Solar Power

DeBe · DeBe

GTI Solar systems are available very cheap or free these days, when installers upgrade they wont use the original system. I was given a 2KW system & only had space on the shed roof for 1.5KW eight panels. This left 2 spare panels, so I decided to re configure them to give about 22V DC. One I made into a p...

Jaahn · Jaahn

Hi There are lots of experts on GNF sitting at their keyboards just waiting to answer good question about these subjects. Those newbies that have asked a few questions or old hands wanting to upgrade, or just interested people who want to learn a bit more, fire away. Go for it now. Jaahn

bilbo · bilbo

Is there any type of "protection blanket" to protect panels during a hail storm?? (whilst on the road). I am guessing A) find a servo awning quickly.....B) make sure your insurance is up to date??.C) maybe find a bridge to drive under and quickly ?? wished you had portable panels as the storm approache...

Ram Man · Ram Man

Looking at buying Solar Panels? Here is what you need to know: Watts = Amps X Volts you need to know from the Spec's the following: Voltage at Maximum Power Point Vmp (V): 18.6 Current at Maximum Power Point Imp (A): 10.8 200 Watts = 18.6 x 10.8 Open Circuit Voltage or Voc is how many volts the solar pane...

Bicyclecamper · Bicyclecamper

I will be constructing a Teardrop bicycle camper soon, to be towed behind my push bike. I intend to use flexible solar panels especially as they are light and can bend slightly to fit on the front of my rounded section of the camper. Now I will have three, one on each side , that can be folded up to any angle...

SouthernComfort · SouthernComfort

Would be grateful for bit of expert advice please! My van is stored at a yard over winter with no access to 240v power. I have a 120w fixed panel on the roof, but when covered up of course it can't keep the house battery charged. I can bring the house battery home and keep it on trickle charge, but I'm worried...

Jaahn · Jaahn

Hi I was at my local Aldi shopping for supplies and noted some camping gear which was first on special last month I think. The portable solar panels look promising on the box. 160W folding with a couple of legs to stand them up. A cheap regulator glued on the back ?? and a reasonable 5M lead with an anderso...

eftimios · eftimios

We bought a small off-road camper (golf x-265). i got the manufacturer to add a second gel battery so now have 210 amp hours. The van has 160 watts of panel on the top. If my understanding of solar is correct, i can generate 160/12 = 13.3 amps per hour. I also got them to install a second anderson plug to allo...

jeepnudger · jeepnudger

I am very naive about this business any advice appreciated. I have installed a new "PowerTech Solar Charge Controller" model3754 after adding extra solar panel, connecting is easy , HOWEVER , it has connection for load with 2 timer settings on controller my question is what type of load are they t...

Suzieb · Suzieb

Where or how do campers hang/position their solar blanket for optimal performance?

Ubif · Ubif

Around 12 months ago (April ) I asked the question if drop in Lithium batteries would work Now down the track I will give my report. Please note I do not have high power drains Eg. Inverter to run coffee machine, microwave or toaster to do these I would stay in a caravan park. Here we go - I did not tak...

tipsy-gipsy · tipsy-gipsy

I need some help here. I have a small campervan and I am getting a solar panel and I don't want to worry about inverters and stuff like that so have been looking at a yeti 400 and a suaoki portable power generators. so al I need is a solar panel and one of these types of solar generators with a lithium battery...

Wonder Women · Wonder Women

I have a setec drifter panel in my van and it has worked fine for two years, then we dragged it out of the shed to use it again for a weekend and the panel has no information on it at all, so where the bucket shape is it reads no water the battery will run the electrical in the van but the drifter says the batte...

BOBBEAR · BOBBEAR

I know this subject has been done to death but Im still no wiser. My van has 2/200 panels TPS555-1230 Solar controller a ST20-11 or ST35-11 POWER SUPPLY. This runs 2-100 A/H batteries that have died I want to replace these with a110 to 120 lithium battery. I don't think I have a battery charger but if I do I...

Ger08 · Ger08

Im looking some additional solar input and Im tossing up between a solar blanket and the rigid portable solar panels. I love the idea that the solar blankets dont take up much space,but are they any good?

Di and Bill · Di and Bill

Would like to upgrade the solar panels, plus batteries and I think I will need to upgrade the regulator. Am trying to find a person to advise and fit in Perth Metro area - any suggestions? Presently have 2 x 130w panels with a Prostar 30 regulator and 2 x 79ah batteries. Would like to change to 3 x 100 or 120A...

