Folding solar panels, any good?

spigot

spigot

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Thinking of buying 100w/120w folding solar panel to aim at the sun (when it's out) as the 2 small horizontal units on my van roof are useless in winter.

Has anyone on here tried them/got them? Information gratefully received.

I realize they can't be used in car parks but should be OK in wilder locations.
 
I used a free standing panel when wilding for a long time. Well worth having in my opinion.

On my current van I have a roof mounted 100 watt panel but I still carry the 90 watt freestanding panel to connect into the circuit to boost the roof panel.
 
Used in summer months

I have used them in summer months only. They were useful, as you state, as they could be aimed at the sun to maximise their potential.
I now have a fixed panel but I can lift either side to angle towards sun. This is much better for me as its always out and ready in the flat plane, but can be angled if the sun time is short or it is low. This fixed panel also has better wiring and controller than that of the portable panel. Is it possible for you to change your set up to optional angled too?

The issues I would recommend you consider are:
Their weight; they need a good storage location. If that is high up it could be a problem. If it is low down they are prone to damage from things dropping on them.
Their resistance to water; the panels should be waterproof but the electrics on the back are not. Driving rain can cause damage.
The amount of time you can leave them out; e.g would you leave them out when away from the van, in mixed weather conditions, overnight so getting first sun?
The quality of wire and controller; they generally come with low cost components but if you can wire it into your current setup you may get better results.
 
Its a matter of storage in a small van. In winter a small genarator is more reliable , tin hat is on , screwfix 700 w £ 185 .innit ,spain solar, scotland genny.
 
molly 2 said:
its a matter of storage in a small van. In winter a small genarator is more reliable , tin hat is on , screwfix 700 w £ 185 .innit ,spain solar, scotland genny.
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A generator!! Baz, Naughty Step for you!

Anyway, I could fit a folded panel in the wardrobe but no room for a genny.
 
maingate said:
I used a free standing panel when wilding for a long time. Well worth having in my opinion.

On my current van I have a roof mounted 100 watt panel but I still carry the 90 watt freestanding panel to connect into the circuit to boost the roof panel.
Click to expand...

Do you connect your spare panel to the battery or run it through your existing controller?
 
spigot said:
Do you connect your spare panel to the battery or run it through your existing controller?
Click to expand...

Through the Controller via a junction box in an external locker. There is a socket fitted to the box and a DIN plug on the freestanding panel wiring. So, just plug and play. :dance:
 
spigot said:
A generator!! Baz, Naughty Step for you!

Anyway, I could fit a folded panel in the wardrobe but no room for a genny.
Click to expand...
its ok tin hat is working.come on charle where are you.
 
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Generator!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you use one of these, scan the horizon to see if a certain Eriba Car is in sight!
If it is and you do, it'll fail, promise!!
 
I have 2 , 20 watt freestanding panels.
I sealed all the electrics, on the reverse,with mastic.
We place them on the roof, through the Heki skylight.
Using various cans plastic boxes, even pillows,to set them in the right direction and angle to the sun.
Helps that we're all LED, no TV.
 
I spent some time with another van who had 2 x 100w panels one fixed and one folding which he turned to face the sun, He was always happy to show me that the free standing one was always preforming better than the roof mounted one. Although it missed at least a hr most mornings
 
We have 2 panels on the roof mounted on frames which can be tilted. Works much better in the winter.
 
Diy?

Mastodon said:
We have 2 panels on the roof mounted on frames which can be tilted. Works much better in the winter.
Click to expand...

Did you make the frames yourself?
I found them very expensive when I fitted my panel so I used right angled brackets as mounts with thumb screws to secure them. This enables me to tilt the panel.
 
We have used a folding solar panel 60 watts for the last 3 years all our spring to autumn camping is off grid i can keep the two habitation batteries topped up without any problems including using a television sometimes. The only thing with the folding type you have to place them outside and connect them, unlike the ones on the roof of a motorhome.

Pete
 
The problem with portable panels is they do nothing when stored ,:wacko::wacko::wacko:a fixed panel still charges when on the move or parked up .:drive::drive::drive:
 
I thought about folding panels but didnt think I would be able to use them as often as I would like so this year bought a 100 watt flexible panel to fit to the curved roof of my elddis autoquest 100. It is very light and can be glued to the roof using sikaflex so only 1 hole needed for the cables, I also fitted an inverter so now have a fully charged battery all the time and 230 volts when needed. the costs panel £100. inverter £96 Charge controller £20 cables and sikaflex £30, after using it all summer I am very pleased it charges all daylight hours.
 
molly 2 said:
Its a matter of storage in a small van. In winter a small genarator is more reliable , tin hat is on , screwfix 700 w £ 185 .innit ,spain solar, scotland genny.
Click to expand...

I have 2 the same as screwfix called cosmo they cost me trade £50 each and run for over 4 hrs on a tank.
 
I have 150w fixed panel on the roof & a 40w portable freestanding one just to top up. Can't have too much power available can you? :tongue:
 
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