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Post Info TOPIC: got tired of testing flexible panels
whatsa


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got tired of testing flexible panels
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Well after looking at a bunch of flexible panels and testing some that barely put out a third of stated watts I have 

bought 2 renogy rigid panels (6kg each) which is the same weight as a atem 200w folding.

Difference is 190w from these panels and 60w from atem

6kg is light enough to be a portable and I can series or parrallel them. with "my" mppt. 

 

Anyway though I would share this experience



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bristte


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I've also become wary of semi-soft, folding panels after a couple of failures.  Some of the cheaper ones don't give a decent output from new, but my experience with better ones that even if they start out well enough, they decline over time.  I suspect the repeated folding and unfolding doesn't help, although it may also be the different solar array material in semi-soft panels.  I've just ordered a rigid one.



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Whenarewethere


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If a panel is advertising more than 170 watts per sq metre avoid it like the plague. In reality if you got 130 watts per square metre you will be extremely lucky.

 

 

Some information on my setup:

 https://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t65231112/custom-6x20-watts-solar-setup-with-mppt/

 



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50L custom fuel rack 6x20W 100/20mppt 4x26Ah gel 28L super insulated fridge TPMS 3 ARB compressors heatsink fan cooled 4L tank aftercooler Air/water OCD cleaning 4 stage car acoustic insulation.
whatsa


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Yes its a issue

The atem(200) was 1sq metre and 60w output and weighs 5.7 kg

The renogy was 6kg and output 95w super hot at 2pm ... peaks at 110w 

Plus I could buy 3x 100w renogy for the cost of one atem. 

Funny thing is they are the same size and weight to store (atem folds)... I just cannot find a good reason for these flexibles as a portable choice.



-- Edited by whatsa on Sunday 19th of March 2023 05:20:42 PM

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Whenarewethere


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Apart that they barely produce any power & have a very short life, their other failing is that they are flexible.

How to solve that problem!

normal_Flexible Solar Solution_043320.jpg



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Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

50L custom fuel rack 6x20W 100/20mppt 4x26Ah gel 28L super insulated fridge TPMS 3 ARB compressors heatsink fan cooled 4L tank aftercooler Air/water OCD cleaning 4 stage car acoustic insulation.
Breeze


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Only two brands of flexible solar panels worth buying, the eArc by Sunman and Renogy.
Almost sure the Renogy are made by Sunman.
They are both EFTE covering with dimpled surface which harvests more sun.
The surface covering makes up for their lower effeciency. 



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whatsa


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So to close this out

I ended up with a 30amp renogy controller

and 3 x 100w panels for a 21 amp charge rate

I can go to 4 and run them serial or paired parrallel

I have 24metres of extension cable so enough to camp in a nice shady spot and have a good setup for solar

I used 2 cheap laundry carts to make the panel legs (about $10 a panel and very light weight)



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