I'm a little reticent starting this thread as I have an inkling as to what it could turn into.
I'm looking for advice re buying a good portable solar panel including voltage regulator to extend our capability to free camp away from 240 Volts for extended periods.
We currently have 2 x 75 AH deep cycle batteries that I would like to top up via solar power.
What I'm looking for are recommendations from users regarding types of panel, good quality brand names and reliable suppliers.
What I'm not looking for is cheap units and mobs of technical jargon.
Wanderlust said
02:51 PM Mar 9, 2015
You could look here (I have no connection). Has good reviews on other forums.
Rich Solar panels are one of the best brands coming out of China, as they are made to specs by Rich Solar Australia. I've posted a link to their store on your Whiteboard. I have no connection with them either other than being a happy repeat customer.
I will say though, for a portable system you should move the regulator from the back of the panel and set it up closer to your batteries as this will help avoid a voltage drop. Personally I'd mount them permanently so their are working all the time..... but then I'm just lazy!.
-- Edited by madaboutled on Monday 9th of March 2015 10:15:49 PM
Santa said
12:27 PM Mar 10, 2015
Thanks for the links people, exactly the information I was looking for.
Yabbietol said
06:02 PM Mar 10, 2015
I would suggest you have a bit of a look around on eBay and even if you do not buy from it. Ebay can give you a very good idea of price you should pay for Solar panels and associated bits. The easiest way is to look at the cost per watt, typically for ridged panels $1 to $2 a watt is common much more than this you may be getting ripped off so look around and compare prices.
Flexible solar panels are bit more expensive but a lot lighter and can be easier to mount on your van roof.
Folding panels are very versatile and often come complete with regulator and cables and connectors.
The company below appear to be very reasonable on for flexible solar panels prices and also seem to have good technical knowledge.
I have no connection with the company. solar4rvs.com.au/home.html
My best advice is to shop around and see what you get for your $ and don't pay too much, solar panels are mostly cheap and reliable these days.
Good Luck
Terry
03_Troopy said
07:29 AM Mar 11, 2015
madaboutled wrote:
Rich Solar panels are one of the best brands coming out of China, as they are made to specs by Rich Solar Australia. I've posted a link to their store on your Whiteboard. I have no connection with them either other than being a happy repeat customer.
I will say though, for a portable system you should move the regulator from the back of the panel and set it up closer to your batteries as this will help avoid a voltage drop. Personally I'd mount them permanently so their are working all the time..... but then I'm just lazy!.
-- Edited by madaboutled on Monday 9th of March 2015 10:15:49 PM
Post the link in here too, so others can check them out.
D and D said
03:14 PM Mar 11, 2015
03_Troopy wrote:
madaboutled wrote:
Rich Solar panels are one of the best brands coming out of China, as they are made to specs by Rich Solar Australia. I've posted a link to their store on your Whiteboard. I have no connection with them either other than being a happy repeat customer.
I will say though, for a portable system you should move the regulator from the back of the panel and set it up closer to your batteries as this will help avoid a voltage drop. Personally I'd mount them permanently so their are working all the time..... but then I'm just lazy!.
-- Edited by madaboutled on Monday 9th of March 2015 10:15:49 PM
Post the link in here too, so others can check them out.
http://www.richsolar.com.au/ is the website and http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-12V-120W-FOLDING-SOLAR-PANEL-KIT-MONO-CARAVAN-BOAT-CAMPING-POWER-BATTERY-/360466559807 is their ebay shop. It appears that Autopro stock their stuff as well and there is a retailer search function available off the manin web page.
Dave
Dav4Cris said
09:13 PM Mar 12, 2015
Another supplier on Ebay that I would recommend is Low Energy Developments, I use their panels on my roof and 150 watt portables, a few friends also use their panels
03_Troopy said
09:41 AM Mar 13, 2015
Thanks Dave
D and D said
12:03 AM Mar 14, 2015
Dav4Cris wrote:
Another supplier on Ebay that I would recommend is Low Energy Developments, I use their panels on my roof and 150 watt portables, a few friends also use their panels
The web address is http://www.lowenergydevelopments.com.au/index.php?route=common/home and their ebay addy is http://stores.ebay.com.au/Low-Energy-Developments.
Dave
-- Edited by D and D on Saturday 14th of March 2015 12:04:02 AM
G'Day all,
I'm a little reticent starting this thread as I have an inkling as to what it could turn into.
I'm looking for advice re buying a good portable solar panel including voltage regulator to extend our capability to free camp away from 240 Volts for extended periods.
We currently have 2 x 75 AH deep cycle batteries that I would like to top up via solar power.
What I'm looking for are recommendations from users regarding types of panel, good quality brand names and reliable suppliers.
What I'm not looking for is cheap units and mobs of technical jargon.
http://www.australiandirect.com.au/shop/solar-panels-accessories/kickass-portable-solar-panels/599
Rich Solar panels are one of the best brands coming out of China, as they are made to specs by Rich Solar Australia. I've posted a link to their store on your Whiteboard. I have no connection with them either other than being a happy repeat customer.
I will say though, for a portable system you should move the regulator from the back of the panel and set it up closer to your batteries as this will help avoid a voltage drop. Personally I'd mount them permanently so their are working all the time..... but then I'm just lazy!.
-- Edited by madaboutled on Monday 9th of March 2015 10:15:49 PM
Thanks for the links people, exactly the information I was looking for.
Flexible solar panels are bit more expensive but a lot lighter and can be easier to mount on your van roof.
Folding panels are very versatile and often come complete with regulator and cables and connectors.
The company below appear to be very reasonable on for flexible solar panels prices and also seem to have good technical knowledge.
I have no connection with the company.
solar4rvs.com.au/home.html
My best advice is to shop around and see what you get for your $ and don't pay too much, solar panels are mostly cheap and reliable these days.
Good Luck
Terry
Post the link in here too, so others can check them out.
http://www.richsolar.com.au/ is the website and http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-12V-120W-FOLDING-SOLAR-PANEL-KIT-MONO-CARAVAN-BOAT-CAMPING-POWER-BATTERY-/360466559807 is their ebay shop. It appears that Autopro stock their stuff as well and there is a retailer search function available off the manin web page.
Dave
The web address is http://www.lowenergydevelopments.com.au/index.php?route=common/home and their ebay addy is http://stores.ebay.com.au/Low-Energy-Developments.
Dave
-- Edited by D and D on Saturday 14th of March 2015 12:04:02 AM