Carrying portable solar panels in car?

[AB]

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?

[the evil twin]

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.

[oncedisturbed]

I pack mine against the cargo barrier and then pack around it to reduce movement

[Cuppa]

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.

[AB]

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?

[the evil twin]

In the greater scheme of things it will hardly matter mate

[AB]

In the greater scheme of things it will hardly matter mate

Can you tell I have a severe case of obsessive compulsive paranoia???

[outback]

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..

[Sir Roofy]

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

[BillsGU]

Don't worry about it! Most portable panels get stolen well before they wear out .......................