What size watt my solar panel ??

Submitted: Monday, Oct 06, 2014 at 16:25
ThreadID: 109731 Views:3459 Replies:5 FollowUps:5
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Hello all you good people , i have 2 individual solar panels on my caravan roof which was with the van when i bought it , think it is a BP make and it fits in a ready made square aprox 1170 x 700 but i dont know the amperage of it , looked at the Bp parapenalia that came with but no indication of the watts ?? On sunny day its putting in about 3a/hours . I know it sounds dumb not to know the wattage but any educated guess would be appreciated !! More questions to follow when we have dealt with this one
The 2 panels are together
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Reply By: bobsabobsa - Monday, Oct 06, 2014 at 18:59

Monday, Oct 06, 2014 at 18:59
Hi Brian sounds like about an 80 watt can you post a picture of it ?
bob
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Follow Up By: Member - Rosco from way back - Monday, Oct 06, 2014 at 19:52

Monday, Oct 06, 2014 at 19:52
I'm with Bob. Sounds mighty like 80W ... without measuring mine.
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Follow Up By: Member - Brian - Monday, Oct 06, 2014 at 21:09

Monday, Oct 06, 2014 at 21:09
Thanks everyone for your replies , thought it may have been 80 but wasnt sure . Will try and take photo Bob , not real good at this new fangle dangle stuff
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Reply By: wholehog - Monday, Oct 06, 2014 at 20:00

Monday, Oct 06, 2014 at 20:00
Without going outside and grabbing a ladder and a tape measure, you say BP panels.

They are an old and original quality solar panel. I have 6 of them on top of my 2002 Bushtracker, and they are 85 watt.
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Follow Up By: Member - Brian - Monday, Oct 06, 2014 at 21:18

Monday, Oct 06, 2014 at 21:18
Was going to start new thread but might as well ask now ! Now that technology with solar has improved along with falling ple on erices i have another same size space on roof where obviously similar panel was , what wattage panel would go in that same space and if so looking for reccomendations on brand , if available online etc etc ??
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Follow Up By: Les PK Ranger - Tuesday, Oct 07, 2014 at 08:50

Tuesday, Oct 07, 2014 at 08:50
I have some of those old BP panels somewhere, but you're right, hardly worth using the way tech has improved in the field.

Also update your needed wattage and try this Redarc Solar Calculator to get your approx panel output needed.
Click Open Solar Calculator, Accept, then put in your setup / needs.
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Reply By: B1B2 - Tuesday, Oct 07, 2014 at 09:55

Tuesday, Oct 07, 2014 at 09:55
Brian,
Wattage - Power = Amps x Volts
= 3 x 17 volts (approx) = 51 watts.
The panel puts out a high enough voltage to charge the battery taking into account losses due to volt drop.
Measure the Amperage output in series with the battery to check it with an el cheapo multimeter. It is a fairly low output that would probably only run a few lights.


Cheers,

Bill
AnswerID: 540019

Reply By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Tuesday, Oct 07, 2014 at 20:09

Tuesday, Oct 07, 2014 at 20:09
Hi Brian,

Depending on your needs I would suggest, as others have said, that you may be wise to replace the old panels as they may be less than efficient given current technology.

At 3 Ah they would not be doing your battery/ies any favours if drawing say 5 amps to run a potable frig or such like.

Suggest you look into updating your panels if necessary with maybe one larger one as the larger panels are better buying, watts per dollar wise. A new regulator may be advised in that case also.

You could go for one 150watt or one 200 watt panel whichever may fit in the same space. Check out ebay and see what is available size, wattage and price wise to suit your requirements.

You are better off with a some "over capacity" rather than "under capacity" as it will stand you in good stead on cloudy days etc.

Cheers, Bruce.
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Reply By: Member - Brian - Tuesday, Oct 07, 2014 at 22:09

Tuesday, Oct 07, 2014 at 22:09
Thank you all can anyone reccomend reputable contact ebay or other please ?
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Follow Up By: B1B2 - Sunday, Oct 12, 2014 at 10:16

Sunday, Oct 12, 2014 at 10:16
Brian,
I bought a 130w panel from 'Low Energy Developments' for $169, 18 mths ago in Melbourne. I picked mine up, but they are on ebay and deliver a lot of them free. (not all) A pretty good selection.


Cheers,

Bill
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