I looking at getting a 100 to 130 W suitcase solar panel top off dual 12v batteries while dry camping and have some questions:1. do you connect to the 7-pin trailer cable or attach wires directly to battery with SAE or other terminals?2. if attaching directly to the battery, do you just connect to one battery or both?3. get one with a 10 Amp voltage controller or go with 20 Amp?4. looking at Renogy, what is the difference between the regular Monocrystalline or Eclipse?Thanks!

I have one, it has a built in controller. You connect to the battery via some battery jumper cable clamps except smaller versions. If you have 2X6V then connect across both. For multiple 12V I'm not sure. It does work. As for monocrystalline I've been told there is little effective difference between those and the amorphous type. But I'm no expert.

“Top off” meaning you will charge your batteries in another way to almost full? Then rely on the suitcase? Why not do it right for full solar recharging almost every day with a properly sized roof mounted solar system? Are you ready for...set up every morning when you go outside? My roof mounted panels are already working. Watch for theft and move around as sun rises. Going out for lunch? Put panels away to prevent theft. Come back from lunch/sightseeing...put panels back out. Watch for theft and move as sun sets. Put panels away for night. Repeat tomorrow. NOT fun!

I have a 120 watt one & it works great. I've attached a quick disconnect to the coach battery, under the side entrance, so I do not have to open up tha battery box. I used SAE connectors. I also got an extension cord to help me park in the shade yet put the panel in the sun. It did come with a 10 amp controller which I replaced with a better 20 amp one so I could make adjustements and add another 120 watt portable which I have yet to do.

From what I’ve read, there are two major differences between crystalline and amorphous panels: the crystalline ones are more efficient and longer lived. So 100 watts of the former would be a little smaller panel and we are talking 25 years vs 10 years.

Connect to one battery that are usually wired in parallel. I have 2 panels that are 100w each. I have a 40 amp controller in case we want to go to 400 watts. Having portable panels works well. You can adjust the angle. The problem is that leaving them on the ground when you are not there invites theft. I will probably put them on the roof eventually.

Portable suitcase solar panels | Good Sam Community

Bobbo
Explorer II
Mar 01, 2020
I have an appointment at the Airstream factory this May to get 4 panels installed on the roof. I will get 100 watt panels if they will fit, otherwise I will get 80 watt panels. I am getting the mothership to do the work. Portable panels are still under consideration, after we see how well this installation does.
BFL13
Explorer II
Mar 01, 2020
Gulfcoast wrote:
I'm simply not drilling holes in my roof to install flat panels ever. I may go with a 200-watt folding panel or might have to keep the reliable Champion inverter.

You will want the generator anyway. The sun does not shine every day :)
ekirkland
Explorer
Mar 02, 2020
Yes, meant to write WATT instead of amp.
pnichols
Explorer II
Mar 02, 2020
Gulfcoast wrote:
I'm simply not drilling holes in my roof to install flat panels ever. I may go with a 200-watt folding panel or might have to keep the reliable Champion inverter.

Our motorhome has a single piece fiberglass roof and several years ago I researched ways to mount hard solar panels up there.

Back then, there were adhesives (I believe made by 3M) strong and durable enough to glue hard panel mounting brackets to smooth surface RV roof materials such as fiberglass and aluminum. I think they were from the same family of adhesives as those used to glue the windows onto their backing frames on the outside of commercial buildings.

I agree on not wanting any more holes in our RV roof than are already there!

Forum Discussion

Portable suitcase solar panels

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Portable Solar Panels

Zamp 200w portable panels

Portable Solar Panel

small portable solar panel

Added portable solar panel