solar panel question

[rdemler]

Has anyone used this panel for their charging needs?I have no idea how any of these work.How long would it take to charge a battery that was say 3/4 discharged?Can they be placed outside the camper when being used and brought in or do they have to be permanently mounted.I know there have been questions asked on the ad for the panel,but I prefer to ask people that have actually used them.And are they actually worth buying and depending on?Thanks for any and all advice.
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/it ... 6006#qanda

[mikeschn]

Start reading here: http://www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm

And then find the answers to your question at the bottom of this post viewtopic.php?p=316280#p316280

Mike...

[rdemler]

THAAANK YOU Mike!!!!Lots of info!

[mikeschn]

Mike...

THAAANK YOU Mike!!!!Lots of info!

[rdemler]

Not Mike???

[mikeschn]

Not Mike???

I was just chuckling about the enormous amounts of information!!!

Mike...

[rdemler]

Yea,no kiddin,I'll be old before I can read it all.

[tony.latham]

18 watts and 1200 milamps (1.2 amps per hour?) is about what you'd want to maintain a battery.

Look at it this way, if you've got a Group 27 battery, that's rated at about 100 amps (or 50 useable amps) your looking at recharging about 25 amps if you've used a quarter of it. Thus if you've got a six hour solar window, you are needing a 4-5 amp system (about 85 watts) if my math and expectations are sesible.

I did my own folding 60 watt system, based on Bruce's advice:



I think I've got about $125 into the panels (2, 30 watt panels that I hinged), controller, and cord. I scrounged the panels off of eBay. Ask me how it fits my needs in September!

Tony

[rdemler]

Thank you Tony.

[bdosborn]

Solar Power without all the Technical Stuff

Bruce

P.S. do NOT buy from Camping World, they're prices are really, really high! Take a look around this site:
http://www.solarblvd.com/

[Rainier70]

Looks like you got some good info on the watts needed. On the transportion; several of us use panels that we carry inside and deploy when we need them. I have a 100 watt panel that I got at Costco online. I don't know if they still carry it, but you could check. You can see my mounting and carrying system on p3 of my build. viewtopic.php?f=42&t=55219&start=30

I think Gonefishin also moves a smaller panel out when he camps. I am sure there are others too, but I can't remember who all.

Someone on here recently did a roof mount of some flexible solar panels. If I was to buy new, that might be the route I would go, but I haven't really researched it.

[bdosborn]

That was me - Flexible solar panels:


Flexible Panel about half way down the page

Folding Solar Panel:


DIY Folding PV Panel

Bruce

[Gonefishin]

Bruce's link is golden.

I think you're spending too much for what you're getting on that 18 w. from Camping World. I have a 30 watt, and its the minimum I'd recommend. It keep my one group 27 charged when I'm diligent about keeping it deployed all day, but there isn't much to spare, and I don't use much battery to begin with.

I'd look at one in the 30-50 watt range, more if you want certain full charge all the time, or want to recharge in shorter time. Lots of info already posted about portability. I just put mine inside during transit, and set it on the ground leaning against the trailer during use, or set it on the roof if there's no chance of wind and the sun is high.

Knowing what I know now, if I were to need to buy one tomorrow, I'd get a 50 or 60 watt.

[lrrowe]

All the other knowledgeable posters and great in-depth write ups have convinced me to get at least 80, if not 100w units and to mount my first attempts as portable units.
Then I will add to the system from there. Look for the great discussions on controllers also. While getting solar connected is not my first priority, it shows up soon down the list.

Bob

[bdosborn]

I like Morningstar controllers. There are a lot of cheaper options available on eBay but the Sunsavers just work. They're also potted so you don't have to worry about humidity or damp weather.

A SunGuard is good for around 60 watts:
SunGuard


A Sunsaver 6 is good for around 80 watts
Sunsaver 6


A Sunsaver 10 is good for around 140 watts
Sunsaver 10


Bruce