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Phishman068
Samba Member
Joined: February 19, 2007
Posts: 2012
Location: Pittsburgh PA (ish)
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syncromike
Samba Member
Joined: November 14, 2011
Posts: 660
Location: Boise, ID
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 Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 11:03 am Post subject: |
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Feeling more inclined to buy a panel now then ever... If this company doesn't get bailed out, I can only see panel prices climbing up a bit.
From WSJ - Suntech Power Holdings' ($0.48, +$0.04, +7.89%) U.S.-listed shares edged up as they resumed trading following bankruptcy news. The shares were halted before Wednesday's open as the company--once the world's largest solar-panel supplier--said it was involved in bankruptcy-court proceedings. This morning, Suntech says a Chinese court accepted a petition for the insolvency and restructuring of its Chinese subsidiary Wuxi Suntech. Meanwhile, NYSE says it is reviewing whether Suntech's ADS should continue to list on the Big Board.
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luVWagn
Samba Member
Joined: February 21, 2008
Posts: 1342
Location: Snoqualmie (WA)
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| Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 9:00 pm Post subject: |
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| r39o wrote: |
| Phishman068 wrote: |
| I'm just using 3m automotive double sticky tape. Yes, it would come off if I wished it to. |
You have a large solar panel on the stuck to the pop top roof?
Got pix?
(You know the saying.....) |
He's talking about the panel that he mounted in the Westy driver's side back window (obstructed by the cabinets). Dead-spot anyways, so why not use it for a panel.
Although, i'm curious how well that works since I thought the glass would filter/limit the sunlight that hits the panel, reducing its output?
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r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 8:42 pm Post subject: |
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| ripvanagonwinkle wrote: |
| Apples to apples. If you have a better price per watt on a sub-20 lb panel, please do tell. It's a historical low, and the heavier the panel, the less likely you will want to move it around. |
Sorry, you got me beat, I never worried about the weight, since my portable array is made up of 4 50W grid tie panels which are light to me, but never weighed them.
| ripvanagonwinkle wrote: |
| If you consider that the price per watt you quoted was wholesale and the ebay price is shipped to your door in single quantity, I don't think we are talking about the same thing. |
Wholesale is 65 cents, but locally I can buy retail for 79 cents, I saw. For 79 cents a watt I can drive over to the place which is not far from me. I will not debate the shipping as who knows exactly the arrangement the ebay seller has.
| ripvanagonwinkle wrote: |
And while it's off topic for the thread title, I was answering a direct question, and trying to be informative.
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Well sort of OT, as syncromike was the one who did (quote below.) The 100W panel setup in question is a folding brief case like setup specifically meant for portable use. The referenced ebay panel is your typically flat panel and I doubt easy to use in a portable setup. I use 50 w panels which are about 2 x 2 feet or so, I guess. They are easy to store and easy to use. That suitcase setup syncromike found is neat, though....
| syncromike wrote: |
| jacklndn wrote: |
Sunforce vs Instapark?
Does anyone have any experience with Instapark solar panels? Their prices are good, and they seem to include charge controllers with the smaller panels. |
wanted to bump this thread to see if you or anyone else got an Instapark panel... I've been eyeballing this 100W briefcase panel from them:
http://www.instapark.com/solar-power-panels/mars100-watt-solar-powered-12v-battery-charger.html
It's pricey but I like to park in the shade when I can and run my 15W briefcase panel to the sunlight and angle it properly. Jumping from 15W to 100W sounds really attractive but haven't seen any reviews on it. |
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"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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ripvanagonwinkle
Samba Member
Joined: July 07, 2010
Posts: 97
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| Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 5:37 pm Post subject: |
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Apples to apples. If you have a better price per watt on a sub-20 lb panel, please do tell. It's a historical low, and the heavier the panel, the less likely you will want to move it around.
If you consider that the price per watt you quoted was wholesale and the ebay price is shipped to your door in single quantity, I don't think we are talking about the same thing.
And while it's off topic for the thread title, I was answering a direct question, and trying to be informative.
| r39o wrote: |
$165 is NOT NOT NOT "dirt cheap now..."
Wholesale now is down around 65 cents a watt not $1.65 a watt.
In town, retail, I can buy new 250 W mono panels for 79 cents a watt or $197.50.
Keep looking.........
Again, your best bang is using grid tie panels and an inexpensive high input voltatge MPPT controller.
BUT THIS IS OFF TOPIC FOR THIS 5 WATT PANEL THREAD.
I still like my little panels for floating batteries and charging cell phones.
