Solar power for camping/overlanding trips installed 6 27 2009

[The Adam Blaster]

You look like you were in a pretty shady area, and yet it still kept generating power for you? That's somewhat impressive!

I had a picture in my head of all the folks that tour around the Southwest and have nice big awnings that they could just flop the solar panel on to top of, and lightly tie down through eyelets. Since the awning is there to block the sun, laying the panel on top would just enhance that effect.
It would be even more interesting if you could secure the panel directly to the awning and roll it up in the cover at the same time when you break camp.

I would imagine you would run the risk of damage to the panel's surface with abrasive dust etc...

 

[Corey]

The panel folds up very easily, and I keep it in the stock box it came in, then it goes into a Pelican case I bought a few years ago for a 17" laptop, and my laptop was to big.

Yes, it was registering 16 volts there, and you can see only about half the panel was in the sun.
I moved it around a bit a few times.

I use it just to keep the batteries topped off while running the ARB fridge.
Extra insurance...

 

[HB 4X4]

Awesome setup. I am currently looking into a solar panel setup fory truck and I am really liking the foldable panels.

 

[Corey]

Thanks.
I prefer these over the roll up type, they take up less room IMO.

 

[HB 4X4]

Thanks.
I prefer these over the roll up type, they take up less room IMO.

Do you know of any out there that don't cost a grand? I can't justify that much for something that could just be unplugged (fridge). Also, I am looking for a solution that I can throw up on my roof during the day while at home and something like yours is much too valuable to leave unattended for entire days at a time.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Do you know of any out there that don't cost a grand? I can't justify that much for something that could just be unplugged (fridge). Also, I am looking for a solution that I can throw up on my roof during the day while at home and something like yours is much too valuable to leave unattended for entire days at a time.

My setup fits your needs. I have it permanently mounted and have no worries about theft.

 

[teotwaki]

My setup fits your needs. I have it permanently mounted and have no worries about theft.

A panel like that in the 50 to 60 watt range will give you enough power and cost a lot less than a foldable panel. Watch Craigslist for deals.

One of these panels is $375 and with a proper charge controller would definitely take care of your second battery

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/sys/1574698782.html

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

A panel like that in the 50 to 60 watt range will give you enough power and cost a lot less than a foldable panel. Watch Craigslist for deals.

One of these panels is $375 and with a proper charge controller would definitely take care of your second battery

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/sys/1574698782.html

100% correct. I get 28 degree beverages in 110 degree temps and NEVER need to start my Land Cruiser.

 

[HB 4X4]

I don't want it mounted permanently unless I got a roof rack. I may just get a cheapo one and keep it in the back when I am not on trips.

 

[ldivinag]

My setup fits your needs. I have it permanently mounted and have no worries about theft.

LCP, any close up pixs of how it's mounted?


thanks...

 

[Corey]

Bump for Leo.

 

[Ramjet]

I don't want it mounted permanently unless I got a roof rack. I may just get a cheapo one and keep it in the back when I am not on trips.

you might check out this from Goal Zero for your needs. I know it's a little out of your price range, but it's 60 Watts of portable power, that you can run just about anything off of.

http://store.goal0.com/index.php?p=product&id=42

 

[Ash]

Corey,

Just wanted to say thanks - your thread is very informative. I just bought the same set up you have but went for two 60W panels


Ash

 

[expdtnoffroad]

My setup fits your needs. I have it permanently mounted and have no worries about theft.

Very sweet setup!

 

[expdtnoffroad]

you might check out this from Goal Zero for your needs. I know it's a little out of your price range, but it's 60 Watts of portable power, that you can run just about anything off of.

http://store.goal0.com/index.php?p=product&id=42

We will be doing a write up on this system this weekend. I am happy to answer any questions about Goal Zero product. Even if you went with the just two 30 watt Boulder 30 panels and a charge controller (no Power Pack) you could have a great 60 watt plug and play system for $648. We'll even ship it for free if you are in the lower 48 :sombrero:. This would be great as roof rack mount system.

Below is a pic of 4 of the Boulder 30 panels that we will be testing this weekend.


-Jim