Folding solar panel - up to my needs and priced ok?

[Plasnart]

Hi all,

Needing a solar panel charging system as a last minute purchase so will be buying from a retail outlet.

I run a 40L engel and that's about it. Have done a bit of reading and believe 120-140W is what I need but the more the merrier.

I have no experience with solar panels so looking for advice on this one. Is it a decent buy?

https://www.bcf.com.au/p/xtm-160w-folding-solar-panel/563066.html?cgid=BCF027015#start=2

[Winnie]

You're correct, a little over 100W would be good for you and if you are happy to carry a larger panel then of course the more the better. That BCF one will do just fine. You could upgrade the cables and charge controller but it will do the job just fine as is.

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[Plasnart]

Awesome thanks Winnie!

Also looking at this one. What do you reckon between the two?

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/ridge-ryder-ridge-ryder-caravan-solar-panel-kit-160-watt/580635.html

Looks like it may be better quality with the IP68 rated controller, but the BCF one is probably also similarly rated. I'll go have a look in the flesh.
Winnie

[Winnie]

Yeah the supercheap one is probably better quality but it isn't a folding panel?

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[Plasnart]

Yeah the supercheap one is probably better quality but it isn't a folding panel?

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Haha woops! I meant this one.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/ridge-ryder-ridge-ryder-solar-battery-charger-kit-160-watt/580636.html

Waddya reckon?

[Winnie]

I'd go the one from supercheap as it has a better regulator, it should give a higher output.

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[Plasnart]

I'd go the one from supercheap as it has a better regulator, it should give a higher output.

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Thanks mate, appreciated.

[MudRunnerTD]

Shame you missed Saturday's 30% off at SCA

[MudRunnerTD]

If you get stuck Plas and only need for a single trip you are welcome to grab mine.

[Hodge]

Likewise here Plassy .
I have a 120W foldout you can have for as long as you need...
Mine has no regulator as it plugs straight into my DCDC charger though.

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[Plasnart]

If you get stuck Plas and only need for a single trip you are welcome to grab mine.

You know I might just take you up on that Daz. I hate rushing into a purchase. Need one for next weekend, will be sitting on the Murray for 3 or 4 days.

Appreciate it mate I'll give you a bell tomorrow if that's ok.

[Plasnart]

Likewise here Plassy .
I have a 120W foldout you can have for as long as you need...
Mine has no regulator as it plugs straight into my DCDC charger though.

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Thanks Hodgey, appreciate that mate. I've hit Daz up tho. Champions, you blokes.

[MudRunnerTD]

You know I might just take you up on that Daz. I hate rushing into a purchase. Need one for next weekend, will be sitting on the Murray for 3 or 4 days.

Appreciate it mate I'll give you a bell tomorrow if that's ok.

That sounds Terrible, ya poor bugga!

[Plasnart]

That sounds Terrible, ya poor bugga!

Thanks Razzle! The 120W panels you lent me pumped hard. So much I was checking voltage here and there, worrying it was getting too high. 14V under solar charge scared me so I unclipped and let it drain a bit.

What's a safe charge level to be reading during the day? I was worried about boiling my lead acids.

[rusty_nail]

Thanks Razzle! The 120W panels you lent me pumped hard. So much I was checking voltage here and there, worrying it was getting too high. 14V under solar charge scared me so I unclipped and let it drain a bit.

What's a safe charge level to be reading during the day? I was worried about boiling my lead acids.Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure 14.4v it's the optimal charge voltage?

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[mudski]

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure 14.4v it's the optimal charge voltage?

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On a good day my 100w roof mounted panel will charge the battery at 14.4v...