Thinking of getting portable sola panel kit

[shrek snr]

Iam thinking of buying a portable sola panel, dont want to fit to roof , and would use it away from the motorhome on the beach or river bank ect, any input would be appreciated.

 

[63720]

Go for it. Much more efficient than roof mounted if you keep it facing the sun but get one with a built in controller.

 

[shrek snr]

Its just to back up my batteries, not one to go off grid but do use aires.

 

[namwaldog]

Most that I have seen have controllers built in.

Search for suitcase solar panels and you get the quality you pay for

Downsides for me are...

Storage when not in use.
Having to move towards sun.
Accessing battery to connect.
Security.
Not sure how robust they are.

Upsides
Relatively inexpensive.
More efficient if continually aligned.

Good Luck

 

[Richard n Ann]

Just point it south, you don't have to keep moving it. Or just keep it flat in mid summer.

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[shrek snr]

Would 120w be enough.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Would 120w be enough.

We managed easily with a 40w panel for about 3 years. Depends what you use.

 

[shrek snr]

Thanks Richard n Ann.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

120w is usable. If you're able to, lift it out through a hatch and lay it flat on the roof, good for all day then if you're not moving on.
Mike.

 

[Tinker2]

Check this one out I just bought, not tried but the review is good.

Upgrade Topsolar 120W Foldable Portable Solar Panel Charger Kits for Portable Power Station Generator Cell Phones Camera Lamp 12V Car Boat RV Battery
ASIN: B07ZZB2H22

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[Tonks]

I bought a suitcase panel when I first had my T5. Barely used it and sold it on.
But I've now bought another, 160w folding panel.
The downside is that it's MUCH bigger which is a pain for storage and means it doesn't always live in the van. It also can't just be left, as it's very easy for someone to pinch.
Upside is that it can be positioned in the sun even when the van is in the shade. I also have solar on the roof now. The portable panel charges the power pack I've now got. I'm off site 95% of the time, so this year I've invested in better off-line power.
Anyway, I'd definitely recommend buying a decent capacity one, and not go for one of the small dashboard jobbies.

 

[tonka]

If storage is an issue then look at Dokio..
Very slim and lightweight, comes with a controller.
I bought one when they first came out, more for interest than for general use. Sold it on a few weeks later once i had played with it.
Because of how slim and light they are I have seen them placed in windscreens.

 

[Coolcats]

Iam thinking of buying a portable sola panel, dont want to fit to roof , and would use it away from the motorhome on the beach or river bank ect, any input would be appreciated.

We had a fold up one for our T5, certainly works and being movable it can follow the sun (manually moved of course) came complete with its own regulator like this

 

[Richard n Ann]

The only time I really moved ours was to get the shade off it

 

[Neckender]

I’ve also got a Dokio 100 watt folding panel and I’m quite pleased with it, I can place it on the roof of our VW T6.1 Transporter or prop it up on the ground, the only downside is it doesn’t have its own stand.

John.