Solar Panel Size

Toupswrangler

Toupswrangler

Rank I

Contributor III

154
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
First Name
Billy
Last Name
Toups
I'm just getting started with my overland camping journey. I'm about 80% done with my first DIY trailer but have no idea on what size solar panel I need to keep up but I feel certain you guys/gals have the answer. I'll only be using one deep cycle battery to power a water pump, a few LED lights, and possibly to recharge phones/pads. Any idea what I'd need to keep the battery topped off?? I know it depends on how much demand I'll put on the battery but I'm thinking it'll be minimal. I'll only use water during meal prep and cleaning up after and I'm only installing 2-3 small LED's for area lighting.

I have no idea whatsoever on watt rating vs recharge time??????

LOVE this site and thanks in advance for any help on this!!!
 
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its a big subject too.
now where you gonna mount it?
do you need a rigid panel in a frame?
A semi flexible panel? or even a panel to fold up and store away.
a 100Watt panel will charge your battery at approx. 5 amps/h on a good sunny day, half that on a cloudy day.
That will be good enough on your described usage.
You can also charge that battery through your vehicle/trailer connection. Battery charges as the car engine is running, gives your trailer battery a bit more help.
 
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Currently using 150 watt, but I have more wattage consumption than you.. it’s better to have more than less. I am currently charging three odyssey agm and another emergency backup just Incase. D5064E6C-916A-4C24-A816-4992F82339C9.jpeg3B0D3701-222E-4BC5-AD6B-15FBF2767756.jpeg03EF4CA4-0454-4AF9-9F2D-EAC62E99E88C.jpeg
 
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I had an 80w semi-flexible panel permanently mounted on my FJ’s hood. It worked great, providing enough power to run my 50qt fridge full time. It was managed by a VictronConnect charge controller.


45187352801_b5269561e0_o.jpg
 
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We use ACO Power 120W fold-able solar panels with our solar package that we offer on the trailers that we build. The price and quality is tough to beat:
They can hang off the trailer or have a stand that can allow you to position them relative to the sunshine. Long cord too to get them out of the way.
 
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VORSHEER Trailers said:
We use ACO Power 120W fold-able solar panels with our solar package that we offer on the trailers that we build. The price and quality is tough to beat:
They can hang off the trailer or have a stand that can allow you to position them relative to the sunshine. Long cord too to get them out of the way.
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That seems expensive to me. 120 watts is good. What makes this panel worth the money compared to
 
systemdelete said:
I had an 80w semi-flexible panel permanently mounted on my FJ’s hood. It worked great, providing enough power to run my 50qt fridge full time. It was managed by a VictronConnect charge controller.


View attachment 120216
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Any more details on which panel you used? I have heard these flex type panels do not last very long, sometimes less than a year, did you experience any durability issues with your panel?
 
Wallygator said:
Any more details on which panel you used? I have heard these flex type panels do not last very long, sometimes less than a year, did you experience any durability issues with your panel?
Click to expand...
I would also be curious as to how much power the various off brand panels actually make. I have read a few reviews and the advertised rating and the real output in good sun was very different.
 
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Wallygator said:
Any more details on which panel you used? I have heard these flex type panels do not last very long, sometimes less than a year, did you experience any durability issues with your panel?
Click to expand...

My panel was rock solid for just shy of three years. I removed it when I went to sell the vehicle. I’m going with a pair from the same company next month for my current build. I did learn that with these panels less is more when it comes to mounting. I used a LOT of 3M bonding tape, and am pretty sure I damaged the 80w when I removed it. I’ll test it when I get my new setup in place since I might use it as a portable panel in the future.

The panels are by lensun, so they are not generally considered off brand or cheap. I was concerned with reliability since I wanted to run my fridge 24/7 and was right at the min number of watts to do it. The new setup will be running 110 watts of the same panels.(bigger hood!)
 
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I have this similar setup in my rig. I got the kit from Amazon and battery directly from Renogy.

Good tutorial on how to put it all together.

 
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