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Post Info TOPIC: Folding Solar panels


Senior Member

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Posts: 254
Date:
Folding Solar panels


Can a member recommend a good quality folding 200 watt solar panel

I want it for my daughters new caravan

The ones I have looked at have a smaller surface area than a fixed 200 watt panel so I guess the quality is not realy 200 watt

Laurie



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Guru

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Posts: 2048
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Laurie, I don't have experience in the size of panels that you are looking at (other than those that are on my house roof) but there are a 3 main types of solar cells used in modules in the manufacture of panels & this can have a bearing on the panel size. See below -

1. Monocrystalline silicon offers high efficiency and good heat tolerance characteristics in a small footprint.

2. Polycrystalline (or multi-crystalline) silicon cell based solar panels are now the most popular choice in residential installs. Recent improvements in polycrystalline panel technology have resulted in the development of modules equal to or better than many monocrystalline brands in terms of size, efficiency and heat tolerance.

3. Amorphous (or thin-film) silicon uses the least amount of silicon. Thin film panels are generally less efficient than other solar cell types.

There has been continuous arguments as to which is best; bearing in mind that there are continuous improvements being made each year & the cost is coming down. Twenty years ago it cost about $10 per watt, now it's significantly lower.

If you do a "Search" on Folding Solar Panels", you'll find quite a few issues/answers of other members.


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Warren

----------------

If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!

2019 Isuzu D-Max dual cab, canopy, Fulcrum suspension; 2011 17' Jayco Discovery poptop Outback



Guru

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Posts: 1010
Date:

I have this brand but in the 300watt 3 panel. No problems at all, only had them 12 months. Only issue is they are heavy.

https://www.australiandirect.com.au/Portable-Solar-Panels/Glass-Solar-Panels/KA200S

 



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Chris & Sharyn.

Tea Gardens. NSW.

2015 VW Touareg V6 Air suspension, 2012 Jayco Sterling 21.



Senior Member

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Posts: 353
Date:

Hi
Compare your measurements to Aussie batteries and solar . They sell Sharp mono , Kyocera Poly . Both quality brands . From memory Japanese cells assembled in China .Agreed u have to be cautious on panel size there is big differences out there.
Try
sunyee
bitdeals
Vic off road
4wd supa centre --kings

Caution the weight can be a little heavy for TRU 200 waters although you are only carrying no more than 10 mtrs from van . Compare weight also .

If u have solar on roof say 2x 120 or150 waters a 160 watt portable is enough .

Yea I have 1x Kyocera 195w fixed and 1 x sharp 195w portable 

ALWAYS CHECK WIRING CONNECTIONS --mine were loose 

 

 

 



-- Edited by swamp on Tuesday 10th of July 2018 09:51:36 AM

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