PowerFilm R-21 rollable solar chargers.

Yudda

Adventurer
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.


Immediately i thought of Army Mortar ammunition cases.

http://www.armynavydeals.com/asp/products_details.asp?ST=2&SKU=BG156


Now i checked the Powerfilm website specs and the rolled diameter doesn't change regardless of size. I don't know how thats possible....but maybe something like this would work.

If not you could find larger mortar size cases.

BG156.jpg

Hope it helps,

rob
 

dzzz

As an alternative there are engine alternators that put out 130amps at idle. I can't think of a recreational scenario with flexible panels that can't be done another way for less money. I can certainly see military and specialized work using these panels.
The price seems to be finally coming down on solar. I can see items like awnings and canopies being solar collectors.
 

Corey

OverCamping Specialist
Nice panel Jim, kind of like mine.
Home now so I can see it, I do not know why Boeing is blocking imageshack now.
 

teotwaki

Excelsior!
As an alternative there are engine alternators that put out 130amps at idle. I can't think of a recreational scenario with flexible panels that can't be done another way for less money. I can certainly see military and specialized work using these panels.
The price seems to be finally coming down on solar. I can see items like awnings and canopies being solar collectors.

I guess it is the preferable idea of working from pollution-free solar panels rather than running the truck's engine. In terms of cost finding a small used 1KW Honda or Yamaha generator on Craigslist is an option too.

Specialized work, oh yeah! We had to run a bunch of specialized military radios for some tests. You can just make out the HF rig on the tailgate near my unidentified friend :sombrero:
 

dzzz

Pollution is an argument, but a smaller truck and driving 55 would make a much larger difference.

At least for work you can right off the equipment.

Now, if someone lays in a ditch for a week in the middle east talking on a sat. radio, this technology is very inexpensive.

It is fun and elegant technology for recreational use.
 

saburai

Explorer
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.

Jim, Great minds! I've got a GS 62 Watt panel and the low buck charge controler for my one panel...
 

teotwaki

Excelsior!
Pollution is an argument, but a smaller truck and driving 55 would make a much larger difference.

At least for work you can right off the equipment.

Now, if someone lays in a ditch for a week in the middle east talking on a sat. radio, this technology is very inexpensive.

It is fun and elegant technology for recreational use.

Noise is part of the pollution too. Who wants to be camping where you have to listen to a generator or car engine for hours at a time?

Paying $350 for a solar panel is roughly 120 gallons of gas. Your car engine always needs gas but a solar panel always/only needs (free) sunshine. In the long run the solar panel is cheaper amd maintenance free.
 

teotwaki

Excelsior!
Jim, Great minds! I've got a GS 62 Watt panel and the low buck charge controler for my one panel...

You have to take all of the credit because you gave me the lead on the bargain-priced 62W unit!! I may sell the 48 watt unit.
 

benedmonson

Disabled Adventurer
I'm about to buy a solar panel for our LR3 to keep the batteries topped off while we camp. We have extended stays for a week sometimes when camping on Baja and Mainland Mexico. I run a fridge, 2 meter radio and recharge my CPAP breathing machine everyday so I don't keep my wife up at night:bike_rider: I'm already running Equipts National Luna Dual battery system with a yellow top Optima for the acc.

I need all the power I can get and love the powerfilm 60watt, but found the Brunton SOLARIS 52 for several hundred dollars cheaper. Does anybody have any experience with the Brunton 52???
 

teotwaki

Excelsior!
I'm about to buy a solar panel for our LR3 to keep the batteries topped off while we camp. We have extended stays for a week sometimes when camping on Baja and Mainland Mexico. I run a fridge, 2 meter radio and recharge my CPAP breathing machine everyday so I don't keep my wife up at night:bike_rider: I'm already running Equipts National Luna Dual battery system with a yellow top Optima for the acc.

I need all the power I can get and love the powerfilm 60watt, but found the Brunton SOLARIS 52 for several hundred dollars cheaper. Does anybody have any experience with the Brunton 52???

If you can store it in the vehicle easily while driving, an "old school" rigid panel gets you the watts at a lower cost and they are easier to shift to track the sun.



Don't forget to buy a decent controller so as not to overcharge the battery.

I have a Brunton Solaris 26 and they may actually be built by Global Solar. I also have an older Brunton Solaris 25 (foldable rigid panels) and they can sometimes be found inexpensively.

Try this number to see if they have any more new old stock of the 62 Watt Global Solar units at a good price 816-350-6219. Thanks to Saburai for the lead!
 

VanGo

Explorer
I was thinking that laying the rollable panels flat and staked to the ground while in camp would be one method of collection- little concerned about "traffic" (kids, dogs, errant frisbee, etc...) or use plastic-end bungees and secure to the hood/roof of the rig or trailer. This is a great site with a lot of good information: http://store.sundancesolar.com/pofo.html
 

Corey

OverCamping Specialist
I like the folding panels like the one I bought as it all fits into a small Pelican laptop case.
The case also fits all the cords and a my multimeter for taking voltage tests.
The case fits nice behind the drivers seat when I load up the rig with the camping gear.
 

VanGo

Explorer
Just found this today as post on PowerFilm_2008 annual report:

PowerFilm Solar Product Advantages
PowerFilm Solar products have many advantages versus competitors.
• Lightweight: Truly effective portable power solutions, especially important for our target markets. Can be
taken anywhere.
• Rugged & durable: Trusted by the US military. Shot at, blow torched, run over by a tractor/trailer, and submerged
in water; it keeps on ticking, especially important for the military, industrial, and rugged outdoor customers.
• Rollable: For easy storage.
• Weatherproof: For long life in harsh environments.
• Flexible
• No glass to break: Unlike many other solar chargers.
• Thin profile: Enables integrated design for mainstream use.

(No affiliation)
 

benedmonson

Disabled Adventurer
I found a deal on the Powerfilm 60watt last night and bought it! I'm glad I went with the latest largest foldable on the market. The Brunton is nice, but 8 more watts is 8 more watts.
As for a rigid panel I lived with my wife and dogs for 3 years in an 84 Custom Westy and had a custom installed solar system in it. I had a BP 125watt panel on top with 2 6volt trojan batteries wired into 12volt under the back bench seat connected to a 1200 watt pure sine inverter. This was a life saver to me as I'm a full time photographer. It gave me enough energy to burn including my engel fridge that ran 24/7 for years!!

I love the solar capabilities that we have at our finger tips now...
 

VanGo

Explorer
Thanks to Ben I am back on track with my solar plans! Original order was placed on back order, I really wanted to get this project started and with Ben's link I discovered I could purchase the same order for less, shipped a lot sooner!! I'll keep you guys posted.
 

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