good flexible solar panel suppliers

[Ray]

Gday all,

Inspired by all the flexible panels appearing here I'm thinking of upgrading the 180 watts (3x 60) on the Pajero to 2 x 200 watt flexible panels to reduce weight and increase power collection, we seem to be using more power these days, esp when using the freezer.

Can someone recommend a reliable supplier of good value panels, I'm looking for 2, 1040 x approx 800mm.

I'm thinking of using sailtrack to attach them to the roof rails so the panels can be removed easily for cleaning etc, has anyone tried this, does it work, any advice welcome?

thanks,
Ray

[Wetjala]

Have a look at: https://www.solar4rvs.com.au/solar-panels/flexible-solar-panels/

I recently bought a Victron Battery Balancer from them for the 1kW UPS I built and I noticed they had a comprehensive range of solar panels available which interested me as I also want to "beef up" my solar charging capability so have been reviewing various options available.

(Note: I do not have any affiliation with this company other than as a customer.)

[Ajax1]

I have one of these panels works really well & have velcro points on the rear hatch, plus stores under the bed  https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F322168106541

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[Ray]

Thanks for the replies, some good tips there. Looks like 250 watts units are now available, hard to know what's genuine of course.

Ray

[Cruiser 105Tvan]

Keep in mind, ok.
The figure quoted is only possible if the sun is directly overhead, and the panel is laying flat on the ground.
Cloud conditions, alignment to the sun, whether it's after dark or not, all challenges how much power you can get out of that panel.

[peterjantvan]

What solar controller do you use please Ajax1?

Cheers Peter

[Ajax1]

What solar controller do you use please Ajax1?

Cheers Peter

I don't use one as the Tvan already has the controller built in & our BT50 is running the redarc 1225v charger on the second battery which also has a solar controller built in to it.
When we used that panel on our Patriot X1 we were getting on average over 350w of charge for the day & our batteries were staying between 95-100% charged on a 10 day trip at Fraser Island

Cheers Andrè

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[Phil G]

Make sure you keep the receipt and check how long the warranty is on the flexible panels.  I bought a 100W one and it failed the first time I used it in the Kimberley - hot very hot and no output.  And a friend with an Exodus has 3 on his roof and has had them replaced twice now.  They were glued onto the roof - maybe that's the issue.  I wouldn't attach anything to them and keep an airgap underneath or keep them freestanding.

[Young Nomads]

Keep in mind, ok.
The figure quoted is only possible if the sun is directly overhead, and the panel is laying flat on the ground.
Cloud conditions, alignment to the sun, whether it's after dark or not, all challenges how much power you can get out of that panel.

Agree with Cruiser ..if you are mounting it to your TVan, you may also find that you won't get efficient exposure to the sun. Portables are better, if you have room for them. You can then hide in the shade with your TVan.

[Ray]

Having had a look at some of the reviews for the flexible panels it seems some may have a much shorter life when kept out in the weather full time. I'm wanting to replace my reliable 8yo 180 watt glass panel on the Pajero with something with greater capacity so am now looking at the 300 watt glass panels which if well made should last well, but I would need a new 36 volt 20 amp regulator, my GSL 12/2 is only 10 amps and could move to the Tvan.

Does anyone have experience with big glass panels that offer good value for money and durability or flexible panels that are durable enough. The posters on the caravanersforum seem positive about Rich Panels from Bit_Deals. Also can anyone recommend an MPPT reg that suits, is reasonably priced and isn't rubbish like the Aldi one I tried last Xmas, it kept on sending 17 volts to the battery, (the panels were fine) The Tracer brand looks like it might be suitable.

thanks for any tips,

Ray