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Vanuber Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2020 Posts: 411 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 1:48 pm Post subject: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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I am finishing up an aux battery installation with a 100Ah LiFePO4. I installed a 100|20 MPPT and SAE solar input in place of my city water hookup. Next step is finding a nice portable solar panel solution.
My Samba searches turned up a lot of roof mounted options, but not much in the way of portable. A lot of these threads were also pretty dated so I am hoping to get some current recommendations.
Some criteria:
1) 100-200W monocrystalline panel
2) Freestanding panel so I can move it when needed at camp
3) Folding design that doesn't take up a lot of space in the van
A few options I am considering:
Rockpals 100W Portable 02 (17" x 15" folded - $230) - https://www.rockpals.com/products/rockpower-100watt-solar-panel
Goal Zero Nomad 100 (20.5" x 15" folded - $399) - https://www.goalzero.com/shop/portable-solar-panels/nomad-100-solar-panel/
Goal Zero Nomad 200 (28" x 22" folded - $599) - https://www.goalzero.com/shop/solar-panels/nomad-200-solar-panel/
Zamp Obsidian Series 100 Portable (45" x 22" - $499) - https://store.zampsolar.com/products/obsidian-series-100-watt-portable-kit-unregulated
Obviously these are getting pricey, but I would rather pay for quality that will last (if that's what I am actually getting!). I am not interested in no-name panels from Amazon. The Zamp option is getting large, but the bed width is 46" so that would fit pretty nicely. I have also read that the Goal Zero products are lacking in actual output.
Any experience with these or other recommendations? Thanks! _________________ '85 Westfalia 1.9L
'72 BMW R75/5
'71 BMW R75/5
'02 Subaru Forester 2.5L |
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Vanuber Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2020 Posts: 411 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 2:10 pm Post subject: Re: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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Well obviously Zamp is the right choice for a Vanagon:
Link
_________________ '85 Westfalia 1.9L
'72 BMW R75/5
'71 BMW R75/5
'02 Subaru Forester 2.5L |
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[email protected] Samba Member
Joined: April 29, 2015 Posts: 704 Location: Berkeley Ca
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Californio Samba Member
Joined: May 17, 2007 Posts: 1305
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 2:31 pm Post subject: Re: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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Second that. Watts is watts. I have a Renogy suitcase that works fine. |
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Vanuber Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2020 Posts: 411 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 2:50 pm Post subject: Re: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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They don't offer a 100W "E.Flex" panel anymore. _________________ '85 Westfalia 1.9L
'72 BMW R75/5
'71 BMW R75/5
'02 Subaru Forester 2.5L |
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coqcitywesty Samba Member
Joined: February 20, 2018 Posts: 401 Location: Coquitlam, BC
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 2:58 pm Post subject: Re: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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I purchased the Renogy 100W Suitcase (with controller) a couple of years back and continue to be pleased with its performance. Linked here: https://www.amazon.com/RENOGY-Foldable-Suitcase-Without-Controller/dp/B079JVBVL3?th=1
Painless to hook up and well constructed + fits well in the Westy - either flat in the rear on the engine cover (mattress) or on its edge in the same spot. _________________ 1991 Westfalia EJ251, 1972 Volvo 1800 ES |
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eeebee Samba Member
Joined: July 17, 2009 Posts: 431 Location: Tujunga
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 3:14 pm Post subject: Re: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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I have the rockpals folding unit yur linked to. Works great. No stand but, it does have a lot of different connectors, USB output etc. included. _________________ Eric
1987 Vanagon Wolfsburg Special Edition
GoWesty 2.3
Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time. |
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SSWesty Samba Member
Joined: August 20, 2008 Posts: 732 Location: Bellevue
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 5:49 pm Post subject: Re: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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Vanuber wrote: |
They don't offer a 100W "E.Flex" panel anymore. |
If you are interested in utilizing that space next to the closet some 100watt flexible panels may fit in there. It also may be possible to fold the rockpanel you posted in half instead of quad folding. The rockpanel may be thin enough folding in half based on the dimensions I see to fit in there. |
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puchfinnland Samba Member
Joined: December 26, 2005 Posts: 279 Location: Deale Maryland
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 6:09 pm Post subject: Re: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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lensun solar
https://www.lensunsolar.com/Products/Solar-blanket
Im in Maryland, for the price, the quality is unmatched.
I install Lensun on Vans, and boats.
Jim???
Mike Hanyi _________________ ABYC marine master technician , EX European auto technician, new business- EASTCOASTWEST , custom work on campers, only systems, no mechanical |
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deadaheadub Samba Member
Joined: April 18, 2004 Posts: 787 Location: New Mexico
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 6:50 pm Post subject: Re: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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Why does that link say "without controller"? A controller is essential, is it not?
And the page on Amazon says it has a "20A Charger Controller." _________________ Grateful daily,
Ryan
______________________________________
Past loves: '65 Bug, '70 Westy poptop, '64 Squareback project, '76 Westy tintop "Loose Lucy", '76 Westy tintop "Sharee"
Current:'84 Westy poptop "Ramblin' Rose- Rosie" w/ 2003 Subaru EJ25 conversion |
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kamzcab86 Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008 Posts: 7916 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 7:12 pm Post subject: Re: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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deadaheadub wrote: |
Why does that link say "without controller"? A controller is essential, is it not?
