Folding portable solar panel not suitcase one

Seems expensive and with built in solar controller that you don`t need if you already have a solar set up on your Hymer with capacity to handle another panel.
 
Hi Figaro

I don’t have a solar set up - my newly installed battery meter has told me my anticipated which I’m comfortable with for the 3 days I wanted (1battery) and the solar is a portable back option for 2 non electric hook stays in the coming months.

Perhaps a second battery would be most peoples choice but I would need to change my charger (only a 7.2 amp) and I’m looking at the least complications.

The suitcase type are £140 ish but this is lighter and a better size for travel and storage.

Jo
 
I`d say if it suits your needs then give it a try but why not get a fixed panel on the roof ?
No storage space needed
 
The roof is quite busy not sure what I’d get on there.

Not many local installers and none that have been recommend from another funsters Sheffield search.

Further a field installers approx £500.

My solar need will be interrmittant and not a desperate necessity - I can justify some costs but when I know I’m changing the motorhome at some point I have to try and reign it in.

If this was my long long term motorhome I wouldn’t hesitate with the roof panels.

I will probably try.

Cheers, Jo

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100 watt panel is around £100
Votronic 250 dual mppt controller I think mine was £115
I also bought the Votronic display for £80 but you may not need it with your monitor.
It`s an easy install if you have some DIY skills and don`t mind getting on the roof.
You could even remove if you wish to swop hardware onto another van
 
Thanks Figaro - I priced up the solar bits - got to your kind of figure with cables etc on top - but my DIY skills are not upto that.

Been on the roof for cleaning - it’s high !

48 year young lady knows her limitations.

Also, I’ve had my drill confiscated .....some chat about making the holes to big.:oops:
 
You could get some semi-flexible panels instead of the folding ones, that way you can still use them with a separate controller as 'portable' panels and in the future install them permanently.
 
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Hi Mel - Id thought about that but there's a storage issue as well. I move a bit in transit on the drop down bed but don't want to add to that area and there isn't really anywhere else to store a flexible panel.
This lovely motorhome I have will do me for a 2-3 years and I've already have my wish list for a replacement one and solar panels already fitted is high on that list !
To be honest the longer I have this lovely old thing the more attached I am to it....which surprises me because I like new modern stuff and gadgets - so might even be longer before I change. :D.
Thank you for your input - its much appreciated.
 
Bimble have a good name, although I can't say that I have used them myself so can only go on the reports of others.

Seems a good package, maybe a little expensive but not overly so. Also you can move a folding panel into an optimum position facing the sun to get maximum benefit which obviously you can't with a roof panel.

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tonka said:
I can see all your reasoning for not wanting a fixed panel, so what you have shown could be a good alternative (y)

Found this while searching around.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Dok...lgo_pvid=52401498-e841-4a62-aebc-74078dc2dfb2

For some reason if you select ship from Spain its only £93 .... And while we are still in EU no import taxes.. :D
Click to expand...

There's some cracking offers on that Ali website for these panels Tonka - I thought Id made a decision but these look really good - more than the one you sent. Superb ! Thanks Jo
 
jo10000_6 said:
There's some cracking offers on that Ali website for these panels Tonka - I thought Id made a decision but these look really good - more than the one you sent. Superb ! Thanks Jo
Click to expand...

I have one on order.. More for interest than needing one..
My son does a few youtube reviews so will get him to post something once i have had a play, Be just in time to sell in on at a Fun rally in the summer.. :D Or swop for Hobgoblin or cider.. ;)

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jo10000_6 said:
Hi Mel - Id thought about that but there's a storage issue as well. I move a bit in transit on the drop down bed but don't want to add to that area and there isn't really anywhere else to store a flexible panel.
This lovely motorhome I have will do me for a 2-3 years and I've already have my wish list for a replacement one and solar panels already fitted is high on that list !
To be honest the longer I have this lovely old thing the more attached I am to it....which surprises me because I like new modern stuff and gadgets - so might even be longer before I change. :D.
Thank you for your input - its much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Not totally sure I understand what you're saying but the semi-flexible panesl are very, very thin so can slot in pretty muich anywhere (just protect them with a cloth/cover/bag so you don't scratch the surface). I keep my 50w one in the original box which is about an inch deep but could easily use a cover for it so it would be around 1cm ... it could even be placed behind a seat cushion.
 
