Portable (suitcase) solar "install" question

Lwiddis wrote:
"with 3 panels, we can keep charged even in shade"

ktm, then why not get three panels on the roof that don't need set up, wired(any one trip on the wire?), repositioned every hour or two, locked up and brought in?

probably should have clarified. If panels are in parallel, and one or more of the panels ends up shaded for a while, the panel(s) in the sun will still provide full their full output to the controller. With panels in series a shaded panel will limit current output to the output of the lowest panels output, usually the shaded panel.

all we do is position the portables for close to optimum around noon, facing south and connect up the system. we never have repositioned during the day, and run the wires out of the way avoid tripping, Or if we are where we get sun only part of the day, orient them for best power during that time. sometimes that means facing east or west rather than south to pick up morning or afternoon sun.

with the panels in parallel, we don't worry much if panel or panels get into the shade for a while. Yes, using a MPPT controller you do give up the power loss due to cable resistance. with a PWM controller, cable resistance doesn't really affect current until it gets so high you are near the battery voltage at the end of the run.


Don't bother to lock them up during the day, depending on location we sometimes bring them in at night.

Usually our trailer is parked in full or near full shade, virtually zip output in those cases, when we need solar. FS campgrounds etc.