Semi-portable solar charging

[billtex]

How practical would it be to build a solar charging system that could be moved back/forth from the TC to the Airstream?
We typically use the TC Fall, Winter, Spring and use the AS during the summer. It would be great to build a system that could be shared between the 2 campers.

If the wiring and controller are mirrored in each camper, how difficult would it be to make mounting brackets that would allow me to unplug and move the panels?
Is this practical?
How heavy are these things?
What else would need to be considered?
I am thinking that the panels are the $$$ component so sharing the panels would save some $.

We don't want to go with the ground based portable systems for several reasons. Would rather stick with roof mounted.

Thanks for the feedback, Bill

[JiminDenver]

The portable kits are convenient and some are less expensive. For a little effort and not much more cash if any you can put together the low cost components yourself and improve where it would help you the best. It wouldn't take much to hinge a pair of panels, get 10 gauge MC4 cable and controller that would have the features you are interested in.

[hbski]

some related info

[billtex]

Ace! wrote:

billtex wrote:
...
I am not really clear; with the Zamp portable system...everything is included?
No need for seperate controller?

Tx, Bill

Yes, if you look at the pictures, you can see the controller is mounted to the back of the portable unit. It's a completely self-contained, portable, unit. That's probably why it's more expensive than some other options.

Same on the Renogy...for about 1/2 the cost.
These portable kits sure are interesting.

Tx, Bill

[Ace_]

billtex wrote:
...
I am not really clear; with the Zamp portable system...everything is included?
No need for seperate controller?

Tx, Bill

Yes, if you look at the pictures, you can see the controller is mounted to the back of the portable unit. It's a completely self-contained, portable, unit. That's probably why it's more expensive than some other options.

[Fishbreath]

Bill

I used a 185 watt portable panel for years and it worked great. Like you, I am not an energy hog and the one panel kept the batteries happy.

Good luck with your project

Bill

[billtex]

Looks like zamp is a bit pricey and the others are rated just as well.
Thanks for all the info...good stuff.
Will have to do some research.

Anyone have experience with any of these portable systems?

Bill

[time2roll]

In the 130 watt range I have to recommend two systems.

https://www.solarblvd.com/product_info 140w x2 $318

[ticki2]

Here is another portable kit , looks like it is temporarily out of stock .

http://www.renogy-store.com/Renogy-100W-12V-Mono-Portable-Solar-Suitcase-p/kit-stcs100d.htm

[billtex]

Ace! wrote:
Zamp Solar offers portable kits, with the controller built in.

http://www.zampsolar.com/rv-solar-kits/rv-portable-solar/

hmmm...that's interesting. I might be able to make that work with both campers. I like the "wall plug" that would make it a plug/pray system and I don't think it would be difficult to get the panels on the roof of the TC.
A big challenge for us is DW going to the beach for 2-3 weeks at a time. There is plenty of sun there! And the campers pretty much stays put.
I usually head down on the weekends and end up running the genny for hours on end (annoying).
Something like this just might do it.

I am not really clear; with the Zamp portable system...everything is included?
No need for seperate controller?

Tx, Bill

[Ace_]

Zamp Solar offers portable kits, with the controller built in.

http://www.zampsolar.com/rv-solar-kits/rv-portable-solar/

[WNYBob]

Here is something that might work for you.



The cart could have the panels,meters and controler. And cables that would connect to your TC or TT batteries. (Cables would have to be heave gauge because of their length)

Just thinking out of the box.

[Dirtclods]

Super_Dave wrote:
I walk on my roof and already have a hard enough time avoiding vents/skylights. Portable would be of interest to me if going solar.

45 Watt Solar Panel Kit: http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-68751-8527.html

And look for the 20% off coupon as well.

[Super_Dave]

I walk on my roof and already have a hard enough time avoiding vents/skylights. Portable would be of interest to me if going solar.

[Bedlam]

I have a portable system, but rarely use it unless boon docking in one location for more than a couple days. You can easily build something like this with a kick stand behind the panel to adjust angle and the charge controller mounted to the underside of the panel. Jumper cables to the battery or an Anderson connector works equally well to complete the circuit.

I have decided a fixed system that is always charging when stopped or driving is a better setup for me, but portable solar is better than no solar at all.