Portable Solar Panel Review

[bdosborn]

Don't sweat it Doug, Ill just run a line over to you. I've got plenty of power now.

Bruce

[doug hodder]

Well, since I know you are going to be down in the lower portion at the IRG...it will be no problem...I think we may be able to camp inside the meadow again this year, just pull it in by hand, no problem as there will probably be a dolly to use, as opposed to where you were last time. I'll be there...I'll bring a cord! .Doug

[dreadcptflint]

I finally ordered my set up tonight. https://eco-distributing.3dcartstores.com/RV-Roof-Mount-Solar-Kit-with-Kyocera-135watt-Panel_p_623.html

It's doesn't come with a MPPT but it is a start. I couldn't pass up the price.

[Rock]

Definitely not for everyone but I just bought this same item last week for $81 plus $10 shipping. So that's $91 for 125 watts of solar power. Of course there will be building the panels, but all I should need is some window glass and aluminum angle.

http://cgi.ebay.com/75-WHOLE-3-x6-Solar ... 2a04faf4d0

Once again - not for everyone but I've been messing with this stuff for almost 35 years. BTW this same item has gone for as little as $67 in the last couple weeks.

Eric

[Cliffmeister2000]

You can buy everything you need to build your own solar farm on eBay!

And, he's got 2 of them!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Solar-Business-Syst ... 2301edcf0a

[bdosborn]

:o

I finally ordered my set up tonight. https://eco-distributing.3dcartstores.com/RV-Roof-Mount-Solar-Kit-with-Kyocera-135watt-Panel_p_623.html

It's doesn't come with a MPPT but it is a start. I couldn't pass up the price.

I have the same panel, you can't go wrong with that one.

Its a different color than most panels, supposed to be a more appealing. Whatever, it's the 135 watts I'm interested in! It has MC4 connectors, you might check and see if you'll need any to install it.

Its nice that the controller has metering. I think its important to have some kind of metering so you can tell what's going on with the panel. I can tell if there's a shadow on the panel using my meter.

Make sure and post some pictures of the install!

Bruce

[bdosborn]

Definitely not for everyone but I just bought this same item last week for $81 plus $10 shipping. So that's $91 for 125 watts of solar power. Of course there will be building the panels, but all I should need is some window glass and aluminum angle.

http://cgi.ebay.com/75-WHOLE-3-x6-Solar ... 2a04faf4d0

Once again - not for everyone but I've been messing with this stuff for almost 35 years. BTW this same item has gone for as little as $67 in the last couple weeks.

Eric

Post some pictures when you build it. I've been toying with the idea of building one too.

Bruce

[chorizon]

I'm very ignorant on the solar technology. You're the Solar God! Doug

+1 and Here-Here! I 2nd the motion!

Bruce, I've really enjoyed this thread. I'm definitely looking forward to messing around with my solar panels now after reading all these great ideas!

[dreadcptflint]

Its a different color than most panels, supposed to be a more appealing. Whatever, it's the 135 watts I'm interested in! It has MC4 connectors, you might check and see if you'll need any to install it.

Its nice that the controller has metering. I think its important to have some kind of metering so you can tell what's going on with the panel. I can tell if there's a shadow on the panel using my meter.

Make sure and post some pictures of the install!

Bruce

Thanks for the headsup. I am one tongue box and dry weekend away from doing the install. I double checked and sure enough plenty of cable and no second MC 4 Connector. I am half tempted to cut them off and spice in the cable but can see the power of using a connector.

What do you think of a disconnect tool? Like http://store.solar-electric.com/ditoformc4co.html

Does a standard crimper work or do I have to get a special crimper as well?

[BillZ]

Bruce,
Are you inverting to AC or do you use DC powered lights? I didn't see you talk about using an inverter.

I'm not familiar yet with the electrical setup of a camper. Is there normally an inverter setup w/the battery?

[bdosborn]

Thanks for the headsup. I am one tongue box and dry weekend away from doing the install. I double checked and sure enough plenty of cable and no second MC 4 Connector. I am half tempted to cut them off and spice in the cable but can see the power of using a connector.

What do you think of a disconnect tool? Like http://store.solar-electric.com/ditoformc4co.html

Does a standard crimper work or do I have to get a special crimper as well?

You can get the MC4 apart without the special tool but its a PITA and you might break the connector doing it. I bought a male-female pigtail cable from eBay and cut it in half for my panel. The MC4 crimpers are high dollar, dunno if a regular crimper would work. I almost cut my connectors off too, I still might if I ever redo the wiring...

Bruce

[bdosborn]

Bruce,
Are you inverting to AC or do you use DC powered lights? I didn't see you talk about using an inverter.

I'm not familiar yet with the electrical setup of a camper. Is there normally an inverter setup w/the battery?

I have all 12V lights. It's a lot more efficient to use DC for the lights as you don't have any conversion losses from the inverter. Look Here for a typical teardrop wiring diagram; its been reviewed by lots of folks on the forum.

Bruce

[dreadcptflint]

Yeah, I just took a look at the price of MC4 Crimpers and I won't be buying one anytime soon. I'll see if my brother in law can get his hands on some cable cheap since I am headed over there this week.