JaCaDaK · JaCaDaK

Hi , all , we are new " Grey Nomads " and are having fun setting up our Prado and Goldstream Crown camper , we have a dual battery setup in the Prado , which powers our 40lt Waeco , and there is also an Anderson lead that plugs into the camper , which trickle powers the campers 100amp deep cycle batt . Items that...

Collo · Collo

Just bought a couple of solar panels. They come with a Anderson plug. Can I connect direct to the van, or do I need a regulator to stop over charging the batteries? Will the invertor in the van do the same job? Thanks, Collo.

geraldine-ann · geraldine-ann

I have joined this site with a specific goal in mind - to warn all to stay away from Outbax camping - unless you want to buy a cheap import with a PWM controller that does not have a proper heat sink and might easily cause a fire (instead of the MPPT controller they are advertised as having.) They are also su...

oldbloke · oldbloke

I have a dometic CF40 fridge i use camping. Have used it a few times and the ute battery struggles after 2 days. So i bought a 40 watt solar panel to plug unto the anderson plug. The panel in theory should provide about 2 amps. The fridge pulls 6 amps when running. I know there are a lot of variables but is the...

Topic		Started By	Replies	Views	Last Post
	Re purposing Grid Solar Panels (Preview) GTI Solar systems are available very cheap or free these days, when installers upgrade they wont use the original system. I was given a 2KW system & only had space on the shed roof for 1.5KW eight panels. This left 2 spare panels, so I decided to re configure them to give about 22V DC. One I made into a p...	DeBe	14	1620	02:53 PM May 26, 2020 by Cooch
	Someone must want to ask a question on solar and associated 12V stuff ! (Preview) Hi There are lots of experts on GNF sitting at their keyboards just waiting to answer good question about these subjects. Those newbies that have asked a few questions or old hands wanting to upgrade, or just interested people who want to learn a bit more, fire away. Go for it now. Jaahn	Jaahn	23	2599	02:18 PM Aug 15, 2020 by Jaahn
	protecting a roof top solar?? (Preview) Is there any type of "protection blanket" to protect panels during a hail storm?? (whilst on the road). I am guessing A) find a servo awning quickly.....B) make sure your insurance is up to date??.C) maybe find a bridge to drive under and quickly ?? wished you had portable panels as the storm approache...	bilbo	6	2103	07:45 PM Sep 17, 2020 by Gravy73
	Solar Panels What to Know (Preview) Looking at buying Solar Panels? Here is what you need to know: Watts = Amps X Volts you need to know from the Spec's the following: Voltage at Maximum Power Point Vmp (V): 18.6 Current at Maximum Power Point Imp (A): 10.8 200 Watts = 18.6 x 10.8 Open Circuit Voltage or Voc is how many volts the solar pane...	Ram Man	27	2977	10:33 PM Jun 30, 2020 by Whenarewethere
	40 Watt flexible solar on Bicycle Camper. (Preview) I will be constructing a Teardrop bicycle camper soon, to be towed behind my push bike. I intend to use flexible solar panels especially as they are light and can bend slightly to fit on the front of my rounded section of the camper. Now I will have three, one on each side , that can be folded up to any angle...	Bicyclecamper	8	1310	09:47 AM Jun 15, 2020 by Bicyclecamper
	Connecting a portable solar panel - issues? (Preview) Would be grateful for bit of expert advice please! My van is stored at a yard over winter with no access to 240v power. I have a 120w fixed panel on the roof, but when covered up of course it can't keep the house battery charged. I can bring the house battery home and keep it on trickle charge, but I'm worried...	SouthernComfort	9	2129	12:53 PM Apr 22, 2020 by SouthernComfort
	Portable solar panel 160W Aldi, battery box, battery 80AHr gel. (Preview) Hi I was at my local Aldi shopping for supplies and noted some camping gear which was first on special last month I think. The portable solar panels look promising on the box. 160W folding with a couple of legs to stand them up. A cheap regulator glued on the back ?? and a reasonable 5M lead with an anderso...	Jaahn	1	1859	09:19 PM Apr 18, 2020 by Bicyclecamper
	How much extra solar is enough? (Preview) We bought a small off-road camper (golf x-265). i got the manufacturer to add a second gel battery so now have 210 amp hours. The van has 160 watts of panel on the top. If my understanding of solar is correct, i can generate 160/12 = 13.3 amps per hour. I also got them to install a second anderson plug to allo...	eftimios	15	2888	02:10 AM May 24, 2020 by Reed
