Help with choosing please

[frans]

Which solar panel should i get and why one brand over the other?
Thank you

 

[luthj]

Those panels include a controller. So for good advice we need to know what you are using your electrical system for. Battery size/type, usage (fridge, driving, frequency etc). Many of the controllers on those units have too low an absorb voltage, and do not have a long enough absorb timer.

 

[frans]

Sorry for the lack of info.
Landrover 109".
I have two batteries, both connected to starting the engine. (Unless I use the winch, then I have a switch which isolates the starting battery.)

Really just keeping the batteries topped up for my 12 volt fridge, and two small LED lights at night, is what I am after.
I don't like starting the vehicle to recharge the batteries. It is noisy, smelly, and disturbes the quiet of the campsite.

 

[luthj]

Thanks, any idea what your fridge uses? Not a huge deal, but watt hours or amp hours figures would be useful.

 

[Josie'slandcruiser]

Look at the bottom of this page, and you will see an ad for a "Rockpals" 100 watt folding solar panel. I would recommend that style over the larger, rigid "solar suitcase" as it is far more compact and easy to carry in your vehicle. Look into the Victron "SmartSolar" MPPT controller also.

Good luck.

Which solar panel should i get and why one brand over the other?
Thank you
View attachment 536063View attachment 536064

 

[Bayou Boy]

The HQST stuff is the exact same specs as Renogy stuff. Literally the exact same sticker on the back with the exception of the name brand. Take that for what it's worth. I wouldn't think twice about ordering the HQST panels.

 

[frans]

Look at the bottom of this page, and you will see an ad for a "Rockpals" 100 watt folding solar panel. I would recommend that style over the larger, rigid "solar suitcase" as it is far more compact and easy to carry in your vehicle. Look into the Victron "SmartSolar" MPPT controller also.

Good luck.

I will look it up. Am a bit leery of 'soft' panels. It seems like a lot of folks become disappointed in them but maybe I should revisit the concept

 

[frans]

Fridge is an Edgestar 40 quart
Just looked at the rockpal it seems to have no hookups to connect to my vehicle battery.
Sure seems nice! Much smaller than the hard panels. Altho I would have to figure out a way to prop it up by itself. I like to park in the shade if possible so the solar would have to be on an extension cord.