solar power

[1Louder]

I'm really on the fence with portable or mounted. I really like the renogy 100 watt portable, and I really like the idea of 120 watt mounted on my rack, each for roughly the same price. The problem with portable one might ask? We are already packed to the gills as we need room for a driver and 3 passengers in the rig. ( grandsons ) If I mount one, I'd rig up some hinges on the nose of the rack so it would tilt up at an angle. Keep the ideas coming !!

If you can afford it get a rollout or foldable panel. They are great but 2-3 times the price of most hard panel setups. I have a Powerfilm 60 watt which is super convenient. I just need a bit more power.

 

[Flipper]

Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient and Morningstar are great controllers

 

[Funmobile]

I have used Goal Zero products for a few years and have great results. Mine are not hard wired to the vehicle, however it could be easily done and they also offer various cords and adapters for vehicle applications. Additionally, their customer service has been both prompt and pleasant. I currently have 4, 7 watt panels and 1, 20 watt panel, which can all be daisy chained together if needed.

 

[Jake Wettern | iamjake]

As I mostly live off the grid, I do depend on solar power to charge my phone, batteries, cameras, laptop, LED lighting and what I use is:

50W bendable solar panel - http://amzn.to/2sDGj6P
21W solar panel - http://amzn.to/2rP0yeI
Solar charge controller regulator - http://amzn.to/2t431pn
Solar cable 25' extension - http://amzn.to/2t84DPe
Solar panel cable connectors - http://amzn.to/2s8UIVb
Solar panel bank - http://amzn.to/2t89lwb

 

[Glenn]

Monocrystalline panels even take in power in low light situations. I use (2) 100AH batteries, a 100W mono flex panel with 25' extension to move as the sun does if need be. Never been a problem running anything for days on end.
Video of the solar kit I built is in my sig below.

 

[Ubiety]

Battery question. I have a "charging cart" (large rolling dewalt toolbox) that has a run-of-the-mill lead acid automotive battery, MPPT charge controller and two 35 watt folding panels connected in parallel. Now that I have downsized to the JKU I think I'd like to get a newer/better/lighter/smaller battery and hopefully house it all in a smaller home.

I saw @1Louder mention lithium ion batteries for this purpose. I'm guessing that would require a different charge controller? Any advice? Hmmmm, time to read my charge controller's docs ;)

I have used Goal Zero

I have three of the Goal Zero Light-A-Life lights and LOVE them. Two of them light our kitchen area well enough, they have intelligent mounting solutions, are tough, the beams are configurable and they can be daisy-chained.

 

[Glenn]

Battery question. I have a "charging cart" (large rolling dewalt toolbox) that has a run-of-the-mill lead acid automotive battery, MPPT charge controller and two 35 watt folding panels connected in parallel. Now that I have downsized to the JKU I think I'd like to get a newer/better/lighter/smaller battery and hopefully house it all in a smaller home.

I saw @1Louder mention lithium ion batteries for this purpose. I'm guessing that would require a different charge controller? Any advice? Hmmmm, time to read my charge controller's docs ;)


I have three of the Goal Zero Light-A-Life lights and LOVE them. Two of them light our kitchen area well enough, they have intelligent mounting solutions, are tough, the beams are configurable and they can be daisy-chained.

No...same controller is used. Lithium is just a better quality battery to store the power. Someday I will go lithium but the wallet needs to catch up...lol

 

[Ubiety]

Someday I will go lithium but the wallet needs to catch up...lol

That is what I feared! I remembered that there is an odd little "everything battery" shop walking distance from work. I'll go hit them up and get some recommendations. Thanks!

 

[1Louder]

No...same controller is used. Lithium is just a better quality battery to store the power. Someday I will go lithium but the wallet needs to catch up...lol

Yep an equivalent lithium ion battery is about 3 times as much. However, if you were looking at a 95AH AGM you could go with a 50-60AH Lithium since they can be drained to zero. As for a 95AH LI I have seen pricing between $800-$1000. Ouch

 

[Glenn]

Yep an equivalent lithium ion battery is about 3 times as much. However, if you were looking at a 95AH AGM you could go with a 50-60AH Lithium since they can be drained to zero. As for a 95AH LI I have seen pricing between $800-$1000. Ouch

And THAT is why i use 2 windy nation 100ah agm at around $350 for the 2...lol
Someday lithium...when i hit the lottery LOL

 

[ArkansasDon]

as for me, what I use & done a year of research I went Renogy. I like their customer service, which had a positive impact on their product. I explained what I was doing for my trailer build & what equipment will be used @ certain times of the year & how long (hours during the day) along with giving them all the technical information as of draw. They came up with a fail safe system that will suit me for all 4 seasons. Battery I went with VMax Tank 125 amp hour AGM with 10 to 12 yr life span, worth every dollar spent. I have (2) Renogy 100 watt portable suite case style Monocrystalline solar panels this way I can use 1 or 2 panels (only one shown in the photo) ran together when ever I need the extra power. Renogy 30amp Wanderer Charge Controller w\ battery temperature sensor. I have 20ft of 10 awg cable to stretch out. I have 30amp fuse in between the panels & the charge controller to protect my system. I run Engel 22qt 12v. fridg\freez 24hrs on demand, Propex H2000 Heat Source tent heater on demand "seasonal", Mighty Kool K2 12v. A\C "seasonal" only at sleeping hrs, 2 LED filtered green lights on the tent rack & the LED tent light strip. I believe you get what you spend. I do not trust China made solar panels or their components.