java
Expedition Leader
No experience yet, I forgot it last time we went out.... The other guy posting did some basic tests though
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Fold-able, packable 100w solar panel recommendations?
- Thread starter Martinjmpr
- Start date
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
In case there are any other Canadians reading this thread with interest... Costco has a good option for us northerners, especially now that it's on sale: https://www.costco.ca/Unique-Portable-100-Watt-Solar-Panel-Kit.product.100279507.html. It comes with 50ft of cable, which is nice. You don't need a membership to purchase online. I've been wanting a portable solar kit for awhile, but they are hard to find up here, especially for a reasonable price.
4x4/RV shops usually charge $400 for it, Costco usually charges $350 for it, and now it's $275, which is cheaper than the HQST on Amazon.ca
Another nice feature is that it's a Canadian company (Unique Off Grid) who manufactures the product, and their service department is quite helpful.
4x4/RV shops usually charge $400 for it, Costco usually charges $350 for it, and now it's $275, which is cheaper than the HQST on Amazon.ca
Another nice feature is that it's a Canadian company (Unique Off Grid) who manufactures the product, and their service department is quite helpful.
Bear in NM
Adventurer
Bit of an old school tag. I currently have 1, 135 watt fixed glass panel, and 52 watts of Goal Zero folding panels in my battery suitcase/charge controller. I was planning on adding an identical 135 glass panel and creating a hinge on my first. Weight and bolting to my rack for transport would not be problematic, but the more I think about my situation, I am starting to think adding a folding 100ish panel might make more sense, in terms of flexibility.
The question I have is whether, in general, any of the folding panels that have the controller mounted on the panel could be easily re-wired to bypass/remove the controller? I have two nice pwm's in my suitcase, and a good mppt in my cargo trailer, but don't have an objection to paying for the controller as a package, as long as I can bypass it.
Thanks,
Craig
The question I have is whether, in general, any of the folding panels that have the controller mounted on the panel could be easily re-wired to bypass/remove the controller? I have two nice pwm's in my suitcase, and a good mppt in my cargo trailer, but don't have an objection to paying for the controller as a package, as long as I can bypass it.
Thanks,
Craig
After reading a bit on the victron site about MPPT, I'm becoming convinced that I'm better off getting two of the 50w panels and wiring them in series, instead of the folding set that's wired in parallel.
So far I'm looking at the Victron 75/10 or maybe a larger model MPPT charge controller, and 2 or 3 of the flexible 50w panels I see on amazon for $80-90. I can mount them to 4 or 5mm plywood, and make a folder out of it. At 24-36v nominal I would expect a fair bit of shade/clouds before the system couldn't charge a 12v battery.
It seems like the pricier folding panel sets like the one expedition reviewed a while back take the same approach.
I wonder if the folding set mentioned above can be rewired from parallel to series.
So far I'm looking at the Victron 75/10 or maybe a larger model MPPT charge controller, and 2 or 3 of the flexible 50w panels I see on amazon for $80-90. I can mount them to 4 or 5mm plywood, and make a folder out of it. At 24-36v nominal I would expect a fair bit of shade/clouds before the system couldn't charge a 12v battery.
It seems like the pricier folding panel sets like the one expedition reviewed a while back take the same approach.
I wonder if the folding set mentioned above can be rewired from parallel to series.
Last edited:
Bear in NM
Adventurer
Corey,
Thanks for confirming that.
Duncan, your thoughts are exactly what I am planning to do with my system. Use my pwm controllers when using my portable system, mppt when plugging in my trailer. Combine my 135 glass panel, with whatever I decide to buy next. It kinda looks to me that the ones that have a metal frame may have exposed wires between the two panels. The ones that fold and are more cordura type framing look to have wires sewn into the panel backs. At least the ones I have looked at on line. Maybe the good folks here can confirm.
My plan is to make some pigtails to run parallel or series, depending. My concern above was whether the controller could be removed, and whether there would be more than a couple of inches of wire between the panel and controller.
Craig
Thanks for confirming that.
Duncan, your thoughts are exactly what I am planning to do with my system. Use my pwm controllers when using my portable system, mppt when plugging in my trailer. Combine my 135 glass panel, with whatever I decide to buy next. It kinda looks to me that the ones that have a metal frame may have exposed wires between the two panels. The ones that fold and are more cordura type framing look to have wires sewn into the panel backs. At least the ones I have looked at on line. Maybe the good folks here can confirm.
My plan is to make some pigtails to run parallel or series, depending. My concern above was whether the controller could be removed, and whether there would be more than a couple of inches of wire between the panel and controller.
Craig
The Mohoo panel and the "Upgraded Sunpower Solar Panel 5.5A 18V 100W Portable Foldable Solar Panel Charger for Outdoors" are rated at 5.5 amps at the 18V output (pre controller voltage) which equates to 100W...well 99W to be exact. The 4.60 amps you are seeing at the 18V output is 82.8W. If you tune the panel closer to the optimal angle for your location and sun position you'll achieve closer to the 5.5 amp output. Remember the max amp output is based on optimal position to the sun at a give longitude/latitude so expecting 5.5 amps all the time the wrong expectation for one of these portable panels that isn't mounted to something positioning it precisely and with an auto sun follower. A Renogy suitcase 100W panel is rated at 5.71 amp @ the 18V output which equates to 102W. I suspect your control is showing WATTS coming out of the controller at its 12V output vs the 18V from the panel (again panels are rated at their 18v output that feeds into a controller)....the amp to watt conversion suggests this to be the case as 4.60 amps at 12.0v is 55.2W
I wouldn't worry so much about the WATTS as amps is what you're primarily interested in. So long are you're getting close to the 5.5 amp stated max, you're good. And yes, 4.6 is good for a panel lying completely flat (i.e. not optimally positioned for your longitude/latitude and sun position at that given point in time)
Last edited:
Just received my Renogy 100 Watt Eclipse Monocrystalline Solar Suitcase with Charge Controller from the Renogy ebay store for $219.00. It was listed like new but it looks brand new. Amazon has it listed for $355. I just need it right now to charge a battery when I use my Edgestar 43 qt. frig and power inverter to run a small TV, lights, etc. Any recommendations on a Group 31 amg battery?
Attachments
i.e. AGM
Odyssey or Lifeline, maybe Northstar. Avoid Deka/Duracell/East Penn for AGM.
Odyssey PC-2150 is excellent.
If you know you're going to PSOC abuse, then go to Firefly Oasis, but $500+
Obviously FLA would be much better value, especially 2x 6V Duracell GCs.
SameGuy
Observer
This one looks interesting. The controller would likely need to be replaces with an MPPT but I like the size and the legs to prop it up would be nice.
https://www.amazon.com/ACOPOWER-Por...6657&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=ACOPOWER+12V&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/ACOPOWER-Por...6657&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=ACOPOWER+12V&psc=1
