Double check with you guys before I order.

[life_w_vagabonds]

Putting together an order, would appreciate a second or third opinion.

It’s going on an Alu-Cab Khaya, I had some issues finding a panel that fits the 46 inch spread of the roof rails. Really wanted the 170w flexible SunPower but was concerned about adhering to diamond plate.

I already have a 100Ah Odyssey, that I had been using with a 50w panel for weekend trips. I just power an Engle 35 and charge lights and such. Although with the extra power that might change.

Having said that is this charge controller capable of charging lithium? Future proofing.

Any thoughts would be appreciated, taking advantage of the Friday after lunch clock watching time...

https://www.solar-electric.com/ameresco-bsp140-12-140-watt-12-volt-solar-panel.htmlAmeresco BSP140-12 140 Watt Solar Panel | Northern Arizona Wind & Sun

https://www.solar-electric.com/victron-energy-smartsolar-mppt-75-15-charge-controller.htmlVictron 75/15 MPPT Solar Charge Controller | Northern Arizona Wind & Sun

 

[shade]

That panel & charge controller will work fine. If the charge controller & battery won't be experiencing the same temperature, and you aren't using a Victron battery with a built-in temp sensor, you may want to add a Victron Smart Battery Sense dongle for temp compensation. See pg. 5 of the manual.

Clearance - Sales & Promotions - Residential | NAZ Solar Electric

Great deals on solar power equipment. Search our clearance section for up to 50% off!

www.solar-electric.com

 

[life_w_vagabonds]

That panel & charge controller will work fine. If the charge controller & battery won't be experiencing the same temperature, and you aren't using a Victron battery with a built-in temp sensor, you may want to add a Victron Smart Battery Sense dongle for temp compensation. See pg. 5 of the manual.

Clearance - Sales & Promotions - Residential | NAZ Solar Electric

Great deals on solar power equipment. Search our clearance section for up to 50% off!

www.solar-electric.com

Thanks for the quick reply, controller and battery will both be inside the camper and equally as hot in the Phoenix sun. Would it still be beneficial in any way?

I’m guessing MC4 and H4 connectors are different, I am not seeing on the panels spec sheet which are used.

 

[life_w_vagabonds]

Fwiw,
Nothing wrong with it, But I think thats high price for 140W multicrystaline solarmodule.
But I am used to buying 100W monocrystaline for about 100$...

Yeah, I don’t want two panels for space reasons but also want a little more than 100 watts.

 

[dreadlocks]

Victron gear is some of the best for Lithium so you'd be ready for that in some regard, however one of the best things about lithium is how much more solar it can take so you can charge it up with less hours of sunlight.. so if your trying to buy once, cry once and being ready for a LFP upgrade you might consider whats the max solar you could ever fit.. and sizing the charger for that.. 15A would be considered rather small on say a 100AH LFP battery.

Might also consider house solar panels if you have the room, seems like your looking for a big one.. you can sometimes find em on craigslist for nothing locally.

 

[life_w_vagabonds]

Victron gear is some of the best for Lithium so you'd be ready for that in some regard, however one of the best things about lithium is how much more solar it can take so you can charge it up with less hours of sunlight.. so if your trying to buy once, cry once and being ready for a LFP upgrade you might consider whats the max solar you could ever fit.. and sizing the charger for that.. 15A would be considered rather small on say a 100AH LFP battery.

Might also consider house solar panels if you have the room, seems like your looking for a big one.. you can sometimes find em on craigslist for nothing locally.

It’s hard to find a source for panels that list by thier dimensions. My rack rails are on 46.5 inch centers. I can deal with a little fudge room but many larger panels would stick out over the edge. The edges of the top are tapered. I’d prefer to keep my height as low as possible as well, I enjoy having a camper that can fit in parking garages!

This is why I have been obsessing over flexible panels for a week or so, but came to the conclusion I didn’t want to risk it with adhesives on diamond plate.

 

[john61ct]

better to have a cooling gap anyway, they get killer hot working

 

[dreadlocks]

are you trying to mount it within the rails? you could sling some carriers down under it and make em flush as long as it fits within em..

mine fit perfectly on top of my rails w/no overhang.. but I extended some angle past it to gimme some impact resistance to branches.

 

[life_w_vagabonds]

are you trying to mount it within the rails? you could sling some carriers down under it and make em flush as long as it fits within em..

mine fit perfectly on top of my rails w/no overhang.. but I extended some angle past it to gimme some impact resistance to branches.
View attachment 567273

Initially I wanted the panel below the rails, the wife has been wanting a SUP. Which drove my flexible panel tangent, I think I’m past that now. Anything over 48 inches Long will fall past the taper on the edges of the top and be vulnerable.

Perhaps two 100w mounted 90 degrees, supported by two pieces of angle would be a better bet.

 

[life_w_vagabonds]

Hmm maybe this ain’t a bad deal...

https://www.solar-electric.com/rvkit-016-320w-12v.htmlRV & Marine 325W 12V Charging Kit With Solar Panel & MPPT Charge Controller | Northern Arizona Wind & Sun