Plug in Portable Solar Panel

Submitted: Wednesday, Apr 07, 2010 at 15:41
ThreadID: 126495 Views:3611 Replies:3 FollowUps:3
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Hi all...
We have a flexible solar panel affixed to our T@b which is quite efficient. It has been installed with the option of plugging in another portable solar panel which didn't come with the unit.

Just wondering if anyone travels with an additional panel for those times where you prefer some shade over the BT and yet can feed in the rays through the portable panel. I would think there would be some consideration to durability being portable and weight is a factor as well. Technical advances happen so quickly & solar panels have improved in recent years.


Have seen a few 'suitcase' types and some comment on forum ages (..years) ago about carrying a flexible panel as opposed to the 'crystal' type but just asking if anyone has experience with them.

Cheers,
Helen
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Reply By: bindi - Wednesday, Apr 07, 2010 at 19:18

Wednesday, Apr 07, 2010 at 19:18
Yep, we have a 120w fold out solar panel [ has it's own reg] that plugs into an Anderson plug with the required cables to the batteries.
Handy when 1 or more [of the only 3 panels] is in the shade, also use it to charge the 3rd battery [a 105ah] in the tug that runs the 55l Evercool 12/24v fridge , the 2nd tug battery [105ah flooded] is the reserve and charged by the alternator [or panel if need be].
AnswerID: 580214

Reply By: Silver Fox - Wednesday, Apr 07, 2010 at 21:33

Wednesday, Apr 07, 2010 at 21:33
This is an interesting thread because there are now good campsites under some "regulations" which insist NO gennys. e.g. Mornington Station, W.A. This great place has a large camping section almost covered with large trees. Sunshine is able to penetrate very few areas and for very limited times. There is so much to see and do on this huge property e.g. birding, canoeing and swimming that a prolonged stay is desired. Whilst there last year I noticed many campers using these flexible solar panels. I have an Anderson plug on the BT. Not entirely sure if it has a diode which would not allow current to flow into the BT battery bank. I have a vague idea it is for surplus power from the BT solar panels to top-up the L/C batteries or is it for cloudy days when travelling and excess power is fed from the L/C? Electricity puzzles me mostly. Any sparkies out there shed any light on this. May be of interest to others too. cheers.
AnswerID: 580215

Follow Up By: galacticbob - Thursday, Apr 08, 2010 at 07:03

Thursday, Apr 08, 2010 at 07:03
We have a portable 80 Watt fold out.

Can be used to feed into BT or 3rd battery which runs an ARB fridge in tug

or both.

We like the versatility and the ability to be able to move the panel as the sun moves.

Bob
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Reply By: Roderick - Monday, Apr 12, 2010 at 00:22

Monday, Apr 12, 2010 at 00:22
Could you please tell me the cost if these flexible panels? Thanks, Rod
AnswerID: 580216

Follow Up By: TripnTaps - Monday, Apr 12, 2010 at 00:48

Monday, Apr 12, 2010 at 00:48
Rod are you referring to the flexible panel on my T@b or the portable one referred to by Bob?

If its the flexible one on our curved roof of the T@b your asking about its a 64W and cost around $650- AUD

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Follow Up By: galacticbob - Monday, Apr 12, 2010 at 07:14

Monday, Apr 12, 2010 at 07:14
Rod

WE are using the portable Bifold type made by Suntech (80 w). regulator included
and sells for around 850 to $900 depending where you buy from.

Bob
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FollowupID: 852426

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