Next week Im planning to have Kyocera Solar Panels (120watts) put on my Ninja Turtle (Motorhome Winnebago- Toyota Hiace Manual-2009) and nfortunately there is not much room left on the roof for solar.
I made this decision because I would like to be able to stay at power free sites more than one night while Im travelling.
Could I have your opinion on the Kyocera Solar Panel? the price I have been quoted is $1,750.00 installed.
Ma said
04:52 PM Feb 24, 2012
For that price Misde I hope they are gold plated.
Check out the portable ones, less than half the price for the same watts.
If you put solar in the search feature above here, have a read, it will be worth your while and could save you heaps.
Misde said
05:04 PM Feb 24, 2012
Ma My concern about the portable ones is, I can't walk away from my van incase it's stollen.
Ma said
05:09 PM Feb 24, 2012
We have portable ones misde and we chain it to the van when we go away somewhere.
We also do this with the kayack and accessories and so far have never had a problem.
Blue always says, "hey they are insured" and he's right it's just a bit inconvenient if they do get stolen till you replace it.
If some of these cretins that steal other peoples stuff really want anything absolutely nothing will stop them.
I just don't stress about it any more beacuse if I did we wouldn't go anywhere. Having said that I know we aren't all the same and you have to do what is right for you.
I still think that quote was a tad over the top though.
Misde said
10:21 PM Feb 24, 2012
Ma, I've studied some of the postings on the site here and you have come up with a logical sollution.
Thanks again.
Ma said
10:49 PM Feb 24, 2012
Glad I could be of assistance Misde. But again, you must do what suits you not just do it because that's what is said on here. Everyone is different and has different requirements
Happywanderer said
11:57 PM Feb 24, 2012
Jaycar always seems to have good priced solar panels Misde. So the photo in your avatar is not your van?? I see you have a Toyota Hiace, Me too. A lot older than yours though. I will be getting portable solar panels too, but not this year.
Or is that the Ninja Turtle? Not sure the connection with a Toyota Hiace.
Misde said
05:58 PM Feb 25, 2012
@ Happywanderer
Opps pardon my error, the van and motor is Toyota Hylux, the back end is Winnebago. Yes my avatar is a picture of my motorhome.
Ninja Turtle is the nic name my Nephew gave my motorhome. ;)
I'm heading back to Nowra to check out free standing solar panels.
Thanks for your input too.
Happywanderer said
06:29 PM Feb 25, 2012
That makes sense then Misde. You had me a tad confused. lol
Misde said
08:46 PM Feb 25, 2012
I was having a grey moment give a girl a break..lol
Happywanderer said
08:51 PM Feb 25, 2012
Don't we all.
Peter_n_Margaret said
03:06 AM Feb 26, 2012
I think you are being stung too much for installation, but I would go for fixed panels every time and Kyocera are the most efficient made.
Cheers, Peter
Misde said
11:39 PM Feb 26, 2012
I agree with you Peter, either way I will end up with a solar panel so I can keep travelling and stay at free camps sites. Thank you for your input too.
Jeannine
Cruising Granny said
05:15 AM Feb 27, 2012
If the "window shoppers" want it they'll just help themselves. The park I'm in has cameras, good lighting and people everywhere at all hours of the day and night, yet they cut their way into the fence armed with bolt cutters and they just help themselves. You'd be shocked what they've stolen in broad daylight, bearing in mind they would have had to drive the ute into the park to remove some of the stuff. All we can do is take as much precaution as we think necessary. What they don't see they don't usually want, but I have a feeling someone in this park is watching for the good stuff and lets his mates in. Some of the thefts are too coincidental. Be as careful as you can all the time.
Misde said
09:30 AM Feb 27, 2012
@Cruising Granny
I know what you mean, when I was in Tamworth last month I went to the shops and returned 30 minutes later to find my doormat had been stolen, all precaution is nessessay.
-- Edited by Misde on Monday 27th of February 2012 01:00:59 PM
03_troopy said
09:31 PM Feb 27, 2012
With the portable type, get a length of about 10M or more if you like of 6mm stainless steel cable and get loops put on either end by someone with a swaging tool. You need to be able to pass one loop through the other though, so you can pass it through the legs of the panel then pass the smaller loop through the larger one like a lasso, then padlock the free end to your van. It won't stop someone dismantling the panel to steal it. But it will stop the oppertunist tea leaf from just picking it up and walking off with it.
Paul Merryman said
10:35 PM Feb 27, 2012
Fitting solar panels to the roof of the Hilux motorhome would require careful engineered consideration. 80W panel 8kg 120W panel 12kg. Adding weight on that roof could make the vehicle highly unstable to dangerous. Knowing the characteristics of these small motorhomes you could be to would already bordering on having a dangerous vehicle. Suggest you do some research on the Hilux Matilda motorhome and others that have had accidents from serious to fatal. In the press reports they state the Matilda was a slideon. It was not a slideon but a fixed built on to the Hilux.
Recommend if you fit roof solar panels you seek professional advice from a registered certificated engineer that specialises in vehicle stability.