	Solar Charge Controller (Preview) I am very naive about this business any advice appreciated. I have installed a new "PowerTech Solar Charge Controller" model3754 after adding extra solar panel, connecting is easy , HOWEVER , it has connection for load with 2 timer settings on controller my question is what type of load are they t...	jeepnudger	6	2517	07:36 AM Apr 8, 2020 by Jaahn
	Solar Blanket (Preview) Where or how do campers hang/position their solar blanket for optimal performance?	Suzieb	4	2049	10:22 PM Mar 19, 2020 by terriwa
	Drop in Lithium 12 months on (long Read) (Preview) Around 12 months ago (April ) I asked the question if drop in Lithium batteries would work Now down the track I will give my report. Please note I do not have high power drains Eg. Inverter to run coffee machine, microwave or toaster to do these I would stay in a caravan park. Here we go - I did not tak...	Ubif	16	2068	09:39 PM May 4, 2020 by Hylife
	solar generators solar generators/ panels (Preview) I need some help here. I have a small campervan and I am getting a solar panel and I don't want to worry about inverters and stuff like that so have been looking at a yeti 400 and a suaoki portable power generators. so al I need is a solar panel and one of these types of solar generators with a lithium battery...	tipsy-gipsy	15	1991	05:09 PM Mar 20, 2020 by Whenarewethere
	Setec Drifter Trouble (Preview) I have a setec drifter panel in my van and it has worked fine for two years, then we dragged it out of the shed to use it again for a weekend and the panel has no information on it at all, so where the bucket shape is it reads no water the battery will run the electrical in the van but the drifter says the batte...	Wonder Women	2	3190	08:41 PM Mar 9, 2020 by Cupie
	Lithium power ( 1 2 ) (Preview) I know this subject has been done to death but Im still no wiser. My van has 2/200 panels TPS555-1230 Solar controller a ST20-11 or ST35-11 POWER SUPPLY. This runs 2-100 A/H batteries that have died I want to replace these with a110 to 120 lithium battery. I don't think I have a battery charger but if I do I...	BOBBEAR	33	5825	05:16 AM May 5, 2020 by Reed
	Solar Blankets (Preview) Im looking some additional solar input and Im tossing up between a solar blanket and the rigid portable solar panels. I love the idea that the solar blankets dont take up much space,but are they any good?	Ger08	3	2181	10:43 AM Feb 27, 2020 by markf
	Adding more Solar panels to caravan - installers in Perth?? (Preview) Would like to upgrade the solar panels, plus batteries and I think I will need to upgrade the regulator. Am trying to find a person to advise and fit in Perth Metro area - any suggestions? Presently have 2 x 130w panels with a Prostar 30 regulator and 2 x 79ah batteries. Would like to change to 3 x 100 or 120A...	Di and Bill	3	1821	04:41 PM Feb 10, 2020 by Dhutime
	Blue Apple Solar folding 120 watt panels (Preview) Hi , all , we are new " Grey Nomads " and are having fun setting up our Prado and Goldstream Crown camper , we have a dual battery setup in the Prado , which powers our 40lt Waeco , and there is also an Anderson lead that plugs into the camper , which trickle powers the campers 100amp deep cycle batt . Items that...	JaCaDaK	10	2282	07:11 PM Feb 1, 2020 by Mamil
	Do I need a regulator? (Preview) Just bought a couple of solar panels. They come with a Anderson plug. Can I connect direct to the van, or do I need a regulator to stop over charging the batteries? Will the invertor in the van do the same job? Thanks, Collo.	Collo	6	1890	10:15 AM Jan 21, 2020 by Aus-Kiwi
	Stay away from Outbax Camping Solar Panels ( 1 2 ) (Preview) I have joined this site with a specific goal in mind - to warn all to stay away from Outbax camping - unless you want to buy a cheap import with a PWM controller that does not have a proper heat sink and might easily cause a fire (instead of the MPPT controller they are advertised as having.) They are also su...	geraldine-ann	32	15319	10:22 AM Jan 7, 2022 by Dick0
	Solar required to run fridge (Preview) I have a dometic CF40 fridge i use camping. Have used it a few times and the ute battery struggles after 2 days. So i bought a 40 watt solar panel to plug unto the anderson plug. The panel in theory should provide about 2 amps. The fridge pulls 6 amps when running. I know there are a lot of variables but is the...	oldbloke	19	2443	01:12 PM Apr 22, 2020 by stoney123
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