Solar questions

[Jbrowland]

Hello all and thanks again in advance. I have found some suitcase style solar panels that get great reviews on Amazon and am considering pulling the trigger as they would work well for my intended use.

They come in 40w, 80w, and 100w. I hope to charge up my single AGM (31) after daily use. We don't have or want a TV nor do we use other power hungry electronics when we camp. The furnace running at night does most of the damage. I converted to LED lighting. We are weekend warriors and dry camp in state and NP's a lot. It would be nice to. It have to run the generator when we dry camp for three days at a time.

So, the panels get bigger and heavier of course as the power increases. I like the idea of the 40w panel as it is easily stowed and light weight. Could a 40w panel re-charge a group 31 AGM (half depleted) in a day with a decent amount of sun?

I know these questions are hard to answer with so many variables. I have read so much about solar panels that my head hurts now. 🙂

[webrx]

I like portable - keep the trailer in the shade and put the panels in the sun, I actually have a 100W setup that I mount in the bed of my truck (utilitrac on Nissan), so I can park the truck bed facing south and run a cable to the trailer - no theft that way and the battery tops up during the day. If we want to go somewhere, I just disconnect the cables, or I could pull the panel off and set it on the ground (or I can hook up the little 40W system which is in the pass through).

We probably use power different then some because we camp normally 2 or 3 days at a time, up to 7 days max. We use our trailer as a sleeping / showering / bathroom, we dont sit inside and watch TV etc., though we do read a little at night, so our power usage is minimal (water, propane fridge, lights, heater in the AM) I was able to get by with a single battery and a 40W solar panel for a long time, but got a good deal on 4 50w panels so bought them and set up a 100 watt portable system for the trailer and we are easily topped off by noon.

We typically only use the heater in the morning, so again, not a lot of usage, I get up, turn on the heater, start the coffee on the camp stove, and by the time the coffee is done the DW is up and moving in a warm trailer then she comes outside, I shut off the heater and we start our camping day.

I think about mounting the panels on the roof from time to time, but, cant justify the labor or cost to have it done when the portable works so well and I don't want the trailer in the sun if I can avoid it. I might consider this if the glue on flex panels get cheap enough, I dont want to put holes in my roof either, so that is a deterrent for me as well.

At home, I hook up the 100w system in the back yard and the battery stays topped off.

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[westend]

Jbrowland wrote:
Question. Has anyone installed the new and lighter flexible style panels? I imagine this will be the future if they can make them as efficient as the heavier versions. It would be great to by a folding, flexible, 100w portable suitcase style panel or make it. That sure would improve portability as well as cut down on weight on the roof of an RV. For now though, they aren't as cost effective but getting closer.

One more question. Would you all feel safe leaving one of these portable solar suitcases alone and attached to the batter via gator clips while away from the RV? I'm talking about possible fire hazards not so much theft although that is certainly a consideration.

I'm waiting for this technology to mature: DSS solar panels :B (just kidding)

I am thinking about a small portable array for deploying when parking in shade but the more I think about deploying and storing another item, the keener I get to mounting more module on the roof and increasing my battery capacity. Lawn chairs are even a small burden to pack and store.

I wouldn't worry about gator clips causing a safety hazard. If one fell off, there would be no power in the wires. A more critical hazard would be losing the function of the controller as the panel is producing power and the controller is not able to dissipate it to the battery. A better system would be to either mount controller close to batteries or use an Andersen Powerpole or SAE connection for the wiring. If I do go the portable route, a decent connection terminal will be the first thing I have installed. No alligator clips will be used.

[Jbrowland]

Question. Has anyone installed the new and lighter flexible style panels? I imagine this will be the future if they can make them as efficient as the heavier versions. It would be great to by a folding, flexible, 100w portable suitcase style panel or make it. That sure would improve portability as well as cut down on weight on the roof of an RV. For now though, they aren't as cost effective but getting closer.

One more question. Would you all feel safe leaving one of these portable solar suitcases alone and attached to the batter via gator clips while away from the RV? I'm talking about possible fire hazards not so much theft although that is certainly a consideration.

[Jbrowland]

Escargot wrote:
I purchased the Renogy 100w suitcase setup in April. Used it for 6 weeks in Arizona. Ran the generator once for monthly maintenance.

I drive a B, I strap the suitcase to the back of the passenger seat when traveling.

I love the freedom from generator noise and use of propane. I also appreciate the fact that I can park in the shade, while the panels sit in the sunlight.

Ideally I'd like to have panels on my roof, too, but that can wait. I'm very happy with my suitcase!