-- Edited by Paul Merryman on Monday 27th of February 2012 10:36:23 PM
Cupie said
05:09 AM Feb 28, 2012
Cruising Granny wrote:
If the "window shoppers" want it they'll just help themselves.
I have a feeling someone in this park is watching for the good stuff and lets his mates in. Some of the thefts are too coincidental. Be as careful as you can all the time.
Are you saying that it is because I have no good stuff, that nothing got stolen when I visited you recently?
Misde said
05:57 AM Feb 28, 2012
@03 Troopy,
Thats a great idea and thanks for the suggestion.
I was told if I catch anyone trying to steal my gear, I should buy a can of Wasp Stray and use it on the thieves, knowing my luck Id be so nervous the can nozzle will be facing me when I press the thing..
Paul Merryman said
06:27 AM Feb 28, 2012
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
I think you are being stung too much for installation, but I would go for fixed panels every time and Kyocera are the most efficient made.
Cheers, Peter
Kyocera panels are good, but claiming they are the most efficient made is wrong wrong wrong. Kyocera are on a par for performance with other major brands
Misde said
07:28 AM Feb 28, 2012
My goodness Paul you certainly have given me something serious to think about with adding more weight on the roof of my motorhome. Its a very good point and I definitely will not do anything without seeking professional advice. Thank you sincerely.
Jeannine
Peter_n_Margaret said
05:32 PM Feb 29, 2012
Paul Merryman wrote:
Kyocera panels are good, but claiming they are the most efficient made is wrong wrong wrong. Kyocera are on a par for performance with other major brands
Check it please.
Cheers,
Peter
Misde said
12:11 AM Mar 5, 2012
I decided on having a solar panel on the roof, 135w kyocera solar panel -12k weight - Plus PV Charge Controller inside the cabin. I'm a happy camper looking forward to the next trip.
Thank you for everyones input.
Jeannine
jonathan said
01:19 AM Mar 5, 2012
.. Good one Jeannine .. then once its all installed, just get used to what you have available to use.
Dont forget, its still not an unlimited supply .. it is a restricted supply .. so you cant just run the battery til flat .. if the system doesn't warn or notify you when available power is getting low, dont let it get down too low .. 11.5 v would be my minimum.
.. Others on here with a greater technical knowlege than I have, would be able to provide more accurate figures.
Remember, the best time to use the benefit of solar is actually when the panels are still charging .. plan what you can do during daylight hours ..
happy travels
Jon
jimricho said
02:34 AM Mar 5, 2012
Jonathon's advice is pretty much "on the money" all round.
Good quality AGMs will tolerate going a little lower in voltage, "wet" batteries, best not let get quite that low too often. Battery life is not only a function of the number of discharge cycles but also the depth of discharge. Batteries will last longer if they can be fully (or substantially) recharged ASAP after any discharge.
I have a simple digital voltmeter installed in my rig so I can keep an eye on the state of battery charge. There are also some more sophisticated (and more expensive) systems available. I also have a "Baintech" Low Voltage Cut-out installed in the auxiliary (AGM) battery of the Pajero. This will shut down the voltage before it gets undesirably low.
cheers,
Jim
Paul Merryman said
03:49 PM Mar 5, 2012
"11.5 v would be my minimum" At 11.5V the battery is screaming out stop Stop STOP murdering me. 12.0V under load is getting to towards suicide. Preferable to keep above 12.2V
Misde said
05:36 AM Mar 6, 2012
My Winnebago has a panel internally that indicates the in house battery condition,y as well as fresh water and the grey water.
I also now have the PV charge controller panel that was put in to support the solar panel.
Table 1 LED Indications
Red Flashing.................... Battery Voltage is lower than 12.6V Constant Red................... Battery Voltage has reached Low Voltage Disconnect(LVD) Constant Green................Battery Voltage is higher than 12.6V Green Flashing................ Battery Voltage has reached Bulk Charging Setting. (Fully Charged) Orange Flashing............... Battery Voltage is lower than Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) Voltage Setting and load has been disconnected. Red-Green Flashing......... Equalization Charging in process.
Thank you Jon & Paul for your input it's very much appreciated.
Next week Im planning to have Kyocera Solar Panels (120watts) put on my Ninja Turtle (Motorhome Winnebago- Toyota Hiace Manual-2009) and nfortunately there is not much room left on the roof for solar.
I made this decision because I would like to be able to stay at power free sites more than one night while Im travelling.
Could I have your opinion on the Kyocera Solar Panel? the price I have been quoted is $1,750.00 installed.
For that price Misde I hope they are gold plated.
Check out the portable ones, less than half the price for the same watts.
If you put solar in the search feature above here, have a read, it will be worth your while and could save you heaps.
My concern about the portable ones is, I can't walk away from my van incase it's stollen.
We have portable ones misde and we chain it to the van when we go away somewhere.
We also do this with the kayack and accessories and so far have never had a problem.
Blue always says, "hey they are insured" and he's right it's just a bit inconvenient if they do get stolen till you replace it.
