Which solar panel to buy

[the evil twin]

snip...
As for the reg my 80 watt panel had one glued to the back it cooked the internals.

Yep the best environment for a Reg is a cool dry place, the hotter they get the worse they perform...
The best location electrically is close to the Battery so the cable losses are not on the output side which is bad for the Batteries

So where do the Ebay muppets glue them?
On the back of the panels... and then most of 'em throw in a 5 metre cable or more with an Anderson on the end 'for your convenient connection'

Total 'tards the lot of 'em

[blocko05]

I have a 140w panel and it runs my 65 liter fridge and lights no problem on a 85a/hr battery. For your usage a bigger panel would only benefit you on cloudy days other wise just stick to what you have got and save your money for more beer. I have my regulator closer to the battery with a watt meter so I can keep an eye on things.

[Cuppa]

I wouldn't be buy these as they weigh far too much ,they also out do my power needs four fold.

The point I was trying to make was that it would be worthwhile keeping the weight of each folder to a minimum. You were considering a 160w folder, a big & cumbersome unit to cart around for all but the young, strong & fit. For someone with a bad back if would not be a good choice at all. The suggestion of 2 x 100w was to give a similar solar capacity (what’s 40w between friends?) was made with your carrying capacity in mind.

However if you now know your requirements, & two 100w folders do in fact out do your power needs four fold, buy just one. A 100w folder would save your back & give room for expansion.

[garett]

i saw a fold-able 120w solar panel like a thick blanket might be worth a look. not sure how long it would last but it rolls up pretty small

[threedogs]

The one Im looking at is German made with 25yr output warranty

[blocko05]

The point I was trying to make was that it would be worthwhile keeping the weight of each folder to a minimum. You were considering a 160w folder, a big & cumbersome unit to cart around for all but the young, strong & fit. For someone with a bad back if would not be a good choice at all. The suggestion of 2 x 100w was to give a similar solar capacity (what’s 40w between friends?) was made with your carrying capacity in mind.

However if you now know your requirements, & two 100w folders do in fact out do your power needs four fold, buy just one. A 100w folder would save your back & give room for expansion.

Cuppa has a good point.

[threedogs]

12kg 120 watt folder will suit me. I understand what Cuppa says,
remember I also have an 80 watt panel if I require extra AH's
I dont mind chasing the sun at camp ,not much else to do ha ha
I now have my system similar to Bobs, if it aint broke dont fix it eh

[threedogs]

@ ET, Bob and others after my panels arrive all I need do is toss the reg and fit up a 50 amp anderson plug .
is that right? then use the MPPT reg and watt meter I use now

cost me $187 for a 120 watt folding panel 25 yr warranty on output
weighs in at 12 kg I thought that was a good deal

15yrs ago my BP 80 watt panel cost me $150 2nd hand, still going strong.
belts out tunes in the backyard from an old head unit and my small 18 ah battery
which does my lights at camp easy, then I have another 100 ah battery in the camper for tunes or extra lights
Then my 115 ah aux battery which is resigned to Engel only, and has a lead to allow solar charging
either at the front or rear of my Patrol. so imo have most bases covered.

[the evil twin]

Yeah, I pretty much bypass the shitty Regs they come with and run the feed direct to a quality Reg near the battery bank.

Totally your choice whether you use Anderson or MC4 style plugs
I prefer MC4 on the solar side and Anderson on the Regulated side

MC4 on the Panel side of the Reg you can buy branch connectors (or make your own) that will connect multiple panel arrays for like $5 to $10

Anderson on the Load side of the Reg (remembering the Reg may be either permanent on board or portable) means it is easy to swap connections for devices to the Battery or hook up to other banks or whatever.

For portable setups you can velcro the Reg to the panels for storage and again velcro to the Camper or whatever when operational

No biggee tho, what works for some users can be a PIA for others

[threedogs]

Thanks I was impressed with Bobs set up looked simple and hey it works and works well
Ill check these MC4 connectors/plugs out
Just brought 5 pairs of MC4 connectors from Big Als on Ebay for $10