My current project is using a VW panel (broken charger) coupled to a 12 volt to USB adaptor to charge iPads and iPhones with. It is super easy and costs are well under $30 and as cheap as almost free depending on what you find laying around...... |
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r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 12:19 pm Post subject: |
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$165 is NOT NOT NOT "dirt cheap now..."
Wholesale now is down around 65 cents a watt not $1.65 a watt.
In town, retail, I can buy new 250 W mono panels for 79 cents a watt or $197.50.
Keep looking.........
Again, your best bang is using grid tie panels and an inexpensive high input voltatge MPPT controller.
BUT THIS IS OFF TOPIC FOR THIS 5 WATT PANEL THREAD.
I still like my little panels for floating batteries and charging cell phones.
My current project is using a VW panel (broken charger) coupled to a 12 volt to USB adaptor to charge iPads and iPhones with. It is super easy and costs are well under $30 and as cheap as almost free depending on what you find laying around......
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"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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ripvanagonwinkle
Samba Member
Joined: July 07, 2010
Posts: 97
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| Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 12:14 pm Post subject: |
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| syncromike wrote: |
| ripvanagonwinkle wrote: |
100w monocrystalline will bet the lightest and best lb for lb.
They are kinda dirt cheap now...
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Yup, but I don't want to hard mount one on my roof, and the straight panels aren't very "portable". The one I linked to is a 100W monocrystalline panel, just not sure if it's worth a $150 or so premium to get that panel in a sturdy case that folds in half, and includes charge controller & cables. |
47 x 21.3 x 1.4 in (1195 x 541 x 35 mm) See if that fits right above your rear seat?
It's 1.25 lbs lighter narrower, thinner and more likely to be long lasting. Is the controller 3-4 stage charging with temp compensation? No? then it's garbage you don't want to hookup to expensive batteries.
http://www.solarblvd.com/Charge-Controllers-PWM-Ch..._info.html
Something pretty cheap from a company that does solar. |
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syncromike
Samba Member
Joined: November 14, 2011
Posts: 660
Location: Boise, ID
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| Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 11:56 am Post subject: |
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| ripvanagonwinkle wrote: |
100w monocrystalline will bet the lightest and best lb for lb.
They are kinda dirt cheap now...
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Yup, but I don't want to hard mount one on my roof, and the straight panels aren't very "portable". The one I linked to is a 100W monocrystalline panel, just not sure if it's worth a $150 or so premium to get that panel in a sturdy case that folds in half, and includes charge controller & cables.
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'91 Syncro w/ Country Homes PopTop |
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ripvanagonwinkle
Samba Member
Joined: July 07, 2010
Posts: 97
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| Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 11:41 am Post subject: |
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100w monocrystalline will bet the lightest and best lb for lb.
They are kinda dirt cheap now...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271114200015
| syncromike wrote: |
| jacklndn wrote: |
Sunforce vs Instapark?
Does anyone have any experience with Instapark solar panels? Their prices are good, and they seem to include charge controllers with the smaller panels. |
wanted to bump this thread to see if you or anyone else got an Instapark panel... I've been eyeballing this 100W briefcase panel from them:
http://www.instapark.com/solar-power-panels/mars100-watt-solar-powered-12v-battery-charger.html
It's pricey but I like to park in the shade when I can and run my 15W briefcase panel to the sunlight and angle it properly. Jumping from 15W to 100W sounds really attractive but haven't seen any reviews on it. |
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syncromike
Samba Member
Joined: November 14, 2011
Posts: 660
Location: Boise, ID
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| Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 11:30 am Post subject: |
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I did find some positive reviews here, seems like 1 guy measured a peak of about 40W actual output for the 100W rated panel. Which seems about on par with the 6W actual output I see from my "15W" current panel.
http://www.amazon.com/Instapark-PowerBox-Fold-n-Go...ewpoints=1
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'91 Syncro w/ Country Homes PopTop |
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syncromike
Samba Member
Joined: November 14, 2011
Posts: 660
Location: Boise, ID
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| Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 11:25 am Post subject: |
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| jacklndn wrote: |
Sunforce vs Instapark?
Does anyone have any experience with Instapark solar panels? Their prices are good, and they seem to include charge controllers with the smaller panels. |
wanted to bump this thread to see if you or anyone else got an Instapark panel... I've been eyeballing this 100W briefcase panel from them:
http://www.instapark.com/solar-power-panels/mars100-watt-solar-powered-12v-battery-charger.html
It's pricey but I like to park in the shade when I can and run my 15W briefcase panel to the sunlight and angle it properly. Jumping from 15W to 100W sounds really attractive but haven't seen any reviews on it.
