Solar questions

I like portable - keep the trailer in the shade and put the panels in the sun, I actually have a 100W setup that I mount in the bed of my truck (utilitrac on Nissan), so I can park the truck bed facing south and run a cable to the trailer - no theft that way and the battery tops up during the day. If we want to go somewhere, I just disconnect the cables, or I could pull the panel off and set it on the ground (or I can hook up the little 40W system which is in the pass through).

We probably use power different then some because we camp normally 2 or 3 days at a time, up to 7 days max. We use our trailer as a sleeping / showering / bathroom, we dont sit inside and watch TV etc., though we do read a little at night, so our power usage is minimal (water, propane fridge, lights, heater in the AM) I was able to get by with a single battery and a 40W solar panel for a long time, but got a good deal on 4 50w panels so bought them and set up a 100 watt portable system for the trailer and we are easily topped off by noon.

We typically only use the heater in the morning, so again, not a lot of usage, I get up, turn on the heater, start the coffee on the camp stove, and by the time the coffee is done the DW is up and moving in a warm trailer then she comes outside, I shut off the heater and we start our camping day.

I think about mounting the panels on the roof from time to time, but, cant justify the labor or cost to have it done when the portable works so well and I don't want the trailer in the sun if I can avoid it. I might consider this if the glue on flex panels get cheap enough, I dont want to put holes in my roof either, so that is a deterrent for me as well.

At home, I hook up the 100w system in the back yard and the battery stays topped off.

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Jbrowland wrote:
Question. Has anyone installed the new and lighter flexible style panels? I imagine this will be the future if they can make them as efficient as the heavier versions. It would be great to by a folding, flexible, 100w portable suitcase style panel or make it. That sure would improve portability as well as cut down on weight on the roof of an RV. For now though, they aren't as cost effective but getting closer.

One more question. Would you all feel safe leaving one of these portable solar suitcases alone and attached to the batter via gator clips while away from the RV? I'm talking about possible fire hazards not so much theft although that is certainly a consideration.

I'm waiting for this technology to mature: DSS solar panels :B (just kidding)

I am thinking about a small portable array for deploying when parking in shade but the more I think about deploying and storing another item, the keener I get to mounting more module on the roof and increasing my battery capacity. Lawn chairs are even a small burden to pack and store.

I wouldn't worry about gator clips causing a safety hazard. If one fell off, there would be no power in the wires. A more critical hazard would be losing the function of the controller as the panel is producing power and the controller is not able to dissipate it to the battery. A better system would be to either mount controller close to batteries or use an Andersen Powerpole or SAE connection for the wiring. If I do go the portable route, a decent connection terminal will be the first thing I have installed. No alligator clips will be used.

Question. Has anyone installed the new and lighter flexible style panels? I imagine this will be the future if they can make them as efficient as the heavier versions. It would be great to by a folding, flexible, 100w portable suitcase style panel or make it. That sure would improve portability as well as cut down on weight on the roof of an RV. For now though, they aren't as cost effective but getting closer.

One more question. Would you all feel safe leaving one of these portable solar suitcases alone and attached to the batter via gator clips while away from the RV? I'm talking about possible fire hazards not so much theft although that is certainly a consideration.

Escargot wrote:
I purchased the Renogy 100w suitcase setup in April. Used it for 6 weeks in Arizona. Ran the generator once for monthly maintenance.

I drive a B, I strap the suitcase to the back of the passenger seat when traveling.

I love the freedom from generator noise and use of propane. I also appreciate the fact that I can park in the shade, while the panels sit in the sunlight.

Ideally I'd like to have panels on my roof, too, but that can wait. I'm very happy with my suitcase!

Thanks for the first hand review. I am considering the Renogy over the Eco-Worthy suitcase. It's $75 more but comes with a case, has two connection methods, and looks to have a slightly better controller as well. However, they appear to be out of stock and take "1-2 months" for delivery.

I purchased the Renogy 100w suitcase setup in April. Used it for 6 weeks in Arizona. Ran the generator once for monthly maintenance.

I drive a B, I strap the suitcase to the back of the passenger seat when traveling.

I love the freedom from generator noise and use of propane. I also appreciate the fact that I can park in the shade, while the panels sit in the sunlight.

Ideally I'd like to have panels on my roof, too, but that can wait. I'm very happy with my suitcase!

scrubjaysnest wrote:

2oldman wrote:

Jbrowland wrote:
Could a 40w panel re-charge a group 31 AGM (half depleted) in a day with a decent amount of sun?

I know these questions are hard to answer with so many variables. I have read so much about solar panels that my head hurts now. :)

At 100ah, 50% depleted is 50ah. 40w panel = 3amps, at best. 50/3= 17 hours.

It will take a couple of really good days, at least.

Two 100 watt panels, some 3/4 inch pvc, 30 foot of 10 awg wire and controller will be less then a suit case portable system.

Not by the time I go get it all and put it together. The Eco Worthy 100w suitcase is $199 shipped and no tax. Your suggestion would however give me more power for almost the same amount of money.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ICE0ES4/ref=crt_ewc_img_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A5KU5HDAPDC75

2oldman wrote:

Jbrowland wrote:
Could a 40w panel re-charge a group 31 AGM (half depleted) in a day with a decent amount of sun?

I know these questions are hard to answer with so many variables. I have read so much about solar panels that my head hurts now. :)

At 100ah, 50% depleted is 50ah. 40w panel = 3amps, at best. 50/3= 17 hours.

It will take a couple of really good days, at least.

Two 100 watt panels, some 3/4 inch pvc, 30 foot of 10 awg wire and controller will be less then a suit case portable system.

Thanks for the advice everyone. The assistance and experience shared here is always appreciated.

Choose a charge controller with adjustable set points and room to "grow" your solar farm.

I went from a 30 watt to (at the time) a large 256 watt system. Now I wish I had at least six times as much (1600 watts)

Two 100w panels connected with a couple hinges would be lower cost.
Keep the controller near the battery for best results.

https://www.solarblvd.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_269&products_id=2666

Add a 15+ amp controller and some wire and you are good to go.

When you get bored with setup you can just mount on the roof.