TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Dec 31, 2021 7:53 pm

If you are looking to augment with some portable power this $70 50 watt folding panel is a pretty fair price right now. I have no connection with renogy.

https://www.renogy.com/e-flex-50-portable-solar-panel/

Sat Jan 01, 2022 7:41 am

Quote: NOTE: The E.FLEX 50 can only charge laptops with voltage ratings of 16V and 19V

Sat Jan 01, 2022 7:46 am

"Great for back packing."

I came from a different non electric world gone by......

Dave

Sat Jan 01, 2022 9:10 am

Thanks SS - just picked one up!

Sat Jan 01, 2022 11:51 am

Also this 110W, similar to Renogy, $169

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200773337_200773337

Sat Jan 01, 2022 11:52 am

djkeev wrote: "Great for back packing."

I came from a different non electric world gone by......

Geez yes. Back then we would only carry apricots if they were dried & pitted and always removed the jokers from the deck of cards.

I currently (pun intended) use a low wattage Harbor Freight panel which is enough for my simple needs (phone, music, LEDs) but this one looks even simpler, lighter and more stowable.

Sat Jan 01, 2022 12:37 pm

Ahwahnee wrote:

Geez yes. Back then we would only carry apricots if they were dried & pitted and always removed the jokers from the deck of cards.

We'd cut the handles off toothbrushes and the borders off maps...

Sat Jan 01, 2022 12:52 pm

IMHO..... 50 watts is like a 'maintainer' size - a panel that you leave attached for long periods. It's an OK size if you don't have an electric fridge.

For those with a truckfridge I'd get a 100 watt, (output 7 amps). A truckfridge takes about 4 amps so with 100 watts you are actually netting some charge to the battery for some part of the solar day.

The thing is, Lithium batteries have recently relegated solar to 'hobby'.
It's more productive to add lithium and a DC-DC charger to your van than solar.
I have all that plus solar.
If good sense takes precedence, it deletes my solar.
I don't know how I'll do that.

Sorry for this post.

Carry on

Sat Jan 01, 2022 1:25 pm

I have a Renogy 100w system currently and it leaves a lot to be desired.

Sat Jan 01, 2022 3:31 pm

It's only a deal if it matches your use case scenario. 50 watts may be great for some and worthless for others. Same for the built in output ports, folding design and kickstand, they may add value for some folks but have no value for others. I've noticed Renogy will usually have some smokin deals around black friday and Christmas/New Years. If I remember correctly they had their 100 watt framed panel down to $67 around black friday for a couple days. That was definitely a deal if you were looking for a framed panel.

Sat Jan 01, 2022 3:44 pm

djkeev wrote: "Great for back packing."

I came from a different non electric world gone by......

Dave
They didn’t claim it was great for back packing?

Sat Jan 01, 2022 4:40 pm

vanagonjr wrote: djkeev wrote: "Great for back packing."

I came from a different non electric world gone by......

Dave
They didn’t claim it was great for back packing?

One of the reviewers said he used it backpacking to recharge his CPAP machine.

I'm having a hard time reconciling all that.

Sat Jan 01, 2022 4:52 pm

Ahwahnee wrote: vanagonjr wrote: djkeev wrote: "Great for back packing."

I came from a different non electric world gone by......

Dave
They didn’t claim it was great for back packing?

One of the reviewers said he used it backpacking to recharge his CPAP machine.

I'm having a hard time reconciling all that.

Maybe their reviews are like Etsy - distributes the reviews on one product from other products by the same seller. I was bummed to be checking out door pockets and seeing reviews citing curtains.