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jacklndn
Samba Member
Joined: June 23, 2011
Posts: 121
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
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| Posted: Sat May 19, 2012 8:53 am Post subject: |
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Sunforce vs Instapark?
Does anyone have any experience with Instapark solar panels? Their prices are good, and they seem to include charge controllers with the smaller panels.
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1986 Westy GL 4 spd |
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r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Tue May 15, 2012 11:07 am Post subject: |
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| Phishman068 wrote: |
| I'm just using 3m automotive double sticky tape. Yes, it would come off if I wished it to. |
You have a large solar panel on the stuck to the pop top roof?
Got pix?
(You know the saying.....)
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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Phishman068
Samba Member
Joined: February 19, 2007
Posts: 2012
Location: Pittsburgh PA (ish)
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BillM
Samba Member
Joined: June 18, 2004
Posts: 1381
Location: Stonington,CT
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| Posted: Tue May 15, 2012 9:15 am Post subject: |
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I have been watching the solar posts for a quite awhile. I think
I have decided to go with the Kyocera 130watt panel with
a Morningstar 30amp charge controller w/display. I have not
decided on a battery yet. The marine deep cycle that I have been
using for years let me down this past winter. At about 2:00am
the propex heater shut off because of low voltage.
With the plans to add a TF49 I decided its time to add some reliability
to my aux battery set up.
I will mount the panel either directly to my top or under the Thule crossbars.
My only thing left to decide on is battery choice like I mentioned above. I
am hoping to keep the battery under the drivers seat even if it takes some trimming but may have to give in to moving my propex heater from under the rear seat to make way for a larger battery back there. I like the fridge installs
where the propex was mounted underneath. I just worry about my woodworking abilities to pull it off nearly.
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Bill M
87 Westy |
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syncromike
Samba Member
Joined: November 14, 2011
Posts: 660
Location: Boise, ID
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| Posted: Mon May 14, 2012 12:56 pm Post subject: |
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| IdahoDoug wrote: |
| For instance, Costco has a $250 system I noticed yesterday with an integrated controller and case clearly well thought out for the RV crowd. |
Doug, I saw that one. I think I know enough that those were amorphous silicon cells, which are inefficient for their size compared to mono-crystalline panels.
That kit I believe is similar if not identical to a Harbor Freight one that has 3x15W panels for a total of 45W, taking up half the roof of your van. Most folks seem to be getting panels that can produce 150-250W for the same amount of area.
That's a lot of weight to haul around for 45W (assuming you could even get that without angling the panels toward the sun).
I don't have an Engel yet, and just use the battery for lights, occasional radio, and phone charging and have found a "15W" briefcase solar panel that reliably produces around 6W (500mW) is helpful for a long weekend, but isn't quite enough to be long-term sustainable.
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berkeleyjack
Samba Member
Joined: April 27, 2012
Posts: 175
Location: Northern California
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| Posted: Mon May 14, 2012 12:23 pm Post subject: |
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What kind of double-stick tape did you use? Is it removable?
I have a weekender without cabinets, so unfortunately I don't have a spot like that to stick a panel.
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All-grain homebrewer with a 1990 Vanagon Carat. |
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Phishman068
Samba Member
Joined: February 19, 2007
Posts: 2012
Location: Pittsburgh PA (ish)
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ripvanagonwinkle
Samba Member
Joined: July 07, 2010
Posts: 97
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| Posted: Sun May 13, 2012 4:47 pm Post subject: |
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http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=511913 more thoughts there.
You want bang for the buck, do not get 24v panels. Find out how many AH a day your fridge will use. You should find that what I suggested will work.
| berkeleyjack wrote: |
ripvanagonwinkle, you seem really knowledgeable about solar setups. What size of panel and type of battery would you suggest for running a portable fridge during a week-long trip where the van was parked most of the time?
I do most of my camping in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Northern California) so it's also not super sunny here or anything.
Planning on getting an Engel 43Q or maybe a Whynter 65Q fridge, and probably wouldn't be running anything else except maybe the radio or the dome lights. I don't want a microwave or a TV or anything like that. 
Looking at the site you linked to, I was thinking maybe this panel:
http://www.solarblvd.com/Solar-Panels-&-System..._info.html
Any thoughts on what kind of battery or charge controller I would need for an application like that? I'd like it to be cheap (relatively) if possible, but I also don't want to get something that's going to break or not do what I want it to do.
Thanks! |
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r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Sun May 13, 2012 11:21 am Post subject: |
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| ripvanagonwinkle wrote: |
| The guts are a single blocking diode on mine.........snip |
More than just a single diode in the ones I have:
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"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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