Solar Panel ... This a good one to start with for my needs?

EDIT

I have scrapped the 30 watt thing below and updated my post of what I'm thinking about now on page 2 ... here is what I posted and am thinking about ......

Okay ... now I'm thinking about something like this ...

100 Watt Fold-N-Go portable Solar Panel With Controller Built In

Not wanting to mount since I'm always in highly wooded area and something a little more portable to capture the sun is better.

I read at least 100 watts and this has the wattage plus the fold-able storage convenience and has the charge controller and everything built in.

Looks basically Plug N Play and that's what I would like.

Any thoughts???

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Solar Panel I'm Thinking Of Getting

As some may know I have been looking into option to keep my 2 batteries running during a long weekend of boondocking with the heater running all night and light etc. etc.

I will be bring the father in laws Honda as back up but my goal is to make it through a weekend without it.

Am am finding any way possible to get two 6v instead of 12v and to do so I will be cutting my LP door to fit in the larger battery box I think.

Now that I got the 2 6v batteries that will be running series I am starting to look for a solar panel that under 100 bucks to start off with that I can take on my trips and lay out in the sun (won't be mounting anything probably) near the trailer ... nice to be able to place it where the sun is I think instead of it being mounted since we camp in Heavy Heavy covered areas.

Reading some good reviews on this solar panel and I think I may give it a go.

Anyone use this brand or panel at all?

Just wanting something that can give me a descent extra recharge throughout the day to keep the batteries going for a good solid 3 days 2 nights.

Looking forward to some feedback on this and your thoughts on this panel for how I will be using it.

Thanks so much. :)

18 Replies

Jetta03
Explorer
Mar 15, 2013
A good setup isn't that expensive anymore, but you won't get anything useful for <$100. I'd say take the 125 watt recommendation above and double it. There are great deals on 200watt plus grid tie type panels that you can pair with a cheap mppt controller that will work well. Keep in mind you want extra capacity to help you out in less than ideal weather or locations.

For your usage though 3 days 2 nights your 2 6volts may do the job on their own.
Hermes
Explorer
Mar 15, 2013
donn0128 wrote:
Save your money for a real solar panel. By that i mean one at least 125 watts and a decent charge controller. It will pay dividends on the back end.

How can you suggest "one at least 125 watts" without knowing the OP's daily watt usage? While the op could very well end up needing that much, it is equally possible it could be much more than he needs. I would think the op needs to figure daily watt usage, which will then determine the number of batteries needed to supply the given power then the correct watt panel(s) can be more accurately determined.
JiminDenver
Explorer II
Mar 15, 2013
I agree, stay away from the kits. They may be easier but the convenience is costly. I would suggest checking the craigslist in your area. Here for $100 you can pick up a 180w panel and my 230w portable system cost me $200 for the panel, MPPT controller, extension cables and all.

I would drop the batteries a bit too before hacking up your trailer. I'd cut the legs and if nothing else drill and bolt in the extensions.
westend
Explorer
Mar 15, 2013
"wanting something that can give me a descent extra recharge throughout the day to keep the batteries going for a good solid 3 days 2 nights"

Your daily use will have to be known before anyone can estimate how much solar is going to help.

Hey, also, are you seriously going to cut the doors over your the propane tanks to squeeze in two 6v jars? I've looked at the pictures of your battery holder and it would seem all that is necessary is to cut a couple of steel straps and weld in some short pieces. Is this an economy thing?

There are 60 watt panels available at Solar Blvd for $78. Add a $20 solar controller and you will have doubled your original 30 watts.
gmw_photos
Explorer
Mar 15, 2013
I think you will be hard pressed to do it for a hundred bucks. I spent about that on a small bi fold setup with charge controller from Harzard Fraught ( ooops, I mean Harbor Freight ), and it can barely keep up with the normal losses from keeping the logic board for the fridge, the propane detector, occasional water pump use, etc. Needing to use the furnace fan ends up being too much for it.
If you are really trying go cheap, you might consider one of the little cheap two stroke gennies from HF. A buddy of mine has one, and it seems to be "ok" for very occasional use, and it was on sale for under $100 when he got it.
donn0128
Explorer II
Mar 15, 2013
Save your money for a real solar panel. By that i mean one at least 125 watts and a decent charge controller. It will pay dividends on the back end.
falconman515
Explorer
Mar 15, 2013
westend wrote:
That 30 watt panel would not keep up with average power usage. You'll need something with more watts. Have you figured your daily usage?

I'm not trying to keep it fully charged ... more just adding to them during the day.

I think just a fully charged set of 6 volts will get me through the weekend .... this would just be to add a little charge back into them while the sun is out really.

I don't want to get into some few hundred dollar set-up really ... if that was the case I would save that cash and put it towards a new generator or something.
westend
Explorer
Mar 15, 2013
That 30 watt panel would not keep up with average power usage. You'll need something with more watts. Have you figured your daily usage?

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Solar Panel ... This a good one to start with for my needs?

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