PowerFilm R-21 rollable solar chargers.

[VanGo]

Following my solar expedition interest out, I recently purchased (2) PF R-21 solar chargers, (1) RA-6 daisy chain (parallel connector), (1) RA-9 charge controller. This decision was easier to make after reading Scott Brady's article in OJ for single battery solar redundant expedition build. I really like the thought here for light weight, reduntant power, supplied by free solar energy. It is my intent to build a similiar set-up for overlanding and would like to request pictures of fellow overlanders solar expedition builds. Also comment on your intended uses and considerations other then overland travel, include backcountry camping, hunting. What do you need to charge? How do you optimize your solar collection?

Van

http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/portable_remote/index.php?cat=pr_rollable

 

[Corey]

You can see my solar panel thread here.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28712

It is for camping, overlanding, ect...
to keep the batteries topped off since I run a fridge in the rig and lights in the AirLander roof top tent.

Pics of the setup in use can be seen here.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30867

 

[VanGo]

Thanks Corey! I also just found this: http://store.sundancesolar.com/solar101.html

It is located on the same site I purchased my R-21s (No affiliation)

Van

 

[spencyg]

Seems like a ton of money for 1.8A of charging capacity...

 

[Martyn]

Seems like a ton of money for 1.8A of charging capacity...

Solar is not inexpensive, and PowerFilm only produces top rated equipment, most of which is military grade.

An inexpensive option would be the Harbor Freight version http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90599

But less expensive is often less reliable, and for most of us the idea is to be self sufficient for longer periods of time. Equipment failures in remote locations always make me feel like dope slapping myself for my poor choice of equipment.

We use the PowerFilm foldable panel, it provides 3.4 amp, is small and light weight and can easily be moved from vehicle to vehicle or carried in a day pack.

 

[spencyg]

I certainly agree with the statement "you get what you pay for", and with no other technology able to be compared with, I suppose it is a good a deal as you'll find for packable 12V power.

Spence

 

[spressomon]

I purchased the 60w Powerfilm from Martyn & Mario/AT and finally used it apart of a 6-day hunting opener. It kept my KK's dual Lifeline G31s topped off perfectly. I set it so the optimal sun angle was mid-day and it just kept flowing the amps so nicely! First time the KK's been unplugged from the LC for that long.

Lights, fridge/freeze, heater and water pump were the 'draws'.

But you gotta have sun! Fortunately here in Nevada we get some 300-days of full to partly sunny days in an average year: No brainer for PV here!

Glad I bought it!

 

[VanGo]

This is all good information! Bring the pics!...keep it going!

 

[VanGo]

Spence,

First, awesome van! I have an uncle that would really, really like your set-up (I sent him a link) I am hoping to glean more information from you and others regarding expedition rigs and what you have learn works.

I like the duplicity and portability of the rollable R-21s, since I ordered 2 of these panels I am expecting 2.7A in parallel, pricey yes, but as you mentioned PF has the market for this product and I did not want to limit myself to a permanent panel.

Van

 

[Corey]

I was very impressed how easy the install was on my FJ, and then hooking it up when on my trip.

Yes, the technology is not cheap right now, but as Martyn you get what you pay for with Powerfilm.

I would go with the exact same setup if I was doing it again.
Mine has enough output it could power the fridge by itself during the day, but I did not purchase it for that, I installed it to keep the batteries charged.

I also found out on a cloudy overcast day with no direct sunlight on it, it was still putting out over 16 volts.

 

[spencyg]

I also found out on a cloudy overcast day with no direct sunlight on it, it was still putting out over 16 volts.

I need some education on the output of these panels. Explain to me what exactly happens as the sunlight goes from intense to overcast. Obviously less output from the panel, but you guys keep referring to a drop in voltage when I would think we would be talking more about a drop in current. Does the current stay the same regardless of sunlight availability? P=IV, so obviously a drop in either current (I) or voltage (V) will reduce wattage output (P)....I'm just slightly confused. Thanks for the clarification.

Spence

 

[Martyn]

We use a digital controller in our trailers, they switches between battery voltage and amperage in from the solar panel. I don't have empirical data but from what I've seen during full sunlight we are pulling 3.4 amps for 8 hours a day. Morning and late afternoon it drops to 2.8 amps or so.

At the SEMA show we were recharging the battery in the trailer from the lights in the convention center.

The 25 amp digital controller provides accurate digital data that is useful for tracking power flow and trouble shooting. Smaller units either provide no data or have a simple red and green light display to indicate where the power is flowing.

 

[teotwaki]

This is from a recent trip where I used my Global Solar foldable panels to keep a bunch of batteries topped off. One is 48 watt and the other is 62 Watt. I also used a 30 Amp charge controller with a digital display for amps and volts.



I chose foldable over rollable as they are less likely to be damaged when not in use and easier to store in the truck.

 

[VanGo]

Jim,

Thanks for the photos! I agree about the potential for damage on the rollable, so I am looking to secure a pelican case and dedicate it to the storage of these chargers and additional solar accessories.

 

[Corey]

Jim, I will have to check the pics from home.
Here at work I am getting this from trying to paste in your ImageShack link as there was no picture in your post.
In the past ImageShack pics have worked fine at work.

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