Solar Charger

[mexican tear]

themajor
I think that the solar charger you are looking at is only good to keep the battery topped off. If you used the battery it would take weeks to charge up with the small ammount of power that the cell produces.
I bought one simler to that and decided not to use it.
kai

[SteveH]

I agree with Kai, 1.5 watts at 12 volts equates to 125 milliamps. That wouldn't even be a trickle maintenance charge for a battery big enough to run everything in your tear for a few hours.

[campadk]

I was looking into this as well last summer. Too much hassle plus extra storage for the solar panels, and not much benefit... KISS rules!

[Q]

Way too small to have any effect. I have a 43 watt panel bolted to the top of the galley hatch on my teardrop. It provides all the power I need while I live in my teardrop full time for the 3 summer months.

Q

[Nitetimes]

Way too small to have any effect. I have a 43 watt panel bolted to the top of the galley hatch on my teardrop. It provides all the power I need while I live in my teardrop full time for the 3 summer months.

Q

You're kidding right? But in case you aren't, where do you get one that size? How big is it dimensionaly? And what is the cost like?
Info would be appreciated.

[Q]

No, I'm not kidding. The module on my tear is about 30"X18", made by Solarex. The link posted above is for amorphous modules which are not very efficient or long lasting. Best to spend a few dollars more and get a name brand module. Check this link for good prices and people you can trust to give you straight advice. http://www.backwoodssolar.com/

Keep in mind that the solar module doesn't work in shade. If you're parked in a forest your batteries aren't going to get charged.

Q

[mexican tear]

I have the Unisolar cells to charge the batteries for my well and pressure system. I have only had them for a couple of months, but they are working fine. I agree that a good brand name is worth the extra cost, if it includes a good distributor. Guarentee is important.

kai

[John Samarin]

Way too small to have any effect. I have a 43 watt panel bolted to the top of the galley hatch on my teardrop. It provides all the power I need while I live in my teardrop full time for the 3 summer months.

Q

I have a 15 watt Sunforce from Harbor Freight. I have yet to run the yellow top AGM down to zero. I have been traveling and using this solar panel for, four years, with no problems!! A TearJerker from AZ

[ioan]

You can find some good, small and cheap 30 watt monocrystalline solar panel:
Here are some results: http://tinyurl.com/7enqsss

[bdosborn]

I don't know what happened on eBay but I haven't been able to find *any* deals there on solar panels lately. I've bought 3 different panels on eBay in the past but I'm finding better deals lately at Solar Blvd. Smaller panels are more expensive per watt. I would go with an 80 watt minimum for more PV for you dollar, as it seems to be the minimum commodity size.

Bruce

[PcHistorian]

because this topic said "SOLAR" I wanted to post this web link for the information of those following the topic.
FYI: Solar power AND water heating in one unit, is MORE efficient and gives a greater output in electricity.

http://www.nakedenergy.co.uk/

[Shadow Catcher]

I have bought some of my solar stuff from BackWoods, not necessarily the best price but good service and reputable. One possibility not mentioned is that grid tie type panels can some times be had used for a good price and STECA has PMW controllers that will handle the higher voltage. We will be in a number of National and state parks this summer that have no power and the solar will get a work out.

[bdosborn]

because this topic said "SOLAR" I wanted to post this web link for the information of those following the topic.
FYI: Solar power AND water heating in one unit, is MORE efficient and gives a greater output in electricity.

http://www.nakedenergy.co.uk/

Hmm, no engineering data whatsoever but lots of press releases. No costs shown either. I suppose we just trust them that it's the greatest approach ever...

Bruce

[Shadow Catcher]

I can see the advantages cool the cells and focus the light on those cells using a water lens. I am hinkey enough with having a big flat panel sitting on top of the trailer and being vulnerable. Plus you have to store the hot water...

[PcHistorian]

well these guys are strapping or soldering the backs of the solar panels to small copper pipes to run water through. it cools the panels and so they are more efficient and by taking the heat into the water, they are pre-heating their water.