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Semi-flexible is the way to go as Minxy says.

I like Bimble Solar but have no idea why they sell a product with a PWM controller, MPPT is the way forward.
 
Seems easier to fix a panel than faff with it but i do get lazy but i have a 160w panel on roof and it seems to keep batteries charged and i'm too tight to pay for hook up and too lazy if it's free
 
tonka said:
I can see all your reasoning for not wanting a fixed panel, so what you have shown could be a good alternative (y)

Found this while searching around.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Dok...lgo_pvid=52401498-e841-4a62-aebc-74078dc2dfb2

For some reason if you select ship from Spain its only £93 .... And while we are still in EU no import taxes.. :D
Click to expand...
Interesting item, looks to be 2 x semi-flexible 50w panels in a purpose made 'cover' with a controller, certainly a better option in my view than the rigid, heavy, and a lot more expensive, portable 'case' panels.

If they run out in Spain you can ship from Poland for the same price (about £91 on current conversion rates).
 
tonka said:
I have one on order.. More for interest than needing one..
My son does a few youtube reviews so will get him to post something once i have had a play, Be just in time to sell in on at a Fun rally in the summer.. :D Or swop for Hobgoblin or cider.. ;)
Click to expand...


I would be really interested to hear your opinion on it Steve. I'll buy one if you think it's a good bit of kit.

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Minxy Girl said:
Not totally sure I understand what you're saying but the semi-flexible panesl are very, very thin so can slot in pretty muich anywhere (just protect them with a cloth/cover/bag so you don't scratch the surface). I keep my 50w one in the original box which is about an inch deep but could easily use a cover for it so it would be around 1cm ... it could even be placed behind a seat cushion.
Click to expand...


My ramble was about storage and how I also thought the Bimble solar would be better to store - obviously you know you own motorhome and what you have as free space ….The bimble solar is just the same concept that Tonka found but a substantially better price.

I've also gone for a Dokio but decided Id have the 160W. Its in transit so hopefully it will suit my needs. We will see !
 
In the description at the bottom section 3/ it says can not be connected in parallel or in series with other solar panels, But can it be connected to the batteries to assist the charging of fixed roof panels,
 
UPDATE,,
Had email to say no stock in the warehouse in Poland ??
Option to wait 20 more days but I selected to cancel the order..

They did offer to ship from China but stated that if any duty was charged they would fund 50%.
 
tonka said:
UPDATE,,
Had email to say no stock in the warehouse in Poland ??
Option to wait 20 more days but I selected to cancel the order..

They did offer to ship from China but stated that if any duty was charged they would fund 50%.
Click to expand...

Update. Update...:D

Had another email to say last one found in warehouse and been shipped to me.. Arrived today..
WOW.. So slim and light.. This will change things for camping (y)(y)

IMG_20190413_134922.jpg IMG_20190413_135019.jpg
 

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Agree ! Portability is excellent - cant believe how light the 160W is.
Had it out the day it came last week - late afternoon 5 - ish - bit of sunshine no real heat and some cloud and was happily showing 2 amps input which was concurred by battery monitor.

Its coming to Robin Hoods Bay next week when good all day sun is expected so will play more with it then.

Cable is just to short at 3m and the controller is what you would expect but I have to say my initial thoughts are I'm pleased and for what I want it for it will more than do the job !

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jo10000_6 said:
Agree ! Portability is excellent - cant believe how light the 160W is.
Had it out the day it came last week - late afternoon 5 - ish - bit of sunshine no real heat and some cloud and was happily showing 2 amps input which was concurred by battery monitor.

Its coming to Robin Hoods Bay next week when good all day sun is expected so will play more with it then.

Cable is just to short at 3m and the controller is what you would expect but I have to say my initial thoughts are I'm pleased and for what I want it for it will more than do the job !
Click to expand...

3mtr cable .. mine is very short with 2 croc clips. Maybe a meter at most .:(
But has a connector with bare ends so I guess allows user to fit their own length. (y)
 
I’ve just ordered at 1.5m extension - will just be enough for me on occasion - didn’t see the point of the 3m extension - want to keep the cabling down.

Dirt cheap from China but need mine for weekend so ordered from uk seller.
 

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