DIY portable flexible solar setup
Submitted: Thursday, Jun 19, 2014 at 09:25
ThreadID:
108311
Views:
3228
Replies:
7
FollowUps:
0
This Thread has been Archived
Jos
Hoping for the sharing of some ideas.
I have 2 x 150w (Voltech brand) very flexible solar panels, measuring 1510mm x 655mm x 1mm. Each panel weighs 1.7kg.
Although I could stick them on the roof of my camper, I prefer to
camp in the shade when it's available. So, I was thinking of mounting them on canvas (maybe an awning) or some other portable system that would allow me to be a bit more flexible about where I place them to get the most sun. Anyone done anything with these types of panels?
Reply By: Green Rv - Thursday, Jun 19, 2014 at 11:34
Thursday, Jun 19, 2014 at 11:34
could be done. but not a fan of the idea,
as you said you want to be in the shade so even if you mount on the annex or awning(risking damage) you will probably still be shaded at some time.
2 x 150w panels should put out approx 20amps with a good reg.
the best time to get solar is around 10am to 2pm in that 4 hr period you could collect 80 amps.
i rate myself in a hi energy user but i am only using 45amp/24hrs. so i think you may see where i'm going with this.
my suggestion work out how much power you need and park to get the amount of sun you need. if its sunny who wants to be inside anyway.
also note that when the van is at
home you still want the batteries to be charging all the time this will keep the batteries at their peek with the solar mounted on the roof you can be charging for free
option 2) mount one and use the other as a portable just make sure that you mount the reg close to the battery. dont want to lose all your power to voltage drop
yes i have a love hate relationship with solar.
AnswerID:
534623
Reply By: Member - Rosss - Thursday, Jun 19, 2014 at 17:00
Thursday, Jun 19, 2014 at 17:00
Hi, I have 2 x 100watt flexibles, cheap and chinese, they are the best panels I have ever had, beat all the expensive ones I have had over the years, I just made up 2 canvas bags to carry them in, they live in the front boot while travelling and I just put them out and lean them against the drawbar or rear bar, depending which way we are facing, being so light they don't have to be hard up against what they are leaning on, they can be on an angle and not fall or slide, as far as portable panels go I would not have anything else now.
AnswerID:
534640