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BoonHauler's avatar
BoonHauler
Explorer
Jan 11, 2015

Robust 60 cell panel for Toyhauler?

I’m looking to buy six 24 volt 60 cell panels for my toyhauler project. I’d like to get a structurally robust panel that can take the beating of a mobile application.

Of course I’d like the highest wattage possible but I’m more concerned with the panel’s structural integrity than I am with its wattage. Additionally, I’d like to hear your opinion as to the cell type, Mono or Poly.

I’ve been looking at the SolarWorld Sunmodule 275 & 280 as well as the Kyocrea 255 KD over at NAW&S but have yet to decide which way I’d like to roll. http://www.solar-electric.com/products-onsale/

Are there any others I should be looking at?

I’d really like to hear what you guys think before I make the purchase.

As always, thanks so kindly for your time and efforts

Cee

29 Replies

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  • BoonHauler's avatar
    BoonHauler
    Explorer
    Jan 12, 2015
    MrWizard wrote:
    avg working voltage is 30v
    avg amps 9a

    avg output using PWM 126w (14v*9a) i said avg not max, which might bust 130w

    you will need an MPPT controller to really use any of those panels

    or

    multiple panels of a lower wattage if you want to spend less on the controller


    Mr. Wizard:

    Yes, as I mentioned I'm already in the MPPT camp with one TS-MPPT-60 already installed. Since then I've decided to double the capacity of my system so I'll be installing a second MS CC. I'll be running with three paralleled panels per Charge Controller.

  • BoonHauler's avatar
    BoonHauler
    Explorer
    Jan 12, 2015
    smkettner wrote:
    With that much wattage I would be looking to go at least 24 volts for power storage.


    Smkettner:

    If I had it to do all over I'd definitely be in the 24 VDC camp but that ship sailed a LONG time ago.
  • BoonHauler's avatar
    BoonHauler
    Explorer
    Jan 12, 2015
    pianotuna wrote:
    Here is another place to look for panels: 0.65 cents per watt


    Hi Don:

    Thanks for the link. I've been keeping my eye on the 24 volt modules over at Solar Blvd. as well.

    I'd really like to stay at or above 250 watts and I'm already in the MPPT camp.

    I've come to learn that this motley crew here at RV.net has the uncanny ability to ferret out some pretty good deals every now and then and that's why I posted here.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jan 11, 2015
    With that much wattage I would be looking to go at least 24 volts for power storage.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Jan 11, 2015
    avg working voltage is 30v
    avg amps 9a

    avg output using PWM 126w (14v*9a) i said avg not max, which might bust 130w

    you will need an MPPT controller to really use any of those panels

    or

    multiple panels of a lower wattage if you want to spend less on the controller
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jan 11, 2015
    Never read a post where a solar panel was damaged in the normal course of enjoying the RV life.
    Panels really seem like a generic commodity. Get the power and dimensions that fit the project without too much worry of damage.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Jan 11, 2015
    Add angle aluminum to the long sides to stiffen the whole assembly. I would go poly and MPPT

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