If some of these cretins that steal other peoples stuff really want anything absolutely nothing will stop them.
I just don't stress about it any more beacuse if I did we wouldn't go anywhere. Having said that I know we aren't all the same and you have to do what is right for you.
I still think that quote was a tad over the top though.
I've studied some of the postings on the site here and you have come up with a logical sollution.
Thanks again.
Glad I could be of assistance Misde. But again, you must do what suits you not just do it because that's what is said on here. Everyone is different and has different requirements
So the photo in your avatar is not your van??
I see you have a Toyota Hiace, Me too. A lot older than yours though.
I will be getting portable solar panels too, but not this year.
Or is that the Ninja Turtle? Not sure the connection with a Toyota Hiace.
Opps pardon my error, the van and motor is Toyota Hylux, the back end is Winnebago.
Yes my avatar is a picture of my motorhome.
Ninja Turtle is the nic name my Nephew gave my motorhome. ;)
I'm heading back to Nowra to check out free standing solar panels.
Thanks for your input too.
Cheers,
Peter
Thank you for your input too.
Jeannine
The park I'm in has cameras, good lighting and people everywhere at all hours of the day and night, yet they cut their way into the fence armed with bolt cutters and they just help themselves. You'd be shocked what they've stolen in broad daylight, bearing in mind they would have had to drive the ute into the park to remove some of the stuff.
All we can do is take as much precaution as we think necessary. What they don't see they don't usually want, but I have a feeling someone in this park is watching for the good stuff and lets his mates in. Some of the thefts are too coincidental.
Be as careful as you can all the time.
@Cruising Granny
I know what you mean, when I was in Tamworth last month I went to the shops and returned 30 minutes later to find my doormat had been stolen, all precaution is nessessay.
-- Edited by Misde on Monday 27th of February 2012 01:00:59 PM
Fitting solar panels to the roof of the Hilux motorhome would require careful engineered consideration. 80W panel 8kg 120W panel 12kg. Adding weight on that roof could make the vehicle highly unstable to dangerous. Knowing the characteristics of these small motorhomes you could be to would already bordering on having a dangerous vehicle. Suggest you do some research on the Hilux Matilda motorhome and others that have had accidents from serious to fatal. In the press reports they state the Matilda was a slideon. It was not a slideon but a fixed built on to the Hilux.
Recommend if you fit roof solar panels you seek professional advice from a registered certificated engineer that specialises in vehicle stability.
-- Edited by Paul Merryman on Monday 27th of February 2012 10:36:23 PM
Are you saying that it is because I have no good stuff, that nothing got stolen when I visited you recently?
Thats a great idea and thanks for the suggestion.
I was told if I catch anyone trying to steal my gear, I should buy a can of Wasp Stray and use it on the thieves, knowing my luck Id be so nervous the can nozzle will be facing me when I press the thing..
Kyocera panels are good, but claiming they are the most efficient made is wrong wrong wrong. Kyocera are on a par for performance with other major brands
Jeannine
Check it please.
Cheers,
Peter
Thank you for everyones input.
Jeannine
.. Good one Jeannine .. then once its all installed, just get used to what you have available to use.
Dont forget, its still not an unlimited supply .. it is a restricted supply .. so you cant just run the battery til flat .. if the system doesn't warn or notify you when available power is getting low, dont let it get down too low .. 11.5 v would be my minimum.
.. Others on here with a greater technical knowlege than I have, would be able to provide more accurate figures.
Remember, the best time to use the benefit of solar is actually when the panels are still charging .. plan what you can do during daylight hours ..
happy travels
Jon
Good quality AGMs will tolerate going a little lower in voltage, "wet" batteries, best not let get quite that low too often. Battery life is not only a function of the number of discharge cycles but also the depth of discharge. Batteries will last longer if they can be fully (or substantially) recharged ASAP after any discharge.
I have a simple digital voltmeter installed in my rig so I can keep an eye on the state of battery charge. There are also some more sophisticated (and more expensive) systems available. I also have a "Baintech" Low Voltage Cut-out installed in the auxiliary (AGM) battery of the Pajero. This will shut down the voltage before it gets undesirably low.
cheers,
Jim
"11.5 v would be my minimum" At 11.5V the battery is screaming out stop Stop STOP murdering me. 12.0V under load is getting to towards suicide. Preferable to keep above 12.2V
I also now have the PV charge controller panel that was put in to support the solar panel.
Table 1 LED Indications
Red Flashing.................... Battery Voltage is lower than 12.6V
Constant Red................... Battery Voltage has reached Low Voltage Disconnect(LVD)
Constant Green................Battery Voltage is higher than 12.6V
Green Flashing................ Battery Voltage has reached Bulk Charging Setting.
(Fully Charged)
Orange Flashing............... Battery Voltage is lower than Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD)
Voltage Setting and load has been disconnected.
Red-Green Flashing......... Equalization Charging in process.
Thank you Jon & Paul for your input it's very much appreciated.
I must admit there is still a lot to learn.
Jeannine