Solar Panels, Prices
Submitted: Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004 at 21:13
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Member - Jimbo (VIC)
Today I finally decided on the Uni Solar US 64.
Started at $795. Got $695 at Solar Zone (Surrey Hills, Melb), then $595 at Northern Solar at Campbellfield (too far from where I live).
Put $595 to Solar Zone and they said they'd match. Tried the same at Carac, Dandenong, and they said no way at that price. Spoke to Rod at Award Caravan and
Camping Accessories, 1809 Ferntree Gully Rd, FTG, and he quoted $540 without me having to bargain. Also very helpful with regulator, wire, crimps etc, some of which he threw in for nichts.
If Rod can make a quid at $540, how much are Carac making at $795?
I ended up with the whole kit for $619, and came home and wired it up and had it working tonight. Would have cost over $900 at Carac.
Looking forward to seeing how it goes. Might stick the fridge and the battery in the back room on the weekend and the panel in the back yard.
Pays to
shop around, no secret in that.
Cheers,
Jim.
Reply By: Mr Z - Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004 at 21:23
Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004 at 21:23
hi jimbo,
any more info on these panels? website?
which regulator did you get?
will this be enough to power your fridge etc?
i'm not far from ftg, and was hoping to get something before christmas, but i'm
running out of time!
thanks for your help
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: David Au - Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004 at 21:29
Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004 at 21:29
MrZ you know only to
well it is not enough to power a fridge.
If an 80w panel is not sufficient to power a fridge, what makes you think a 64w panel that will not product 64w till it gets to 25°C will power a fridge.
Considering you can have a 100w panel that is virtually the same size as a 64w panel at very little extra money, or an 80w panel which is smaller physically and cheaper, why would you go for a 64w panel with so many issues? I am intrigued
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Mr Z - Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004 at 21:34
Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004 at 21:34
just looking into different options
didn't realise they were 64w, makes sense though :-)
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Jimbo (VIC) - Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004 at 21:40
Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004 at 21:40
Z , I hope you don't ride a chopper (Pulp Fiction) LOL.
Web site can be found on Google, but I don't take too much notice of websites as they are only advertising sites IMO.
Got excellent feedback from Al and Lyn (Al and Mrs Al) who actually have them. Thanks Al and Lyn.
Regulator is a German job, "Kemo" brand, basic unit for $37.
According to what I have researched it will power my 80 L fridge for my style of
camping, ie keep reasonable charge in the battery in between drives. Should keep enough charge in the battery for 2 or 3 days in one spot. Don't think it has enough juice to stay in one spot for an extended period, but time will tell and I can add another panel if need be.
If you're near FTG, Rod's prices are the best I could find and he's an extremely helpful, honest bloke.
Hope this helps,
Cheers,
Jim.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Leroy - Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004 at 22:26
Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004 at 22:26
geeze David,
you are so quick too shoot people down to hilight your own opinion. How about being a little more subjective instead of ramming your view down thier thoat!
Jimbo has obviosly gone to someone on the industry that knows what he should be using and Im sure he would of been told if the panel was totally unsuitable. It's also good that someone else has a similar configuaration hence confirming what he has purchased works!
Leroy
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Gajm (VIC) - Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004 at 23:00
Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004 at 23:00
Jimbo I have had 2 x 32 watt Uni Solar panels that are hinged together, for a couple of years, I run a 39l Engel, and they have been fine for the sort of
camping you are talking about. But when the whole family comes with me it's obviously a different story. I need to grab a couple more, so might give FTG a call.
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Reply By: drivesafe - Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004 at 22:52
Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004 at 22:52
Hi Jimbo, after all the postings you went through to get the right info and now the right gear, you sound happy with what you got so please don’t forget to let us all know how it all works after your first trip. I think most who have followed this saga will be most interested.
Cheers and regards.
AnswerID:
88989
Reply By: Member - aussichef (SA) - Thursday, Dec 16, 2004 at 07:34
Thursday, Dec 16, 2004 at 07:34
Jimbo
What size duell batery system you going to run this solar system with
meaning what Ah battery really
thanks warren
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Jimbo (VIC) - Thursday, Dec 16, 2004 at 07:45
Thursday, Dec 16, 2004 at 07:45
Warren,
Its a 100 amp Lifeline "AGM" style battery wired toae Redarc solenoid.
Cheers,
Jim.
FollowupID:
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Reply By: bushfix - Thursday, Dec 16, 2004 at 09:04
Thursday, Dec 16, 2004 at 09:04
Good on you Jimbo,
you've done a fair bit of work on this, hope it all works out for you.
Jeremy.
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Reply By: Brian B (QLD) - Thursday, Dec 16, 2004 at 10:00
Thursday, Dec 16, 2004 at 10:00
Jim,
Good stuff.
As has been said, let us know how you make out after a few trips. Stay positive and enjoy.
Cheers
Brian
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Taize - Thursday, Dec 16, 2004 at 10:31
Thursday, Dec 16, 2004 at 10:31
Jimbo,
How are you going to transport the pannels? Roof rack, trailer? If you putting them on the roof could you let me know how you plan to do it as I have to put some pannels on the roof racks just after chrissy
Kym
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Jimbo (VIC) - Thursday, Dec 16, 2004 at 18:03
Thursday, Dec 16, 2004 at 18:03
Kym,
I'll keep the panel in the camper and set it up when I stop.
Jim.
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Reply By: madcow - Thursday, Dec 16, 2004 at 10:55
Thursday, Dec 16, 2004 at 10:55
Has anyone thought of ringing a rural supplies store? Most farmers get them at a far better price than you or me but it never hurts to try even if it has to be posted. I know of a mate who bought one at the
Seymour alternative field days and saved a fortune!
cheers
AnswerID:
89051