Solar Panel Differences?? Teach Me!!

[Ramjet]

If you have questions on solar you can PM me. I work for a portable solar company and I might be able to answer your questions. I can help you have a better understanding of the different types and why some are more expensive than others. Efficiency is the key to good solar products. Let me know if I can help.

 

[zidaro]

What is everyones opinion on these panels? specifically the RV100. Mounted on the rooftop of a poptop slide in on tilt bars. will see lots of dirt roads.

http://www.amsolar.com/RVseries.html

I know there have been some comments on them in other discussions but would like more knowledge/opinion.

 

[Ramjet]

What is everyones opinion on these panels? specifically the RV100. Mounted on the rooftop of a poptop slide in on tilt bars. will see lots of dirt roads.

http://www.amsolar.com/RVseries.html

I know there have been some comments on them in other discussions but would like more knowledge/opinion.

First: The panels will have to be cleaned off before they will work efficiently enough. I really don't know that much specifically about the brand, but I will research it more to see how much power they will produce over a given period of time.

Second: Would it be better if you could just place the panels on a stand to charge your system then store them accordingly so they are not damaged?

Just some questions. But I will find out how the Amsolar System works.

 

[zidaro]

thanks for the reply Ramjet.

I would prefer not to set up panels everytime i need a charge and would like the safety of having them mounted on the roof when i am away climbing, etc. for the day. Seems like there is always a trade-off in permanent vs. mobile. Seems if they are on the roof, atleast a charge is always occurring.

Cleaning the dust/snow off is not a problem, but certainly another thing to do. I hope having a panel on the roof would not result in damage. I am mostly concerned with the panel vibrating/flexing on the rooftop over washboard desert road, not being familiar with the integrity of any panel in this use.

My power usage is minimal. Running a newer 50L ARB fridge, camper lights(minimalist), water pump, portable dvd player, and a laptop charger would be the average uses. Just not interested in a dead battery

 

[Ramjet]

thanks for the reply Ramjet.

I would prefer not to set up panels everytime i need a charge and would like the safety of having them mounted on the roof when i am away climbing, etc. for the day. Seems like there is always a trade-off in permanent vs. mobile. Seems if they are on the roof, atleast a charge is always occurring.

Cleaning the dust/snow off is not a problem, but certainly another thing to do. I hope having a panel on the roof would not result in damage. I am mostly concerned with the panel vibrating/flexing on the rooftop over washboard desert road, not being familiar with the integrity of any panel in this use.

My power usage is minimal. Running a newer 50L ARB fridge, camper lights(minimalist), water pump, portable dvd player, and a laptop charger would be the average uses. Just not interested in a dead battery

That is understandable not wanting a dead battery. I really don't think you would have to have anything more than 120 watts of power. I think anything more than that would be overkill. You will have to worry about damage to the panel. Mono-crystaline panels are not bomb proof, and hail or heavy rain can interfere with the integrity of the panel. Thats why I was suggesting a movable panel. But if you want to permanently mount it, then I would do just that. Do you have any pics of the camper you want to install it on? That would really help me see where it is you would like to put it, and the steps to take on the install. If your going to be using the camper for Overland travel, a portable system might be the direction you would need to go in. I do work for a company that makes a great portable system. Check them out and let me know what you think. www.goal0.com. I'm not trying to sell you anything, but just give you some more info on whats available to you. Let me know if there is anything else I can do.

 

[Corey]

Those are pretty cool, I like how the panel charges up the battery for items to then plug into it.

Not sure if one of those batteries devices would charge up off of the solar panel I bought from Martyn.

 

[Ramjet]

Those are pretty cool, I like how the panel charges up the battery for items to then plug into it.

Not sure if one of those batteries devices would charge up off of the solar panel I bought from Martyn.

You should be able to Corey, you would have to go to the accessories section and see if you can find the right connection. I think it's on there. I will be at Overland Expo in April. You will be able to see them all there.

 

[zidaro]

Do you have any pics of the camper you want to install it on? That would really help me see where it is you would like to put it, and the steps to take on the install. Check them out and let me know what you think. www.goal0.com. Let me know if there is anything else I can do.

Those are some amazing portable systems! I may be in the market for one of the smaller units to charge ipods/handheld radios for my next Denali Climb. I think the permanent mount solar setup is more what i am leaning toward on my popup. Its gotta be somewhat durable, theft-resistant, trouble-free. Like those go together.:sombrero:

Want to mount the panel on the roof, controller under the cabinet close to battery. Maybe allow for enough extra line (plug in extension off roof) to pull panel off roof and set on ground in optimal sunlight at times-- If that is plausible.

Heres my setup as of now:

I am thinking a 100W panel and the Morningstar Sunsaver 15A MPPT controller w/ remote temp sensor.

would love to know if anyone thinks this will not work well on this rig or opinions o the equipment.
Also- any opinions on how to route the power cable (8 Gauge) down off the roof to the battery box? Inside/outside?