solar panel
Submitted: Sunday, Sep 18, 2005 at 16:55
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26560
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Member - Kate N (VIC)
Hellooo all
Had a fantastic trip recently travelling all about WA - it was Fantastic
Only things is I reckon we might need a solar panel to help keep the
charge up to our 40 litre Engles fridge - - We do have an accessory
battery but found that after a couple of days we'd need a big drive to
charge it back up. What type is the best for using in a 4wd (I would
want one that wasn't locked down to a single location in/on the truck but
that could handle the rough tracks when packed away). Any thoughts??
Thanks
Reply By: Member -Dodger - Sunday, Sep 18, 2005 at 17:32
Sunday, Sep 18, 2005 at 17:32
Get a suitcase unit that can be connected to your battery and placed in the sun so that the vehicle is in the shade.
If you are still in WA go to the 12volt
shop.
www.12volt.com.au
Unisolar panels are supposed to be unbreakable.
I prefer Kyocera panels smaller but need care when travelling.
www.allabout12volt.com.au
AnswerID:
130681
Reply By: Alan Southport QLD - Sunday, Sep 18, 2005 at 17:35
Sunday, Sep 18, 2005 at 17:35
Hi Kate,
There are two types of solar panels Poly Crystalline and Amo (something). Poly are good general all rounders - while Amo types are 'slightly' better in shader conditions.
You can get suitcase/fold up/open type solar panels - but from memory only in the Amo type. See Ebay item no 5809604552
The Amo type are also larger in scale to the Poly type.
As for having them on the truck and off, i guess you could use the above. But how you secure them i don't know.
Also bear in mind that the normal 'fixed' type are all weather types.
So not sure about the fold up types.
If you are rich, then these will fit the bill nicely :) 5809729132 [Standard 80watt panels - all weather proof] will fit any normal van/bus with solar roof fittings. If you need to take off (portable), and fit back in later, then i am sure there are some wise and knowledgeble people out there.....:)
Also, the more power you can afford or fit within your means the better. Just make sure you get some sort of regulator - stops the panels overcharging the batteries - should cost no more (for your means [20amp regulator] ), than $50.
Hope that helps.
Alan.
AnswerID:
130684
Follow Up By: V8troopie - Monday, Sep 19, 2005 at 00:15
Monday, Sep 19, 2005 at 00:15
Amo type = amorphous solar panel. Instead of a glass substrate these use a thin sheet of stainless steel for a backing. The top of the panel is some kind of flexible clear plastic. They come in a fixed frame or a flexible panel type.
The flexible panels only go up to 32W so you need at least two of these to feed a 40 l fridge. The nice thing with flexible solar panels is that they could be stored under the mattress when not in use, you can sleep on it as the panel is only 6mm thick. You could walk on the panel ( but no stiletto heels) and it also could be rolled up but then would take up more room as the roll up diameter is about 30 cm min, they are flexible but not enough for rolling up tightly. The panel will permanently kink if bent sharply but it won't stop working from this treatment.
Disadvantage is the cost, much more expensive as a comparable wattage crystalline solar panel, also bigger in area for a given wattage.
These panels are also more shade tolerant and will provide a reasonable output even on overcast days.
But for the sheer easiness to pack them away or for just draping them over the bonnet or roof to use them, they are hard to beat for a travelling user. I use amorphous panels on my sailboat for the above reasons and can easily transfer them to the 4WD for a
bush camping trip.
Klaus
FollowupID:
385198
Reply By: Banjo - Sunday, Sep 18, 2005 at 21:26
Sunday, Sep 18, 2005 at 21:26
I had the problem of where to store our 2 panels while travelling.
Ended up welding two 'C' channels, about 30mm longer than the panels, under the roof rack for them to slide into. Another 'C' channel closed off the front, and to stop them falling (or being taken) out the back drilled a hole on one of the channels to fit a padlock.
Didn't interfere with use of the rack, and easy enough to pull out for use. They survived 14 months up there over all sorts of roads around Oz.
As another post suggested get some advice, as one panel may not be enough to give you sufficient input. We had 2 panels but were running the Engel as a freezer full time.
Banjo (WA)
AnswerID:
130722
Reply By: Member - Kate N (VIC) - Monday, Sep 19, 2005 at 10:10
Monday, Sep 19, 2005 at 10:10
Thanks everyone for the input - it's appreciated : >
AnswerID:
130770
Reply By: Steve - Monday, Sep 19, 2005 at 15:15
Monday, Sep 19, 2005 at 15:15
I use a UNISOLAR 64 watt unit ...works a treat ..and hang it under the roof top tent on a couple of brackets ( when not out facing the sun) ..also its unbreakable unlike the others mentioned !! ...not cheap though and always re-charge the batteries at a van
park when i get the chance ..i.e., when on a long trip of many weeks..
AnswerID:
130829
Reply By: Spark Solar - Thursday, Sep 22, 2005 at 20:07
Thursday, Sep 22, 2005 at 20:07
Hello Kate,
Good to see you had a great trip in WA. I noticed that someone had let you know about a Folding Solar Module Kit which is listed on ebay.
Well we are the company selling these modules Spark Solar and wanted to know if you have any questions at all with the kit.
We also have 75W Suntech solar modules in stock which we can do for $579 Each. The equivalent in the Kyocera range - 80W we can do for around $690. There is quite a price difference, but the Kyocera modules we believe are a better unit than the Suntech, it is really up to the individual on which module they choose.
Anyway let me know if you have any questions.
!!!!!!!!Visit Spark Solar Website Here!!!!!!!!!!
info@sparkelectronics.com.au
Thanks
Nick Rayner
Spark Solar
AnswerID:
131400