Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -
There is loads of background to this . . . . . but for now here is a vid for you all. =]
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Just remember W = V*A
and as a general rule a good 100W panel will give you up to 6A charge with good sun.
25w = 1.5A
50W = 3A
100w = 6A
200w = 12A
300w = 18A
so if your looking to trickle charge your starter battery then a smaller panel would be sufficient.
but if you are running kit/load from your battery then its a good idea get a setup that can supply all the load, plus a bit more to keep the battery charged.
so if your loads are 50W or 3Ah, then i would get the next size kit up. . . . 100W/6Ah
In the Tent camping example below, i was drawing up to 100w/6Amps from the battery . . . . . so i went for the next kit up that could deliver 200w/12Ah. That way the battery had a good chance of recharging during the day while the loads were running.
what actually happens is that the loads draw power from the panels and any extra the panels are providing goes into the battery...... it all depends on the voltage levels as to where the current is drawn from..... Its the solar chargers job to detect the battery voltage level and then switch the charging output on and charge it up.
as a reference the static 12v battery charged would be 12.6v
under load the same charged battery would drop to 12.2v
The solar controller would try to charge (Bulk) up to 13.6V
the solar controller will the cycle "Bulk/Absorb/Float" as required.
that means that even when the battery is under load @ 12.2V the chargers output @ 13.6v has enough potential/pressure to push a charge into the battery......(we now need to look into the current flow and internal resistance of the system..... but thats not for today)
Roof panel is nice fit and forget solution that will help you out 24/7 and keep power in the batteries. (though fit vinyl wrap first and sikaflex to that)
you can then always add extra mobile panels as/when you need them . . . ie camping.
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These mobile solutions are great, but they are all MOBILE solutions.
meaning that you have to setup and put away every time you want to use/move the van.
so its great to have a temp dash solar . . . . but have to put it away.
its great to have a temp roof solar . . . . but have to put it away.
its great to have a temp floor solar . . . . but have to put it away.
all this will cause wear and tear on the panels, kit and socketrs etc . . . . . . . possible failures in the future?
******************
So if its long term solar you need/want - get a panel fitted on the roof.
if its fit-and-forget you want - get a panel fitted on the roof.
if you want to add more power just get a mobile panel and add it to you roof setup . . .
if you dont want to stick or cut your roof - get a mobile panel.
if you cant get cables to a controller due to conversion - get a mobile panel.
if you just want solar for camping or the odd trip -get a mobile panel.
***********************
for any fitting method, 50w - 300w is best power range. (3A - 18A charge rate)
with
200W up (12A) or above, being the best power user choice
100w - 200w (6A - 12A) being the best all rounder to run loads and keep a battery topped up
50w (3a) being best for small loads and a battery maintainer
below 50W is only battery maintainer.
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Here are some sources:
12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine
Solar Power Panels For Sale - ACOPower.com
Foldable solar kit
Lensun 100W 12V ETFE Flexible Folding Solar Panel Kit, Including 10A Solar Controller, 5m cables, Portable Foldable for RVs, Campers, 4WD, Outdoor Off Grid Charge
Solar Panels - Renogy Solar
Amazon.co.uk: 100w Foldable Solar Charger
100w Foldable Solar Charger | eBay
12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine
.
SHOW US YOUR PANEL - If you have a mobile solar setup, share it with us all below.
more info:
.
***************************************************************************************************************************
There is loads of background to this . . . . . but for now here is a vid for you all. =]
.
.
Just remember W = V*A
and as a general rule a good 100W panel will give you up to 6A charge with good sun.
25w = 1.5A
50W = 3A
100w = 6A
200w = 12A
300w = 18A
so if your looking to trickle charge your starter battery then a smaller panel would be sufficient.
but if you are running kit/load from your battery then its a good idea get a setup that can supply all the load, plus a bit more to keep the battery charged.
so if your loads are 50W or 3Ah, then i would get the next size kit up. . . . 100W/6Ah
In the Tent camping example below, i was drawing up to 100w/6Amps from the battery . . . . . so i went for the next kit up that could deliver 200w/12Ah. That way the battery had a good chance of recharging during the day while the loads were running.
what actually happens is that the loads draw power from the panels and any extra the panels are providing goes into the battery...... it all depends on the voltage levels as to where the current is drawn from..... Its the solar chargers job to detect the battery voltage level and then switch the charging output on and charge it up.
as a reference the static 12v battery charged would be 12.6v
under load the same charged battery would drop to 12.2v
The solar controller would try to charge (Bulk) up to 13.6V
the solar controller will the cycle "Bulk/Absorb/Float" as required.
that means that even when the battery is under load @ 12.2V the chargers output @ 13.6v has enough potential/pressure to push a charge into the battery......(we now need to look into the current flow and internal resistance of the system..... but thats not for today)
Roof panel is nice fit and forget solution that will help you out 24/7 and keep power in the batteries. (though fit vinyl wrap first and sikaflex to that)
you can then always add extra mobile panels as/when you need them . . . ie camping.
******************
These mobile solutions are great, but they are all MOBILE solutions.
meaning that you have to setup and put away every time you want to use/move the van.
so its great to have a temp dash solar . . . . but have to put it away.
its great to have a temp roof solar . . . . but have to put it away.
its great to have a temp floor solar . . . . but have to put it away.
all this will cause wear and tear on the panels, kit and socketrs etc . . . . . . . possible failures in the future?
