Forum Discussion

bob_nestor's avatar
bob_nestor
Explorer III
Feb 27, 2014

Portable Solar panels

I mostly dry camp in my Class B Roadtrek and even though I have a generator it seems such a waste to run it just to charge batteries. And since I'm usually out on the trails during the day I don't have much time to run the genny if I'm in a campground with quiet time restrictions. I've looked at those portable solar units that are sold on-line and at Quartzite, but most seem to be running about $500. I found these Eco-Worthy folding solar panels this morning and they appear to be identical to the other portable solar panels. Does anyone have any experience with these? Good, bad, indifferent?

I'd love to install something permanent, but roof space is limited on the Roadtrek. Plus I'd like to keep the sleek look of the RV if possible. I did find these marine grade bendable glue-down panels that will fit, but they're on the expensive side. Any comments on these?

Thanks!
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Feb 27, 2014
    Hi Tom M,

    There may almost always be shipping unless you live close enough to pick up the panels in person.

    The point I was attempting to make is that with dirt cheap panel prices, enough solar to work well even in shade can be installed.

    If I "lay off" using my inverter, my system does 7 amps at solar noon in leafy shade, so my battery bank with the usual loads would be fully charged each and every day. I also get 3 amps in the rain.

    I did a little calculating recently and if the temperature outside is 2 c (35 f) and I keep the rv at 20 c (68 f), I can run for 13 days without dropping below 50% state of charge, and that is assuming it rains every day.

    Since the OP has a much smaller bank, he needs to have a larger watt to amp-hour ratio. Roadtrek uses 245 watts--so probably so should he.
  • Tom_M1's avatar
    Tom_M1
    Explorer
    Feb 27, 2014
    pianotuna wrote:
    Hi,

    Portable panels can "walk off". I would do a permanent install on the roof. Roadtrek now offer this as an option. They use a single 245 watt panel if my memory serves.

    $121 for 150 watts
    Plus $88 shipping = $209.
  • bob_nestor's avatar
    bob_nestor
    Explorer III
    Feb 27, 2014
    EsoxLucius wrote:
    Instead of the 144 watt marine flex panel one could get three of the 100 watt Grape Solar flex panels from Home Depot for the same price. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Grape-Solar-PhotoFlex-100-Watt-Monocrystalline-Solar-Panel-GS-PHOTOFLEX-100W/204339391?N=5yc1vZ8p9 Just glue or VHB them down. Should be room for two on top of a Roadtrek B.


    Hmmm, wonder why my searches never turned this up unless it's a relatively new offering. It's been a couple months since I last did some searches and it appears the prices have really dropped quite a bit in that time. I ordered one of the smaller Eco-Worthy portables just to see how it works for me. If it pans out I'll need to get serious about a permanent installation and maybe by then prices will have dropped even more.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Feb 27, 2014
    Hi,

    Portable panels can "walk off". I would do a permanent install on the roof. Roadtrek now offer this as an option. They use a single 245 watt panel if my memory serves.

    $121 for 150 watts
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Feb 27, 2014
    This is the best deal I know:

    280 watts $288 @ solarblvd

    Add a couple hinges and a handle for portability. Run in series with low cost eco-worthy MPPT or in parallel with low cost PWM controller. Either way it is best to keep controller close to the battery. Get some MC4 cable and it is plug and play.

    If you find space on the roof for one and have one portable is fine too.
  • steveh27's avatar
    steveh27
    Explorer
    Feb 27, 2014
    I have this one which has not been in stock lately.

    http://www.amazon.com/Infomon-Monocrystallline-Portable-Folding-Solar/dp/B005WMD8VY/ref=cm_cr-mr-title

    It's worked OK the few times I used it.

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