Foldable Solar Panel

[elcoyote]

I read somwhere the flexible type solar panels are 20% less efficent than the solid type.
Does anyone know for sure?
I am about to order 2x40 watt panels in a hinged frame or maybe a single 100 watt panel.

I have a Yamaha 1000 efs but I could do without it on most trips by recharging from the 2x770cca batteries and the 120 amp alternator in the landcruiser.

To be exact, the flexible panels require more square inches per watt than the glass panels. Amphorus flexible panels produce power better than glass monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels in low light situations (early morning & late afternoon or overcast). The amphorus panels also produce more power in high heat conditions than the crystalline panels. I know it is counter intuitive however the the best conditions for a solar panel are cold temperatures & clear skies (in our hemisphere, N. AZ & NM are the best solar areas in the country).

Solar requires planning. It is the same as understanding how much fuel your vehicle carries and what your MPG is. In solar applications, your tank is your battery, your gas station is your panel and your MPG is watts drawn from your battery.

If you use solar a lot, it will provide a better ROI from a cash & environmental perspective. Panel life expectancy is 15-20 years before deterioration is seen in output. This is based on 24/7 exposure. My philosophy has been to reduce my power consumption by using the best available low voltage & low wattage technologies to avoid the need for a higher output generator. For example I choose the higher cost, lower draw refrigerator (e.g. Engel) over the lower cost, higher draw competing product.

My power analysis for my cabin showed that it was less expensive to replace low cost current technology 110v appliances with higher cost best technology 12v & 24v appliances. This allowed me to downsize the photovoltaic array rather than use a generator over the life of the system. It's long term thinking over short term thinking tailored to the application.

 

[cruisertoy]

I've dealt with Powerfilm and have had good results. Not cheap by any means, but a very good product. I was told by one of the Powerfilm reps that they produce the Brunton solar panels.

I will be using a 10w system in Alaska this July for two weeks in the bush. I don't expect to have any problems given my use here in Utah.

 

[Martyn]

Martyn:

Can the panel be laid over the top of a RTT? If so, How is affected by wind (i.e.: what is the weight of the unit relative to windy conditions?) How much cable is available for flexibility in placement?

Thanks for the answers.
Dendy

The panel can be laid over the roof of a RTT. It would work best if it was anchored, a 60 watt panel only weighs 3.19 lb.

You can get 15 ft extensions cables.

 

[Corey]

Very nice unit.

I too have an ARB fridge that this could power for a week long trip.
Four to five days is max with my battery in the rig, although I do have a dual setup to start the rig in case I wear one down.

I need to research this more, as I would like to use a solar panel actually to trickle charge the battery to keep it up while the battery runs the fridge, and not plug the fridge into the solar panel.

 

[Dendy Jarrett]

The panel can be laid over the roof of a RTT. It would work best if it was anchored, a 60 watt panel only weighs 3.19 lb.

You can get 15 ft extensions cables.

Can you tie the corners down (i.e.: grommets)?

Or would it work better with a velcro set up?

Thanks
Dendy

 

[teotwaki]

To be exact, the flexible panels require more square inches per watt than the glass panels. Amphorus flexible panels produce power better than glass monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels in low light situations (early morning & late afternoon or overcast). ......SNIP......

This may make sense because the flex panels have more surface area to collect diffused light with than a physically smaller glass panel of the same wattage. In purely direct sunlight the glass panel is more efficient with its smaller surface area, especially as it is easier to align it to the more direct rays of light

 

[Martyn]

Can you tie the corners down (i.e.: grommets)?

Or would it work better with a velcro set up?

Thanks
Dendy

Let me see if I can get some pictures today of what is already built in to the panel as far a grommets go.

 

[Martyn]

What type of warranty does it have from Powerfilm? What type of warranty do you offer?

The foldable panels have a 3 year warranty against defects and workmanship. Accessories have a 1 year warranty.

 

[Martyn]

Martyn:

Can the panel be laid over the top of a RTT? If so, How is affected by wind (i.e.: what is the weight of the unit relative to windy conditions?) How much cable is available for flexibility in placement?

Thanks for the answers.
Dendy

There are 4 built in 1/4" grommets one in each corner of the panel.

 

[saburai]

looks good!

How do they compare to the global solar units?
http://www.globalsolar.com/products/flex-62watt.php

 

[Martyn]

How do they compare to the global solar units?
http://www.globalsolar.com/products/flex-62watt.php

It's hard to tell, the links to specifications on their web page is a dead end.

 

[jdholder]

You can download specs in pdf format on the right side of the website main page.

 

[saburai]

It's hard to tell, the links to specifications on their web page is a dead end.

I was able to open it...

 

[Martyn]

I have the spec sheet now. I'll compare the two over the weekend.

 

[saburai]

I have the spec sheet now. I'll compare the two over the weekend.

Many Thanks!:victory: