100 watt folding solar panel

[Tamarack Lady]

Hi RichardA.
I think they sold out! When I called on the 16th, they only had five left in the size I wanted and they told me they had sold a bunch. Shortly thereafter, the 120 was off site and then the 100s. By the way, I did get the 160 watt for added insurance and if all else fails, I'll unplug the refrigerator versus running my AGM battery too low.
Thanks for your concern.
Wendy

[Brendan S]

My 120 watt showed up. A bit heavier than expected (I thought I'd read 11lb, showed up as 11kg - big difference!)

It'll be a few weeks before I can hook it up (picking up our Vistabule on aug 15!!!!!!!!!) and test it out. Hopefully it will be able to keep up with usage.

When storing your TD outside of a garage, would it be appropriate to use the panel long term to keep the battery tended or do I really need to take the batter out?

[stumphugger]

Thanks for posting and please keep on with the reports. I want to buy a panel for my pointy trailer and I think the minimum needed would be the 100 watts. Or more, since I live in Western Warshington and do a fair amount of traveling on the cloudy side. I mainly care about running the water pump and fan.

[bdosborn]

When storing your TD outside of a garage, would it be appropriate to use the panel long term to keep the battery tended or do I really need to take the batter out?

Yes, you could do that but I'd be worried about the panel growing legs and walking away.

Bruce

[Brendan S]

Noted. I'm not worried about it walking in the storage location, but on the road it is something I need to figure out.

The sun will be shining while we're off hiking so I will need a way to leave it unattended. Thought about ways to make it 'appear' to be attached to the TD but of course that only makes sense in some parked scenarios. Cable locks aren't very secure - so that's still an open question.

It has a handle that could be locked to a table or something - minimal security at best.

[jonw]

I just ordered the 120 foldable panel plus controller from Solar Blvd for $195, no problems. Must be they're back in stock.

Thanks bdosborn...

[Tamarack Lady]

Hi..sorry I haven't provided feedback before. My festival was rainy the entire time so I didn't try my panel until much later. It wasn't charging and I thought it was my fault so I played a bit. Finally frustrated, I called SolarBlvd and talked to their tech guy. Super nice and helpful. He suggested I try a few things and after I did with no results, he offered to replace the controller with a Morningstar sunsaver. It came a few days later and I will be using it in two weeks. The service from this company was impressive. I like the sturdiness of the panel and the fact that it comes with all wires,etc.
I,again, apologize for how long this has taken.
Wendy

[jonw]

Received the 120W foldable panel from Solar Blvd. yesterday and opened this morning. Seems well made and comes with a servicable soft carrying case and all wiring for a variety of possible connections (battery, cig lighter, etc.).

They are still on sale for $195 if anyone else is interested - it's not easy to find on their site - you have to search for "foldable" for it to come up. Here's the URL: http://www.solarblvd.com/p2756/W-Solar-120-Watt-Foldable-12-Volt-Solar-Panel/product_info.html

Seems larger than I thought it would be, but it's relatively flat folded up and can ride around in the TD laying on the bed while traveling, no problem.

May have to wait until next season to use it, though...

[KCStudly]

Nice deal! I just ordered one, too. I did have to call it in because the online service wouldn't take my CC (I think that is a problem sometimes when you use the same CC on a paypal acct. as for direct purchases online).

Not only does it come with the carry case, but it has a mounted charge controller and wire leads already attached (I'll probably cut the alligator clips off and install a connector to a bulkhead plug-in on the side of my tongue box where my main battery will live).

Just over $200 with shipping. Good deal for someone like me that wants to start out with reasonable capability, but on the cheap (not sure how much use it will see, so don't want to get too carried away at first with all of the high end whistles and bells).

Thank you for sharing this deal-e-o!

Now a 12v fridge becomes a real possibility for up on Poet Creek!

[ACK]

Received the 120W foldable panel from Solar Blvd. yesterday and opened this morning. Seems well made and comes with a servicable soft carrying case and all wiring for a variety of possible connections (battery, cig lighter, etc.).

They are still on sale for $195 if anyone else is interested - it's not easy to find on their site - you have to search for "foldable" for it to come up. Here's the URL: http://www.solarblvd.com/p2756/W-Solar-120-Watt-Foldable-12-Volt-Solar-Panel/product_info.html

Seems larger than I thought it would be, but it's relatively flat folded up and can ride around in the TD laying on the bed while traveling, no problem.

May have to wait until next season to use it, though...

Web site has dimensions at 33.5 x 23 x 3.5 inches. Is that the folded size?

[jonw]

Web site has dimensions at 33.5 x 23 x 3.5 inches. Is that the folded size?

Yes, that's the folded size.

I'm amazed at it's sensitivity. Today it's gray and rainy outside yet when I opened it up indoors a few feet away from a window the controller showed it was generating electricity.