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2nd June 2014, 07:28 PM
#1
Administrator
Carrying portable solar panels in car?
I recently lashed out and bought a suitcase style solar panel kit.
I'm starting to do a lot of family trips where I want the car stationary for longer periods rather than driving for the sake of charging.
Paranoid me sets in as always about carrying it around in the back of the car and would like to know how others stow it in their vehicles?
Is it ok to simply pack it nicely or do others create added support?
It just comes with the standard carry bag that offers nothing much else.
I have a lot of Eva at work should I wrap the bag in our 20mm thick Eva foam to soften the hard hits on tracks and corrugations or am I being the usual paranoid user?
How do you carry yours around?
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2nd June 2014 07:28 PM
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2nd June 2014, 07:33 PM
#2
I am he, fear me
Seeing as how they'll survive a hail storm or cricket balls form next doors kids I don't think they need much extra protection at all old mate.
Mine get folded over (twin 50's) with the panels facing outwards and I just shove them anywhere they fit snug.
Last edited by the evil twin; 2nd June 2014 at 07:36 PM.
Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.
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2nd June 2014, 07:34 PM
#3
The Mad Ozzy
I pack mine against the cargo barrier and then pack around it to reduce movement
2009 GU ST 4.8L AUTO WAGON, 2" OME LIFT, 33" A/T'S, ARB DELUXE BAR, WARN XD9000 WINCH, NARVA 170 SPOTTIES, SCRUB BARS / SIDE STEPS, LONG RANGE TANK, DUALL BATTS, REAR DRAWER SYSTEM, ARB AWNING, KAYMAR REAR WHEEL CARRIER, 3" ZORST
www.swat4x4.com
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2nd June 2014, 07:39 PM
#4
Travelling Podologist
I’ve taken care to store mine in the pod so that they are protected from hard hits. Panels are pretty hardy but if you have the foam to protect it I reckon it would be worthwhile. Whilst the cost of a replacement isn’t going to mean going hungry, it would be a real pain to have to cut a stay short because you had run out of power. If it were me I’d probably chuck the bag & just use the foam.
2006 4.2TDi ex-Telstra Remote area Camper. 425w roof mounted solar, 360Ah Aux batts, BCDC1240, Onboard hot & cold pressurised & filtered water, (25 litre hot water calorifier), ARB fridge, ARB freezer, Built in kitchen, heaps of easy access storage, 240v, 3” Genie exhaust + dynotune, 2” lift, 3900kg GVM upgrade, second glovebox, ROH Blaktrak steel wheels, Bridgestone D697's (now Toyo RT's), Redarc gauges/pillarpod, Hema HX-1, Icom 450 CB, dual rear view cameras, Onboard 30amp Victron mains charger, second glovebox, dual seat conversion, TPMS, Boss PX7 onboard air with 9 litre tank, 350w inverter, Steel bullbar, Harrop Eaton diff lock (front), Warn winch, Snorkel, Dual spares , 160 litre water tank, 180 litre fuel in two tanks (approx 1200km range) 2010 Tvan Tanami. (incl another 70 litre water tank) with matching wheels/tyres (& 3rd spare)
A Nomadic Life (Blog)
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2nd June 2014, 08:12 PM
#5
Administrator
Thanks blokes...
I also need to ask a somewhat ignorant first time solar panel user question!!!
I would like to use this at home to power some things on the shed and in the house when not camping and be somewhat one step further towards my 10 year plan of self sufficiency.
Stupid question without using google to find the answer...
Will using this panel exposed to the elements 24/7 reduce its life expectancy/efficiency etc as opposed to storing it or does this not matter either way?
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2nd June 2014, 08:14 PM
#6
I am he, fear me
In the greater scheme of things it will hardly matter mate
Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.
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2nd June 2014, 08:18 PM
#7
Administrator
Originally Posted by
the evil twin
In the greater scheme of things it will hardly matter mate
Can you tell I have a severe case of obsessive compulsive paranoia???
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2nd June 2014, 08:18 PM
#8
Originally Posted by
the evil twin
In the greater scheme of things it will hardly matter mate
As he said, unless it is within piddle range of a cat or dog..
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2nd June 2014, 08:58 PM
#9
Patrol God
I just use the carry bag they came with usually carry them behind the drivers seat
had them over six years and never let me down yet fold up 80watt
you can charge your batterys at home and have it connected to your car fridge in the bunglow
if thats your plan
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2nd June 2014, 09:58 PM
#10
Patrol Freak
Don't worry about it! Most portable panels get stolen well before they wear out .......................
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