solar panels

Submitted: Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 21:22

ThreadID: 52435 Views:3446 Replies:7 FollowUps:9

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Gregs GQ

hi guys n girls!
just wondering what would be the best wattage solar panel to trickle charge my aux battery during the day that runs my 30L engel.

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Reply By: GerryP - Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 21:56

Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 21:56

Hi Gregs,
I have a portable 80 watt panel which lets me keep my 40 litre Engel going on my auxilliary battery (N70 deep cycle) without any problems. In fact, I usually rotate between the aux in the car and the batteries in either the caravan or the camper trailer and have never yet run out of juice.
Cheers
Gerry

AnswerID: 276004

Reply By: domlc100 - Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 22:02

Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 22:02

Hi Gregs GQ , Your engel will draw about 2.5 amps so a 37 watt panel will supply about 2-2.5 amps max, 68 watt panel will supply about 3-3.5 amps and a 80 watt will supply about 5-5.5 amps but keep in mined that this is in full sun and the correct angel to the sun. I would run at least an 80 watt panel so you can supply some charge for the overnight running time and for couldy days. Hope this was some help.

AnswerID: 276005

Reply By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 22:40

Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 22:40

Hi Greg

Remember you need to replace in 8 hours what the fridge uses in 24 hours. Your battery size and type will also influence the equation and there are other variables. Based on my experience I would recommend a 80W panel for a 30L to 40L fridge.

Regards

Derek.

AnswerID: 276018

Follow Up By: Member - Matthew C (WA) - Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 22:48

Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 22:48

What brand and whereabouts are you guys buying these panels from.

Matt

FollowupID: 539882

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 23:12

Monday, Dec 10, 2007 at 23:12

Hi Matt

I use BP Solar and GP Green Power both from China. I do have a few of the old Australian made single 80W panels left. Quality and construction is the same using a 50mm aluminum frame.

Regards

Derek.

FollowupID: 539889

Follow Up By: Member - Matthew C (WA) - Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 00:30

Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 00:30

Can you point me towqards a link or where to get them derek.

Matt

FollowupID: 539896

Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 07:26

Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 07:26

Matt,
Derek is an Exploroz advertiser. Just click the link on his signature, and then click contact details.

FollowupID: 539903

Follow Up By: Faulic_McVitte - Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 08:21

Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 08:21

bought couple of 85w suntech mono crystal at $625 each
incredilbe to see 11 amps charging the battery

FollowupID: 539912

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 08:41

Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 08:41

Hi Matt

As you are in WA you should try one of the local suppliers. You will save on freight costs and I am sure they will price match for you.

Regards

Derek.

FollowupID: 539916

Reply By: Member - Hurkmagurk (WA) - Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 13:12

Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 13:12

Solar Sales in Belmont

AnswerID: 276072

Reply By: Wizard1 - Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 14:41

Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 14:41

The only thing that keeps me away from solar is the setup cost. I already have a Honda EU20, but want to do the right thing when I can as well.

I don't want a permanent setup in the van so the portable style panels seem the go. But the price. They are all around $1000 or so for a 80 Watt with all the bits.

Add a good 100 AH battery, a good 240V switch mode charger and there isn't much change out of $1500. Ouch

I guess I could plough through Ebay but don"t have the time..

So how does one get a reasonably priced 80 Watt portable solar panel for under a $1000?

AnswerID: 276083

Follow Up By: porl - Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 16:05

Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 16:05

Hi I tried to day to put my kit up for sale on trader but I already got my wagon for sale there so I'll have to pay to put my solar panel up - which I don't mind but I don't have any pics at the moment.

They are 2 x 40w BP Solar SX40W putting out max 2.37amps each. I have them connected together (home job) and a steca solarix regulator and 6m or so of decent wire to the alligator clips.

Why selling ? They just haven't suited my style of set up camp and wander off for most of the day. i have never wanted to leave them out (safety issue, i mean they aren't cheap) so have never really used them. I have a generator so now letting go of the things I don't use.

A price ? Well whatever is reasonable. I live in Brisbane. Tel: 04 3846 3846, if you txt me interest I'll send you an email address, I can txt you or email you pictures. They are in perfect condition. Would take 2min to separate them.

I'll put them in the trader section soon if I don't hear from anyone.

I am thinking about $700 but based on what someone said below I understand that might be a bit high.

prol

FollowupID: 539981

Reply By: yakodi - Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 15:21

Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 15:21

Gday - just setup 80watt Bp solar panel with 6 amp morningstar and wiring, and aluminium brackets, for approx $770 plus some monts for rhino commercial rack. Fitted in roof rack, panel was not too big and powers our 40l engel plus camp light and water pump in c/van. Thought this was most practical as we leave the caravan behind to go camping with the knowledge that we have a power supply. Lasts approx 3-4 days without running vehichle. More often than not we start the car for day trips. So far the regulator always states that we have a fully charged battery or near abouts. Purchased setup at Cairns solar suppplies - very helpful staff. .

AnswerID: 276090

Reply By: Ozboc - Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 16:14

Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 16:14

Has anyone bought any of those solar panels from ebay or the ones from GREYS online that someone else mentioned a few days ago ??/

Boc

AnswerID: 276100

Follow Up By: Cobes - Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 21:32

Tuesday, Dec 11, 2007 at 21:32

Hi Boc,
A few months back I purchased a brand new Sharp 80watt panel from the environment store on Ebay. The tranaction was very easy and the panel is great. I paid $580 for the panel which I think is a good buy.

Cheers
Chris.

FollowupID: 540040

Follow Up By: Member - Mainey (wa) - Wednesday, Dec 12, 2007 at 09:30

Wednesday, Dec 12, 2007 at 09:30

Chris,
that's because Sharp are a quality built product, unlike some another elcheapo brands available.
Sharp are a Japanese company and have been producing Solar panels for over 30 years, they are not a cheaply made product that uses elcheapo parts or dodgey technology.

FollowupID: 540092