"Solar Generator"

[67cj5]

Time for some Real Mans Porn. And I keep it in the Bedroom LOL

 

[OllieChristopher]

They are making them bigger and bigger for sure. Here is my backup power setup:



I'm using it in conjunction with my dual battery install. I did some minor modifications by making my own Anderson connector and 300 watt pure sine inverter so I can quick charge it off my truck bed sockets when driving.. This solar generator accepts dual charging by the ability to add the "C" charging port for an additional 60 watts input.

My primary source of power comes from my small AGM house battery under the hood. The Mechman alternator is the heart of the system allowing it to pump out a serious 268 amps (about 150 amps at idle).

You are just as bad as anyone else is. Consider getting over yourself. Worry not about further interaction as It's clear you belong on my block list.

Come on pal. I have asked politely. Please give it a break.

 

[OllieChristopher]

Time for some Real Mans Porn. And I keep it in the Bedroom LOL View attachment 649167

LOL!! One thing for sure as long as you don't have to worry about solar energy!!

 

[67cj5]

LOL!! One thing for sure as long as you don't have to worry about solar energy!!

I also bought a 100w panel and then decided that was not right so I bought 6 X 150w panels for my next project and I bought 2 X Ecoworthy 120w Folding panels just to charge the 2 PLB's.

It's funny how you get so far in to doing something and your Ideas charge, hence the 6 X 150's ???

 

[roving1]

I feel Like Tim from Tool Time,

Look what I found

The capacity is nice.

But the charging input seems severely limited. I don't really understand why someone cant come up with one of these that will allow decent amperage for DC charging.

The real killer is even the solar charging needs at least 26V so you can't even charge this from one 18V solar panel. Not real practical for most folks.

For someone that is plugging in M-F and going out for short trips on the weekends I could see this but this is useless for longer trips or full time. There basically isn't a timely way to charge it without plugging it in or having at least 2 full time panels on the vehicle.

For $2700 it doesn't seem like a bargain to me. If you actually use all the capacity you won't be able to to put it back in while mobile, unless you are going to drive for 30 hours lol.

 

[67cj5]

The capacity is nice.

But the charging input seems severely limited. I don't really understand why someone cant come up with one of these that will allow high amperage DC charging.

The real killer is even the solar charging needs at least 26V so you can't even charge this from one 18V solar panel. Not real practical for most folks.

For someone that is plugging in M-F and going out for short trips on the weekends I could see this but this is useless for longer trips or full time. There basically isn't timely way to charge it without plugging it in or having at least 2 full time panels on the vehicle.

For $2700 it doesn't seem like a bargain to me. If you actually use all the capacity you won't be able to to put it back in while mobile, unless you are going to drive for 30 hours lol.

Well I think you would need 2 or 3 150w panels in order to get the voltage up, I have found that my PLB 40 which is 512wh will do every thing a person needs for camping and it is easy to charge, The bigger the power box the longer you have to stay parked up trying to charge it and with a young family that is not an option, the Idea of getting away is to leave the world behind not take it with you. These 1500w+ power boxes just OTT, the balance is between 500 to 1000w, 1500w is ok if you need a bit extra in reserve.

 

[OllieChristopher]

But the charging input seems severely limited. I don't really understand why someone cant come up with one of these that will allow decent amperage for DC charging.

The main reason being a DC to DC step up converter would be size and weight prohibitive to get at comparable charge wattages as a the AC to DC power brick.

There is actually an easy workaround for that. Simply purchase a small Inverter plugged into the 12 volt socket and plug the power brick into the inverter. If you look at my picture in post #50 you will see that's what I did. IMO, All vehicles should have a small inverter on hand anyway for emergency AC power applications.

Any way you slice it there is going to be a compromise depending on what your needs are. Quicker charge and more amp hours equals larger and heavier. The reason that manufacturers such as Jackery and Dometic PLB40 are so popular are because of the power to size and weight ratio.

 

[67cj5]

Considering the targeted buyer demographic. I expect reason is abundance of caution.
They need to sell a plug n play appliance.
Anything what needs even minor compentence for connection to a higher current source is too much product liability risk.

Yep, I bought one panel that was 100w and then I got the bigger is better bug until I realized that I was going have to store them someplace In the van when not in use So then I bought a 120w folding panel, I think they are just about right for mobile use But those 150's I bought are just too much unless they are fixed in one spot.

 

[OllieChristopher]

Considering the targeted buyer demographic. I expect reason is abundance of caution.
They need to sell a plug n play appliance.
Anything what needs even minor compentence for connection to a higher current source is too much product liability risk.

