Portable PV solar panels, anyone with advice?

grumpychippy
grumpychippy Forum Participant Posts: 12
edited August 2016 in Parts & Accessories #1

I am considering the purchase of a set of portable folding PV panels to use while we are on site and to keep the battery topped up over the winter. Has anyone any experience, good or bad, they would like to share? 

Comments

  • Fysherman
    Fysherman Forum Participant Posts: 1,570
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #2

    A solar panel will allow you access to the rally/Temp Holiday Sites (THS) as well as the smaller CL/CS sites that have no electricity.

    A lot use folding panels as they are considerably cheaper than a fixed installation. The problem is, you need a 100watt panel and they are quite large to carry. You also have to move them to face the sun but don't get hung up about this because they still work even when not pointed directly at the sun. After all, a fixed panel is not going to be moved.

    A fixed panel on the roof is really the rolls royce system. Far more expensive (if you have it installed by a dealer to maintain the warranty but there is no fuss at all with them and they cannot be stolen.

  • ChrisRogers
    ChrisRogers Forum Participant Posts: 435
    edited August 2016 #3

    On a THS for 12 nights, 110amp battery was kept fully charged, have also used the panel in February for 5 nights with no EHU, 150w panel, very pleased for my needs.

    Very good service from this company:

    http://www.renytek.co.uk/folding-solar-panels

     

     

  • ChrisRogers
    ChrisRogers Forum Participant Posts: 435
    edited August 2016 #4

    Should have said, I took off the croc clips, no room in battery compartment to connect up and put on a cigar lighter plug, 12v socket connects direct to wiring from battery with a 10amp inline fuse (Eldiss solar connection).

     

     

  • Jennyontour
    Jennyontour Forum Participant Posts: 26
    edited August 2016 #5

    Got a 40 watt folding panel no problems so far during  all the outings .Came from phototonic universe .C.C members were offered a discount not long a go on the C.C. site