whats to do with solar panels...not a techie ?

elliemike · Guru

whats to do with solar panels...not a techie ?

countryroad · Senior Member

When solar panels are fixed...less likely stolen. maybe need xtra panel due to being flat...but secure.

If you have portable... to follow the sun, you can't leave your campervan/motorhome so have to hang around to change the portable's spot ...following the sun, so you have power that night to continue free camping.

Is this how it is. Or can you stick the portable out in the sun from say 2pm to follow the sun while you sit and read a book or whatever until sun goes down.

Hope I've explained in an understandable manner. smile

Bent Axle Bob · Senior Member

an unattended , roof mounted solar panel will out produce an unattended portable panel of the same size, assuming the portable panel is angled at the sun and not laid flat on the ground and that both panels remain unshaded in their given position. Hope that helps.

Baz421 · Guru

Robyn there are special screw heads to make things tamper proof. See 2 examples below,,, unless you have the tool that matches these heads you can't unscrew them.

These can be used to screw panels to roof frames etc.

You can also screw them to frames of portable panels by means of a plate and then chain the plate to your vehicle.

Hope this helps. Baz

solo nomad · Veteran Member

i use one of these for my fold up solar panels

awardrvwarehouse.com.au/index.php

Baz421 · Guru

elliemike wrote:
I did a survey on this forum to see just how many people had ever had a portable Solar panel or Sat dish Stolen.
I think it was nil. I have asked numerous campers, have they ever lost one and no one had.
But you still get told to chain them up coz someone's cousins mates sister had theirs pinched.
I have camped since 1956 in UK, Europe, America, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and never had anything ever taken.
I have on the roof solar, Briefcase Solar and a sat dish that I never secure.
Regards
Mike

On the forum today 1 solar panel stolen

Happywanderer · The Master

I did have a portable solar panel but found it so heavy also difficult to store, sold it on to another grey nomad.
I am now in the process of getting a new one to be fitted on the roof of Myrtle. Will be permanently wired down to the battery, so much easier.

beiffe · Guru

Portable panels will generate more power if moved towards the sun.
I move mine about every two hours if near the bus but if leaving I either point to get the best results or lay flat if leaving all day.
The only panel I have lost was in a city when doing testing and forgot to take in at night and someone needed it more than me.
I have always left my panels out at night (pointed to the morning sun) whilst bush camping and never lost one out there. Five years
Portable panels are also a good talking point and gets many people to stop and have a chat.
Regards
Brian