Fixed or portable solar?

Regarding portable panels.
If I had to do it again I would make my array out of two semi-flexible panels that are out now. They are more expensive, but also much lighter and thinner. I figure I could make a folding set of panels, with wood backing, that would weight half as much as the rigid panels.

We really enjoy our portable because we park in the shade, but there are some things you should know. It has to be transported carefully -- we place it on a bed in the trailer, well secured, so that it does not bounce around in transit. It can get wet or dusty, so we have to wipe it off before bringing it in. And it is not effortless to deploy and store -- it is not very heavy, but it is awkward.

So if you are prepared to put up with these minor hassles, a portable can be a good way to go. Knowing what I now know, I wish I had gotten it sooner than we did.

I have a one on the roof and will be adding a portable this spring.

Great point about shading - it is true that one cell shaded takes down the whole panel.

Portable is sounding like the right approach.

We have a 200 suitcase that works best for us as we like to put the trailer in the shade. Our B has fixed panels so we have to park in the sun during the day that is sometimes a pain.

I have a 150 0n the roof and a 100 portable suitcase.

The good. Being able to aim and tilt the portable to the sun out performs the 150 lying flat on the roof. I can also use it to charge other batteries like the ones in the boat.

The bad. It's heavy and I like it up out of the way on the roof. I take it down and lock it up inside if I leave.

If I had to choose just on it would be the roof mount just for convenience sake. In fact i am going to increase the roof solar by 150 this year and another 150 next year. Any more and I'll need a new controller!!!

Roof for me. In addition to setup of portable panels, theft would concern me.

Being from Oregon I think portable would give the best results. Roof mount is the most convenient but unless you camp in central or eastern Oregon a lot then the roof tops might not be as effective.

I have one 150 watt panel on the roof and one 100 watt panel that is portable. We are both in Oregon, so I'm guessing that you camp in a lot of shaded areas. I like the convenience of the roof mounted panel, but it really helps to have the portable panel when camping in partially shaded areas. So I guess you need both! :)

If mounted on roof you must be in full sunlight for the panels to be effective. Even shading one cell will basically take that panel out of commission.