******************
So if its long term solar you need/want - get a panel fitted on the roof.
if its fit-and-forget you want - get a panel fitted on the roof.
if you want to add more power just get a mobile panel and add it to you roof setup . . .
if you dont want to stick or cut your roof - get a mobile panel.
if you cant get cables to a controller due to conversion - get a mobile panel.
if you just want solar for camping or the odd trip -get a mobile panel.
***********************
for any fitting method, 50w - 300w is best power range. (3A - 18A charge rate)
with
200W up (12A) or above, being the best power user choice
100w - 200w (6A - 12A) being the best all rounder to run loads and keep a battery topped up
50w (3a) being best for small loads and a battery maintainer
below 50W is only battery maintainer.
*********************************
Here are some sources:
12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine
Solar Power Panels For Sale - ACOPower.com
Foldable solar kit
Lensun 100W 12V ETFE Flexible Folding Solar Panel Kit, Including 10A Solar Controller, 5m cables, Portable Foldable for RVs, Campers, 4WD, Outdoor Off Grid Charge
Solar Panels - Renogy Solar
Amazon.co.uk: 100w Foldable Solar Charger
100w Foldable Solar Charger | eBay
12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine
.
SHOW US YOUR PANEL - If you have a mobile solar setup, share it with us all below.
more info:
.
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EDIT#:
I Just found a Nice 50W & 100W foldup Solar kit (with Mono SolarWorld Cells)
.
50W, 100w, 120W Kit . . . .
BlueFusion Portable Folding Solar Panel Charger 50W, 100W, 120W | eBay
Flex Power 50W, 100W, 120W. Peak Power (Pmax): 50W 100W 120W. Premium Solar Panels and Accessory for Leisure and Marine Applications. Lightweight and Portable. Panel Model: MD1199/50W MD1199/100W MD1199/120W.
rover.ebay.com
Premium Solar Panels and Accessory for Leisure and Marine Applications
BlueFusion Portable Folding Solar Panel Charger 50W, 100W, 120W
Off Grid Applications
Flex Power 50W, 100W, 120W
- Manufactured from High Efficiency Monocrystalline cells by SolarWorld GmbH, Germany.
- 25 Year Power Output Warranty***
Lightweight and Portable
- A quality product, designed to be portable and withstand outdoor environments.
- Charge mobile devices and batteries on the go.
- Off-grid charging of batteries for Caravans & RV, Camping and Hiking Equipment, Electric Outboard Trolling Motor, and Residential use.
Inbuilt Charge Controller
Portable Folding Solar Panel with Integrated Charge Controller
- Integrated Charge Controller, concealed inside the panel.
- USB and Battery Charger outputs.
- Charge Phones and Devices from USB socket, 5V, 1.2 Amp.
- Charge 12V or 24V Battery. 2m Battery cable, fused and alligator clamps.
- Excellent low light capabilities.
- High conversion efficiency.
Electrical Characteristics
| Electrical Specification: | |||
| Panel Model: | MD1199/50W | MD1199/100W | MD1199/120W |
| Peak Power (Pmax): | 50W | 100W | 120W |
| USB Charger Socket (max): | 5V, 1.2A | ||
| Battery voltage (V) *: | 12V / 24V (Auto Detect) | ||
| Discharge Current Rated(Amp): | 10A | ||
| Output power Tolerance: | ±3% | ||
| Power Temperature Coefficient **: | -0.39%/°C | ||
| Operating Temperature(°C): | -35 to +55 | ||
| Panel Output, Voc (V)/ Imp(A): | 21.3V / 2.8A | 21.3V / 5.62A | 21.3V / 6.67A |
| * Compatible with Sealed, Gel, and Flooded Batteries. Battery connection required to operate controller. Battery not included. ** Based on standard testing conditions. |
| Specification: | |||
| Cells: | Monocrystalline silicon solar cell manufactured by SolarWorld GmbH | ||
| Controller | Integrated Charge Controller concealed in zipped pouch. | ||
| Included Cable: | 2m battery cable with integrated fuse and alligator clips | ||
| Folded Case dimension (cm), L x W x D | 36 x 30 x 5 cm | 36 x 30 x 7.5 cm | 54 x 54 x 5 cm |
| Unfolded Panel dimension (cm), L X W | 118 x 36 cm | 118 x 72 cm | 180 x 54 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 2.4 kg | 3.9 kg | 5.2 kg |
| Note: | Specification subject to change, manufacturing tolerance and product improvement. Can withstand some drizzle, protect from substantial rain. |
- 25 Year, 80% power output warranty
- 1 Year limited product warranty
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lets see the panels i have to test: . . . . .
20w kit wish cack - x2 (40w) - 20W Solar | Wish
50w accopower foldable kit - https://www.acopower.com/
100w renogy frame suitcase kit. - Solar Power Kits & Equipment for Sale | Renogy
100w renogy flexable suitcase kit. - Solar Power Kits & Equipment for Sale | Renogy
160w renogy flexable panel. - Solar Power Kits & Equipment for Sale | Renogy
150W Photonic univers panel semi-flex - x2 (300w) - 12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine
110w Lensun flexable panel. - x2 (220w) - Flexible solar panel
160w Photonic univers semi-flex panel - 12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine
200w Lenusun fold kit. - Flexible solar panel
50w BlueFusion foldable kit *NEW*
120W BlueFusion foldable kit *NEW*
so thats effectively @ 1500W total . . . NICE =]
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