Has anyone purchased solar panels from the 4WD supercentre , wondering what quality they are. Their 250watt foldout panels with a 10m lead and reg are $199 .
I bought the 160w 2 fold several months ago to keep the battery up when in storage. Works good but thinking of removing one side of the panel to reduce weight.
Heat generated with a cover on also has input for the van solar to slight charge the battery as well.
Buy something one day, could be cheaper the next.
Not happy when the portable BBQ was cheaper the day after purchase.
Ah there is a optimum operating temperature for solar panels but they do not produce any or more energy because of heat, It's the reverse they will loose efficiency .
Thxs little dick , gotta say thats a great name . Are their panels heavy compared to other brands ? I haven't had any experience with handling portable panels , guess I'll have to keep a check on that .
Thxs little dick , gotta say thats a great name . Are their panels heavy compared to other brands ? I haven't had any experience with handling portable panels , guess I'll have to keep a check on that .
Hi mezza56
Looking at their spec those panels are 19KG. That is too heavy to handle comfortably in my opinion. Where do you want to carry them ? You would not usually want to lump around a couple of sheets of glass every day that big. They are probably just the same as any others that are as big.
When I had some portable panels like that, but only 150W, I disconnected the hinges and made them two seperate panels with connecting wires and put the regulator at the battery. They were easier to handle and pack, and worked better.
Read the Solar sub forum in the Techies Corner for more ideas and suggestions.
Kebbin,
I think you are correct as the cover I have - you can sort of" see through it & when on the van out in the sun, the van's roof surface is hotter with the cover on! It's only on under my carport to protect the sunny side.
Mezza,
Considering 20-30 years ago, solar power cost $10 a watt; the ones you are looking at cost 80c/watt. Generally, according to a solar technician friend of mine, a lot of the quality is in the glass (which adds to the weight). The weight of my old ex-Telstra Solarex 37w panels (used at home to rejuvenate batteries) is probably attributed to the glass.
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Warren
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