar Power

This article covers every aspect of solar and its design and installation in RVs (camper trailers, caravans and motor homes). It shows how much power solar panels really produce,

Member - John

Fleabay 100 watt folding solar panel Fleabay 80 watt folding Solar panel

G'day, the above are on Fleabay, $150 for the 80 watt, $169.00 for the 100 watt. No specs etc for both, but even if they are not up to full spec will put something back into the battery prolonging battery time, or am I deluding my self and need to get better quality panels? Will be feeding into 2 x 110 amp/hour LiFePo4 batteries thru a MPPT controller, make/model still to be decided on. Thanks in advance.

John and Jan

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Reply By: Brian 01 - Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 11:46

Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 11:46

I'm not sure what you're seeing on that ad, but the specs are there.
Just in case you can't find them, see below.
Vmp 18, Imp 4.45, Isc 4.58, mono panel, PWM controller.
measures 669x401x70, I assume that is when folded, weight 8kg.

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Follow Up By: Member - John - Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 12:17

Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 12:17

There you go Brian, couldn't see for looking, re the specs. Thanks.

John and Jan

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Reply By: Member - John and Val - Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 12:26

Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 12:26

John,

As Brian says, the specs are there, but they seem pretty garbled. Suitable for 12V and 24V with a Voc of less than 24V using a pwm controller??? Hmmm..... don't think so......

You've invested heavily in batteries, think I'd look to a well regarded solar supplier. I don't recall the name, but there have been very favourable reports here regarding one major ebay seller. Maybe someone can suggest that name?

Cheers

John

J and V
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
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Follow Up By: Member - Barry H (WA) - Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 12:34

Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 12:34

Hi John,

Would that dealer be Bit Deals?

I bought my 160w panels from them, and I know a few others have as well.

Good dealer, good price, good panels = happy camper.

No association with them , just happy.

Regards

Barry H

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Follow Up By: Member - John and Val - Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 12:47

Monday, Jan 27, 2014 at 12:47

Yes Barry - that's the one that's had quite a bit of favourable comment!

Cheers

John

J and V
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- Albert Einstein

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Reply By: Racey - Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 08:57

Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 08:57

Hi John, I don't know what your load is. However, I would suggest you would most likely need a 200w+ panel(s) to charge 220 amphour battery. I have found bigger is better when it comes to panels, particularly on overcast days. Also mount the controller close to the batteries. Some of those MPPT controllers supplied with folding panels aren't that flash. I recently saw a test of a MPPT controller on Youtube. The unit looked identical to a unit which commonly used out here. I have also bought items from Bit Deals and found them to be a reliable supplier. I note they currently have 220w folding panels for $361.

Cheers

Racey

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