Thanks for the first hand review. I am considering the Renogy over the Eco-Worthy suitcase. It's $75 more but comes with a case, has two connection methods, and looks to have a slightly better controller as well. However, they appear to be out of stock and take "1-2 months" for delivery.

[Escargot]

I purchased the Renogy 100w suitcase setup in April. Used it for 6 weeks in Arizona. Ran the generator once for monthly maintenance.

I drive a B, I strap the suitcase to the back of the passenger seat when traveling.

I love the freedom from generator noise and use of propane. I also appreciate the fact that I can park in the shade, while the panels sit in the sunlight.

Ideally I'd like to have panels on my roof, too, but that can wait. I'm very happy with my suitcase!

[Jbrowland]

scrubjaysnest wrote:

2oldman wrote:

Jbrowland wrote:
Could a 40w panel re-charge a group 31 AGM (half depleted) in a day with a decent amount of sun?

I know these questions are hard to answer with so many variables. I have read so much about solar panels that my head hurts now. 🙂

At 100ah, 50% depleted is 50ah. 40w panel = 3amps, at best. 50/3= 17 hours.

It will take a couple of really good days, at least.

Two 100 watt panels, some 3/4 inch pvc, 30 foot of 10 awg wire and controller will be less then a suit case portable system.

Not by the time I go get it all and put it together. The Eco Worthy 100w suitcase is $199 shipped and no tax. Your suggestion would however give me more power for almost the same amount of money.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ICE0ES4/ref=crt_ewc_img_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A5KU5HDAPDC75

[scrubjaysnest]

2oldman wrote:

Jbrowland wrote:
Could a 40w panel re-charge a group 31 AGM (half depleted) in a day with a decent amount of sun?

I know these questions are hard to answer with so many variables. I have read so much about solar panels that my head hurts now. 🙂

At 100ah, 50% depleted is 50ah. 40w panel = 3amps, at best. 50/3= 17 hours.

It will take a couple of really good days, at least.

Two 100 watt panels, some 3/4 inch pvc, 30 foot of 10 awg wire and controller will be less then a suit case portable system.

[Jbrowland]

Thanks for the advice everyone. The assistance and experience shared here is always appreciated.

[pianotuna]

Choose a charge controller with adjustable set points and room to "grow" your solar farm.

I went from a 30 watt to (at the time) a large 256 watt system. Now I wish I had at least six times as much (1600 watts)

[time2roll]

Two 100w panels connected with a couple hinges would be lower cost.
Keep the controller near the battery for best results.

https://www.solarblvd.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_269&products_id=2666

Add a 15+ amp controller and some wire and you are good to go.

When you get bored with setup you can just mount on the roof.

[westend]

I'd suggest to buy one of these 100 W Grape solar panels, a length of MC4 wire (can be had online for cheap), and an inexpensive solar charge controller. The panel can be mounted or you can leave it tilted as a portable system. The wiring is about the same or at less skill level as wiring a home stereo. If you want the panel to be carried as a suitcase, screw a handle to one side of the frame. I'm guessing you'll be into this for around $175 when it's all done.

[2oldman]

Jbrowland wrote:
Looks like the 100w is likely a bare minimum huh?

Yeah, even 100w is just getting by. For short durations and light loads, carrying a spare battery may be a better choice. Charge when you get home.

[MrWizard]

So, the panels get bigger and heavier of course as the power increases. I like the idea of the 40w panel as it is easily stowed and light weight. Could a 40w panel re-charge a group 31 AGM (half depleted) in a day with a decent amount of sun?

NO..not enough power
a grp 27 at half charge is down about 50 amp hours
the 40w is going to charge at Maybe about 2.5 amps , it would take over 20hrs to
charge to full
it would extend your battery use during the summer
it would not do much to help you in cold weather, with the furnace use at night
"Any Charging" is a help,
but consider at least 100w
this would give you about 5.3amps charging
if your a weekend camper
and start out with a fully charged battery,
this will help you thru the weekend
but you need to fully recharge the battery when you get home from camping

[Jbrowland]

tonymull wrote:
Those are good panels, good company. Consider that panels mounted on top mean you have to park in the sun. Works for some locations not for others. In many areas if you park in the sun so the panels work well then you have to run an air conditioner and end up with no gain. A 100w setup in full sun will give you 50AH in just less than 8hrs. Any solar will at least cut down on your generator use.

Great points and beyond my minimal DIY experience, why I chose the portable option. State parks and NP's have a lot of tress and such.