There is no more proficiency needed nor a liability risk for a solar generator than purchasing the parts yourself to build one. It's a size issue plain and simple. Anything that has a greater capacity be it the battery itself or charger is going to be larger and heavier.

An example would be the aftermarket 100 watt output stator on my Beta. More windings for greater capacity means heavier and bulkier.

I applaud these solar generator manufacturers listening to those of us that looking for an excellent compromise for compact and lightweight units. For the average end user they are right at the sweet spot. Most of them rival and exceed performance compared to a "do it yourself" build. In fact the solar generator market has pretty much exceed anything that can be built from someone piecing together parts.

 

[OllieChristopher]

Its when somebody of little proficiency begins to assemble such parts into an energised electrical apparatus things become hazardous.

Wiring together and assembling electrical components is no more dangerous than plugging into and operating a ready made production device. It is no different than comparing the hazards of assembling a motorcycle vs starting and operating one.

Both examples have risks associated with the assembly and operation of them. I am still waiting to see someone come up with a custom built solar generator that will outperform the mass produced units in regards to being light, compact, and quick charge capabilities. So far that has not happened.

 

[Porkchopexpress]

Wiring together and assembling electrical components is no more dangerous than plugging into and operating a ready made production device. It is no different than comparing the hazards of assembling a motorcycle vs starting and operating one.

This must be a troll account.

 

[OllieChristopher]

This must be a troll account.

It's my real name and I am adding to the discussion in a polite manner with the decorum that is intended to the forum. Your post to this thread adds nothing to this topic. Your attempt to antagonize and get a negative reaction is not in the good nature of this threads dialogue.

As per forum rules: Spirited and intelligent debate is encouraged. However, If you purposefully antagonize, bait or troll with the intent of creating an argument you can be banned from participation.

My intent in regards to the solar generator discussion is to open up the possibility of best solutions for portability. I'm hoping some of the members here can come up with fabricating something comparable to the mass produced offerings. IMHO, I do not see that happening.

Most of the custom units are either too heavy, too bulky, or cost prohibitive. I had mentioned Jackery as one of many manufacturers that are taking technology to the next level. They are (as Bluetti and others) providing very useable and simple solutions for building out a rig and to folks that like to go camping and move their solar generators around as needed.

Of course this is just an example but how can someone custom build an over 100amp hour solar generator that will charge as quickly, in this compact and low weight of a package?




Over 100 amp hours at this size and only 33lbs!!

 

[67cj5]

Well we see many things marketed under many names I think the term SG is just away to band many brands under the one label, Most of us know that they are not a Generator and they can only store power or send it out as it is the solar Panel that does the Generating side of things with the help of the MPPT,

Like many things they can't do much without the help of another component, If the people who market these things used the correct term it would be called a power pack or Battery Pack and all the other bits are just accessories added to it,

I just call mine a power pack because it is plain and simple and people usually know what I mean. The names of things are often misleading, IE A Wind Generator ?? One thing I am sure about is they Don't Generate Wind Thats down to the Man Upstairs and the Tides.

It's a bit like Camping I laugh when I see people taking along Coffee Grinders and Microwaves and projectors and Air Con Units, My thoughts are they might as well pitch a tent in the back yard so they can stay close to their appliences, A fridge is nice to have because it extends the time you can carry fresh food and a heater maybe and a stove, but thats about it But in the same way we all call these things by a different name We all have different Ideas of what camping is. There is just us and our own way of doing things.

 

[RDinNHand AZ]

OllieChristopher
You say "My intent in regards to the solar generator discussion is to open up the possibility of best solutions for portability. I'm hoping some of the members here can come up with fabricating something comparable to the mass produced offerings. IMHO, I do not see that happening.”

I did construct a power pack using LiFePO4 battery, with a charger, solar input and 100 watts of panel, a state of charge meter, solar controller, proper fusing and USB, cigar, and SAE connectors. It is in many ways better and higher quality than other offerings and as a system cheaper to build. It is not as professional looking as I built it in a cheap toolbox. I too encourage others to experiment with a solution that fits their particular needs if a production unit does not.
See: https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/diy-power-pack-lifepo4-wattbox.221586/#post-2884500

 

[OllieChristopher]

I remember your build on that unit. I'm not sure I would agree that it's comparable to a mass produced Solar Generator. But it is nice and as long as it serves your purpose then that's what counts.

I have to admit the Solar Generator you put together is a lot more well thought out than some of the others out there. Thanks for posting your solution.