solar

Hi

You can run something direct from a solar panel without regulator if max voltage below limit of appliance e.g. engel. Agree a complete setup without one is not ideal but maybe OP already has one or doesn't want an inbuilt one ?

Cheers
Greg

Hi Anthony

The Powerfilm was the original and are still made in the USA, while the Redarc are a copy and made in China, so I have been told.



Cheers


Stephen

Yep! That's correct Stephen.

There is also a pretty big difference in performance as well.

A friend has the same vehicle setup as me (model, batteries and bc-dc etc) and we have very similar 12volt usage. But, he has a Redarc 90watt panel and he gets about 30% less input than my 90watt. Daisy chain the 120 and the 90 watt and that is some serious input.

Some one did a lab based comparison and the figures were impressive. The big number difference is in the price. As they haven't let me down and perform exceptionally well in dappled sunlight - I think it is money well spent.

Cheers

Anthony

Hi Anthony,
I just looked on the Power film web sites both Aussie and USA and the max wattage I could find was 60 watt panels. Where did you get your panels from or are you able to join them?

Joe

Here you go Joe.

http://www.engelaustralia.com.au/upload/data_sheets/o20121114163523643.pdf

Hi Joe

I imported them direct from a dealer in the US.

Below is link to Powerfilm website (Insert Link not working).

I couldn't find an AUS dealer at the time who was asking a reasonable price. 90 watt was over $2000 in AUS. I got one landed in AUS for under $1000. I went back for another and ended up geting the 120 watt for approx $1300 landed in AUS.

I can join the 120 watt and the 90 watt together if I want to, but generally, I use the 120 watt on the LC via the bc-dc and the 90 watt to suplement the 120 watt I have on the roof of the trailer.

The good thing about these is - they still produce extremely well in dappled light - dont need "sunsoaking" - will still work if the cells are punctured - can be used as an awning - hung from a tree - laid on the roof, bonnet etc.

They are a different "chemistry" than normal Solar Panels which is why they are so expensive (but they are getting cheaper - then I will be Pi33ed that i payed so much). I bought a cheap regulator (under $30) to use with the panels if I need too or someone else needs to use them. Because of the way the work and the amount of energy they spit out an MPPT was hardly worth it - but they would perform better with it. But hell, why should I pay top dollar for others to use my gear?

http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/?foldable_solar_panels&show=category&productCategoryID=6579&productCategoryIDs=6578,6579

Cheers

Anthony

ACD1
Daisey chaining is a series connection, and additive of voltage, while paralleling is adding 120 w + 90 w so the amps are increased and not the input voltage.

Hi Ross M

One of us must be reading it wrong!

Below is link to the actual Power Film website and the Daisy Chain Accessory.

http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/?ra6__daisy_chain_accessory&show=product&productID=271560&productCategoryIDs=6574

The following product description is copied directly from the actual Power Film website!

RA-6 - Daisy Chain Accessory

Maximize your charging power. The RA-6 allows you to connect several PowerFilm chargers in parallel for increased current output (amps). By connecting multiple panels, you can achieve a combined output of up to 20 amps.

Cheers

Anthony