And the page on Amazon says it has a "20A Charger Controller." |
Renogy gives you the option of buying it with or without the controller. The options are right there on the Amazon page.
Reason to buy the controller separately: To mount it where you want it inside the van. _________________ ~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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coqcitywesty Samba Member
Joined: February 20, 2018 Posts: 401 Location: Coquitlam, BC
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 7:21 pm Post subject: Re: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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Hmmm....my bad - the link takes you to the unit with some options. They offer it in a few variations with and without a controller. I purchased the 100W with the built in 20A controller as I was looking for a relatively turn-key solution which this is/was. _________________ 1991 Westfalia EJ251, 1972 Volvo 1800 ES |
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deadaheadub Samba Member
Joined: April 18, 2004 Posts: 787 Location: New Mexico
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 7:51 pm Post subject: Re: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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Thanks for the info.
I'll have to think about whether I want to hardwire the controller inside the van- a bit more involved an installation.
Pros/cons? _________________ Grateful daily,
Ryan
______________________________________
Past loves: '65 Bug, '70 Westy poptop, '64 Squareback project, '76 Westy tintop "Loose Lucy", '76 Westy tintop "Sharee"
Current:'84 Westy poptop "Ramblin' Rose- Rosie" w/ 2003 Subaru EJ25 conversion |
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kamzcab86 Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008 Posts: 7916 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2021 8:46 pm Post subject: Re: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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deadaheadub wrote: |
Thanks for the info.
I'll have to think about whether I want to hardwire the controller inside the van- a bit more involved an installation.
Pros/cons? |
Everything I read years ago said that controllers are most efficient/effective if they are mounted as close to the battery as possible.
It does, however, require more work to install. _________________ ~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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Vanuber Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2020 Posts: 411 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2021 8:45 am Post subject: Re: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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Thanks for the replies everyone. I like the compact nature of the "solar blankets" - Lensun, Rockpals, etc.
eeebee wrote: |
I have the rockpals folding unit yur linked to. Works great. No stand but, it does have a lot of different connectors, USB output etc. included. |
Puchfinnland and Eeebee - how are you all using these panels? Do you just lay them out on the ground? Or try to prop them up somehow? I know being perpendicular to the sun angle has a big effect on output. _________________ '85 Westfalia 1.9L
'72 BMW R75/5
'71 BMW R75/5
'02 Subaru Forester 2.5L |
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Howesight Samba Member
Joined: July 02, 2008 Posts: 3274 Location: Vancouver, B.C.
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Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2021 1:21 pm Post subject: Re: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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I still have my Renogy folding 100W panel, but I am adding 2 of their compact design 100W non-folding units.
For a long time, many Westy folks wanted a panel that would fit in the "luggage compartement" at the front of the Westy pop-top. The Renogy 100W folding unit was the first that came along which would fit up there:
Recently, Crazyvanman found that with a bit of trimming on the corners, the Renogy 100W Compact Design panels would fit in the luggage rack, allowing 200W with the two panels stacked which you can see below in the pics he posted:
The bonus is that the Renogy 100W CD is also on sale:
https://www.renogy.com/100-watt-12-volt-monocrystalline-solar-panel-compact-design/
I think the price may even be better on Amazon. I am making a tripod device for these comapct panels to aim them at the sun with an adjustable unipod made from an extending broom handle. _________________ '86 Syncro Westy SVX |
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puchfinnland Samba Member
Joined: December 26, 2005 Posts: 279 Location: Deale Maryland
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Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2021 5:41 pm Post subject: Re: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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the topic was solar blankets, lets stick to it!
someone wanted a solar blanket for 3 of his vehicles, with the blanket and controller separate he can use it on any vehicle _________________ ABYC marine master technician , EX European auto technician, new business- EASTCOASTWEST , custom work on campers, only systems, no mechanical |
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Vanuber Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2020 Posts: 411 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2021 5:53 pm Post subject: Re: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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puchfinnland wrote: |
someone wanted a solar blanket for 3 of his vehicles, with the blanket and controller separate he can use it on any vehicle |
How are you using these panels? Do you just lay them out on the ground? Or try to prop them up somehow? I know being perpendicular to the sun angle has a big effect on output. _________________ '85 Westfalia 1.9L
'72 BMW R75/5
'71 BMW R75/5
'02 Subaru Forester 2.5L |
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dhaavers Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010 Posts: 7756 Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
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Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2021 5:29 pm Post subject: Re: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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Related: What recommendations from Sambanistas for ~30 ft solar extension cable?
I have on order one of the quality panels posted above, but it includes only (1) 15 foot cable.
I'd like to add a 30 foot cable for the system and am willing to build with my own connectors.
Preferably 10AWG & flexible enough to lay flat on the ground (to minimize tripping, obviously).
Ideas...??? 🤔🤔🤔
- Dave _________________ 86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
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fxr Samba Member
Joined: December 07, 2014 Posts: 2321 Location: Bay area CA
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Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2021 5:48 pm Post subject: Re: Portable Solar Panel Recommendations |
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Speaker wire - relatively cheap, as the insulation doesn't have to be 600V spec. For the larger sizes it's a lot cheaper and more flexible than marine wire, which is the next in line.
10 awg is fine, but you can usually afford to lose a volt or two down the wire with PVs, especially if using PWM rather than MPPT controllers. So 12 awg speaker wire is quite OK. _________________ Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300 |
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