Flexible <span class="highlight">solar</span> panels
Submitted: Thursday, Apr 20, 2017 at 21:06
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goldlink
Has anyone had any experience with 180W 12V FLEXIBLE BLACK SILICON
SOLAR PANEL supplier is VicOffroad. Currently have two old panels on the roof total weight 15.5kg, have a poptop van and looking to lessen the weight on the roof. This panel weighs 3kg. Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated.
Reply By: gerard m2 - Friday, Apr 21, 2017 at 03:46
Friday, Apr 21, 2017 at 03:46
Hi
We don't have the same panel you listed but do have a 110w flexible panel and find it sensational, easy to pack and easy to set up. Beats lugging 15kgs around
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Follow Up By: goldlink - Friday, Apr 21, 2017 at 08:56
Friday, Apr 21, 2017 at 08:56
Thanks for the input, much appreciated
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Reply By: Member - Boobook - Friday, Apr 21, 2017 at 06:39
Friday, Apr 21, 2017 at 06:39
VicOffroad is the same company as Sunyee. I have had excellent service from them in the past. I have 4 flexible panels, not from them, but they are great.
I am sure the VicOffroad ones will be great.
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610387
Follow Up By: goldlink - Friday, Apr 21, 2017 at 08:56
Friday, Apr 21, 2017 at 08:56
Thanks for reply, do you have these mounted on your camper or set them up each time. Thinking of mounting them on top of the poptop to keep the weight down during towing.
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Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Friday, Apr 21, 2017 at 09:33
Friday, Apr 21, 2017 at 09:33
Both, I have 2 mounted with Velcro to the rear hatch of my Tvan which I usually leave in place, but sometimes move when I'm parked in shade, and 2 under the bed which I use as portables in cloudy / overcast conditions as a booster.
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Follow Up By: JR - Friday, Apr 21, 2017 at 17:07
Friday, Apr 21, 2017 at 17:07
Flexible panels are great but be aware they arent as robust as some claim and as a result warranties and life is different.
Many quote long manufacturer warranty on CELLS but not whole panel.
I have had two 100W ones fail for no real reason when almost new, luckily supplier was supportive but maker was not.
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Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Sunday, Apr 23, 2017 at 22:07
Sunday, Apr 23, 2017 at 22:07
JR,
I also had a near new 100W flexible panel fail up in the
Kimberley last year. No output.
Went back to glass panels.
Cheers
Phil
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Follow Up By: goldlink - Wednesday, Apr 26, 2017 at 21:58
Wednesday, Apr 26, 2017 at 21:58
Thank you for all your help, we have decided to go for the traditional panels !
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Reply By: AJC - Sunday, Apr 23, 2017 at 17:59
Sunday, Apr 23, 2017 at 17:59
Hi, please be aware that the 180W flexible panels these guys sell are NOT 12Volt panels. You can verify this by looking at the rated and open-circuit voltages - for 12V these should be about 17-18V and 21-23V.
What this means is that you'll need a more expensive MPPT regulator to down-convert this higher voltage, otherwise you'll get much less than 180W out of the panel. (if you need more detail see
http://12voltblog.com.au/a-guide-to-using-solar-panels-and-regulators/)
I've also found many cheap eBay regulators that have MPPT written on them do not have MPPT circuitry inside.
Otherwise maybe look at getting 2 of their 100W flexible panels - they are in fact 12Volt and can be used on a PWM regulator.
Cheers
AJC
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