solar panel for waeco

Peter, I am guessing the Waeco will draw about 4 amps? That's 48 Watts. A solar panel delivering that isn't small and it isn't cheap.

Peter, Purchased 21lt Engel today and looked at solar power for that size in flexible matt style but none big enough. Would only buy flexible one because solid panels dont travel all that well unless mounted on a roof rack etc. Have mate who bleep tered two solid style ones on his travels that were stored in camper trailer. A solid will cost around $800 which is the price of a good 4 stroke gen set. If you know the max amps to run the fridge I found a site on internet to work out solar panel size at extreme 4x4..
Cheers Firey

I am running a 55L Engels upright and use a 5A nominal (approx 3A really) and have calculated, and experienced, that it is not enough to be totally self sufficient. The panels are about $800 ea but second hand ones can be purchased for around $300 and are 80-90% the power of a new one. (BP Solar supplies, Perth). I opted for a gen set instead of a second panel for more versatility at around the same price as a new panel. Note : cheap panels will NOT do the job!!

Peter, I have the "suitcase" model Solar Port panel set up that opens like a suitcase and then can be adjusted for angle using two small built in legs. It is rated at 90Watts and I run a 50 litre Bushboy 2 speed fridge off it, or rather off the aux. battery with the panel topping that up. On a good day the panel will put 5 amps into the battery. The fridge, on low speed, _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx 2.5 to 3 amps. So you see I am in credit most of the time, until the skies cloud over and I have to start the engine to top up if necessary. Have had the solarPort for 10 years now, no problems and at the time it cost $1100.