Portable solar recommendations

[EPO]

Wow. I've been going to "solar school" and for the life of me cannot differentiate one brand from another except for features like waterproof, etc. What makes Zamp "better" than the rest as there is certainly a price point difference?

Do the suitcase type stay upright in wind? Of course, not hurricane type wind...I think I'd prefer the suitcase type as it might be easier for me to move around. Looking at the Zamp Obsidian, how does it stay upright if a strong wind comes through? I don't see a way to put weight on the back to secure it.

Purchased the Arkto camper mentioned in another thread. 200w enough, too much, not enough?

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

My Zamp obdesian 100 watt unregulated with Furion connectors weigh 26 lbs. My last trip the wind gusts we Lilley 40 mph. They did not budge. See pick but I am sure you could weight them down with rocks if needed

 

[EPO]

Thanks Ob. This one really has me stumped for some reason. Should be simple, no. I've even wondering about adding bars or a rack to my RSI SmartCap that's on the truck and putting fixed solar on it then simply running the charging cable from the fixed panels to the outlet on the camper. Of course, there would be no charging if the truck isn't close by which wouldn't be all that uncommon since we go off hiking, etc. My big issue is leaving portable panels out without a secure way to keep them from getting stolen; I guess that's a chance one takes. If so, buy cheap panels! Could leave it on top of the camper I suppose.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Here is a shot of mine strapped to tounge box.

 

[EPO]

Are you willing to leave that all day long?

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

I guess it depends where I am at. I am rarely gone all day. It my case I would lie them flat on roof but that would be a pain on your pop top.

 

[TGK]

Wow. I've been going to "solar school" and for the life of me cannot differentiate one brand from another except for features like waterproof, etc. What makes Zamp "better" than the rest as there is certainly a price point difference?

Do the suitcase type stay upright in wind? Of course, not hurricane type wind...I think I'd prefer the suitcase type as it might be easier for me to move around. Looking at the Zamp Obsidian, how does it stay upright if a strong wind comes through? I don't see a way to put weight on the back to secure it.

Purchased the Arkto camper mentioned in another thread. 200w enough, too much, not enough?

As dar

Wow. I've been going to "solar school" and for the life of me cannot differentiate one brand from another except for features like waterproof, etc. What makes Zamp "better" than the rest as there is certainly a price point difference?

Do the suitcase type stay upright in wind? Of course, not hurricane type wind...I think I'd prefer the suitcase type as it might be easier for me to move around. Looking at the Zamp Obsidian, how does it stay upright if a strong wind comes through? I don't see a way to put weight on the back to secure it.

Purchased the Arkto camper mentioned in another thread. 200w enough, too much, not enough?

I have a 140w Zamp suitcase. If there’s wind, to be safe, I rest the both of my trailers solid stell weight distribution bars through the legs of the solar panels. They are pretty heavy. Of course, you may not be using weight distribution for tour Arkto.
How do you loke the Arkto so far?

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

I have two 100 charging and 200 ahrs of battle born. It's enough for me with no ac, microwave, elec coffee maker or hair dryer.
Just 12v frig, lights, max fan, cell phones and laptop charhing. Dc - dc charger so I arive at camp fully charged

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

As dar

I have a 140w Zamp suitcase. If there’s wind, to be safe, I rest the both of my trailers solid stell weight distribution bars through the legs of the solar panels. They are pretty heavy. Of course, you may not be using weight distribution for tour Arkto.
How do you loke the Arkto so far?

Those Legecy panels are heavy. Saw a YouTube video of a guy who had those blow away in the wind. He fetched them and they still worked

 

[EPO]

Ob-Pretty much the same setup on the Arkto though I don't have solar yet of course.

TGK-We spent some of today putting pots/pans, clothing, etc. in the Arkto today. It's still in the garage and we were able to do everything without taking it out and popping the top which was great. We are hoping to take it to the desert in a couple of weeks. You know, life and family getting in the way. But to answer your question, it really does look like a nice camper. Storage in it is unbelievable.

Should mention also that in the west, the wind comes from all sides, swirling, changing much of the time. I've seen some people that brace the portable panels with water jugs, etc. but I dunno...seems like panels could get knocked over but I defer to other's experience. I long distance backpack and always laugh when people say "pitch the tent in such a way that a certain side is in the prevailing wind". I suppose that many of these people haven't pitched out west much.

 

[EPO]

Has anyone thought about using or used flexible solar panels? Perhaps sticking them to the roof.

 

[DFNDER]

Flexible panels stuck to the roof are usually pretty poor performers and get worse as they heat up as there is no air circulation under the panels. Zamp obsidian really are better in every way, which is why solid makes like Boreas use them exclusively, but for portable I think the thin panels are just far more practical and cost effective. The nice thing about roof mounted is they are charging while you’re driving, and they’re more secure. Bad thing is you often want to camp in the shade or are faced the wrong way. Lighter portables will blow over in high winds, but some sand bags can weigh them down. Parry of the fun of camping is chasing all your stuff that’s blowing away in a vortex.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

I promise I am not in the Zamp coolaid. Just to be clear the odession line comes in mount on and portable. The odession suite case portables come with the awesome panel but also a very cool case. Dragging them around and flipping them open so quickly adds to the value. You can get them unregulated and they can be custom wired. Maybe cheaper ones can do the same but boy that case needs to be top quality

 

[chet6.7]

Has anyone thought about using or used flexible solar panels? Perhaps sticking them to the roof.

Here are a few videos showing some ways to mount flex panels.

 

[EPO]

Thanks everyone, appreciate the help. Since the Arkto is a pop top, I believe that it would involved repeated connecting/disconnecting which could be a failure point if the flexible panels are mounted.

After more time in solar school than I would like to admit, it appears that the Renogy and believe it or not, the Harbor Freight Thunderbolt suitcase style are the two finalists. Renogy is well, Renogy. The Harbor Freight panels have excellent reviews also and I like the support stand quite a bit (simple, appears strong and can find a way to weight it down). Both are fairly light and not too costly. Maybe put one suitcase out while away and keep the other in the truck. If stolen, neither would break the bank.

100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Foldable Solar Suitcase w/o Controller

Renogy 100W Expandable Solar Suitcase allows for turning sunlight into usable electricity that can power your portable gears on the go. Free Shipping. Call or Order online today!

www.renogy.com

100 Watt Solar Panel Briefcase

Amazing deals on this 100W Foldable Solar Panel Briefcase at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

The Renogy is cheaper on Amazon but the link doesn't work.

Interestingly, the Harbor Freight panels look identical to the Rich Solar suitcase panels but there may be more to it upon close inspection.

Open to all recommendations and insults.