Solar Panels

JS Stanley · 10-21-2018, 05:47 PM

Hello,
I have a E-Pro 14FK with solar panel on the roof. (Two 12V in parallel.)

I would like a portable panel to use when parked in shade.
Could anyone recommend a panel and maybe provide links?

And, is there anything to consider when setting up the portable panel?

Do I need to disconnect the roof panel? Or, do I simply plug in the portable panel (or alligator clip to posts)?
Does the portable panel require any special 'brain' or programming? Or is it 'idiot proof'?

Thanks for any help!

JS Stanley · 10-21-2018, 06:53 PM

Also, as for battery connections.....Here is how the dealer connected the batteries. But, I saw a video that had the inverter and controller connected to positive 1 and negative 2, like the wires from the camper. Which is correct?

NJKris · 10-22-2018, 07:18 AM

I got this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 before I even ordered my GeoPro. I kept it on my wishlist on my Amazon account for some time, and one day I checked, the price had fallen to 200 bucks and I ordered it. Appears well made, reviews are great, but I haven't had opportunity to use it yet. I also bought extra cables and an SAE type adaptor to plug it into port on side of our campers. The panel can be ordered with the charge controller, which I did. The charge controller is necessary to plug into port on side, as the controller for the rooftop panels is separate. The port on the side goes directly to batteries, so you need a charge controller somewhere between your portable panels and the batts.

formerFR · 10-22-2018, 07:59 AM

most solar setups, whether portable or fixed, will need a Controller, though it's unlikely that a single 100w panel will 'overcharge' your battery(s) on it's own, since the output is barely 5amps during even the best sunlight... I think you could easily setup a single panel, and simply attach the output wires directly to your battery posts... your battery level indicator in the RV will tell you the status of the batteries.

boondocking · 10-22-2018, 11:15 AM

Here is a good 100 watt portable for you at a decent price.
https://tinyurl.com/yd9mmjnf

And yes you should have a charge controller with a 100 watt panel.

kcmusa · 10-22-2018, 11:44 AM

Do you secure your portable panels?
not sure if theft is an issue with them or not.
was thinking about getting some portable ones and was wondering.

rk06382 · 10-22-2018, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JS Stanley

Hello,
I have a E-Pro 14FK with solar panel on the roof. (Two 12V in parallel.)

I would like a portable panel to use when parked in shade.
Could anyone recommend a panel and maybe provide links?

And, is there anything to consider when setting up the portable panel?

Do I need to disconnect the roof panel? Or, do I simply plug in the portable panel (or alligator clip to posts)?
Does the portable panel require any special 'brain' or programming? Or is it 'idiot proof'?

Thanks for any help!

A solar panel needs a Solar Charge Controller between it & your battery. It also needs to be setup for your battery type. IE: AGM, Flooded, Lithium, etc.

The portable solar panel will need it own Solar Charge Controller. If you don't understand what you need, call a couple of the solar companies. IE: AltE Store, Renogy, Go Power, etc.

I called Renogy before I purchased their panels from Amazon. Don't be afraid to ask questions. There is also a lot of YouTube videos on RV solar.

JS Stanley · 10-22-2018, 04:28 PM

Thanks everyone for the great info. It is really appreciated.

rk06382 · 10-22-2018, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JS Stanley

Thanks everyone for the great info. It is really appreciated.

Please update when get your portable panels.

JS Stanley · 10-22-2018, 05:59 PM

Would this panel be effective?
Looking at the data, unless I am not understanding things...This would be a good option?

https://www.walmart.com/ip/170-Watts...ting/963608824

rk06382 · 10-22-2018, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JS Stanley

Would this panel be effective?
Looking at the data, unless I am not understanding things...This would be a good option?

https://www.walmart.com/ip/170-Watts...ting/963608824

Something wrong about that Walmart Solar panel specs. The picture says it is 100 Watt. The Voltage at Pmax (Vmp): 11.71V. 11.71V is too low to charge a 12v battery.

A Renogy 160 Watt 12 Volt Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel specs: Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp): 19.1 V.

The Solar panels I am using, Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel (Slim Design) specs:
Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp): 16V.

NJKris · 10-23-2018, 07:55 AM

The thing about these way cheap solar panels: They are not very rigid, and the Walmart one does not come in any type of frame at all. You will need to prop it up on something to face the sun, and hope it is not windy. The panel needs to be perpendicular to the sun's rays for optimum energy conversion. That means you should re-orient it throughout day for maximum insolation. The suitcase types are easy to manage that way, because they have adjustable legs to give you the optimum 'tilt' depending on the time of year you camp, as the angle of the sun will change.

**Flybob** · 10-23-2018, 08:11 AM

Two many inconsistencies and wrong info on the Walmart panel. No Mfg listed and output voltage way too low. Check Renogy they have quality panels and good prices as well as excellent help.

JS Stanley · 10-23-2018, 11:58 AM

Thanks again everyone.

JS Stanley · 10-31-2018, 05:27 PM

Okay, bought the 100w Renogy. Placed in the sun while the roof panel is in partial shade. Made a huge difference.

Been testing different draw downs and the panels are keeping at 13v or above.

Only when clouds pass by do I see a drop to 12.2, maybe...and then a rapid increase once the sun comes back out.
Seems to be working great.

NJKris · 10-31-2018, 06:01 PM

Can't wait to try my Renogy.

rk06382 · 11-01-2018, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JS Stanley

Okay, bought the 100w Renogy. Placed in the sun while the roof panel is in partial shade. Made a huge difference.

Been testing different draw downs and the panels are keeping at 13v or above.

Only when clouds pass by do I see a drop to 12.2, maybe...and then a rapid increase once the sun comes back out.
Seems to be working great.

Congratulations on your Renogy.

Pictures please.

TitanMike · 11-01-2018, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flybob

Two many inconsistencies and wrong info on the Walmart panel. No Mfg listed and output voltage way too low. Check Renogy they have quality panels and good prices as well as excellent help.

Something tells me that the specs are incorrect.

One thing I see in the future is more and more flexible panels like this just being glued to rooftops of RV's with a cable channel gathering up all the wires that go to the controller. With a panel a foot and a half wide and almost six feet long one could mount several on an average roof with relative ease.

Maybe one day "walk on solar panels" instead of rubber roof.

babock · 11-01-2018, 06:09 PM

Right now, flexible panels suck. Big problem is heat because their output drops a lot because of no cooling.

I use 175w residential panels. They were $160 each. Now price is same for 180w.

Made in US with 25 year warranty. Better than Chinese made Renogy.

NJKris · 11-01-2018, 06:56 PM

babock, I saw your battery hook up on the other post. Can I ask you for an estimate on your total expenditures for all your solar panels, cables, tools, and controller? Oh, and upgraded converter and inverter? Just curious man.

You may also like: