JIMBO
Expedition Leader
:sombrero:Yea RL, solar panels are great, when we have CLEAR DIRECT sunlight
When mine is full face to the sun, AT NOON, it'll put out almost 24 volts (12vdc pnl), but as soon as you add some angle to the presentation the voltage drops significantly, the controller will limit the voltage to the battery, to less than 14 volts, shadows make the panel WORTHLESS !!!
This is why AT has gone to the FOLDABLE panels and why I keep mine free for movement, I can maintain direct face to the sun, with no appreciable angle, all day long
If you secure you panel in ONE SPOT on your trailer, you'll lose all the benefits of the solar output !!
The establishes effeciency of the solar panels, is 80% with IDEAL EXPOSURE
ie: full face 12 noon, 60 watt panel delivers-48 watt output
:costumed-smiley-007:safari-rig::safari-rig: JIMBO
Jimbo, that's a small panel for 60W? I have a lot to learn about the different panel types. Since I'm using Maggiolina, I've thought I could just mount it on top, no problem. I just wonder about the angle it will be pointed, as well the fact that I can't necessarily place it in the best place for sun exposure. But, it would be less likely to be damaged...
I don't plan to have a lot of electrical loads. Just the fridge, a small water pump, and some lighting. Probably some large area lights that would have infrequent use. I'll attempt to use the propane lantern as much as possible. I'll also have a light source inside the kid's area, for reading and such, and also need a night light. Haven't sorted that out yet. And then some reading lights and stuff for us. Maybe occaisional DVD player or something like that.
I know somewhere somebody posted a REAL measured power draw on these fridges, but can't find it.
When mine is full face to the sun, AT NOON, it'll put out almost 24 volts (12vdc pnl), but as soon as you add some angle to the presentation the voltage drops significantly, the controller will limit the voltage to the battery, to less than 14 volts, shadows make the panel WORTHLESS !!!
This is why AT has gone to the FOLDABLE panels and why I keep mine free for movement, I can maintain direct face to the sun, with no appreciable angle, all day long
If you secure you panel in ONE SPOT on your trailer, you'll lose all the benefits of the solar output !!
The establishes effeciency of the solar panels, is 80% with IDEAL EXPOSURE
ie: full face 12 noon, 60 watt panel delivers-48 watt output
:costumed-smiley-007:safari-rig::safari-rig: JIMBO