Spot on David. The dealer wanted to fit Truma panels at ridiculous prices. In February my two 120w eco worthy panels bought on Amazon produced 140w in Scotland. I doubt very much if the Truma panels at three times the price would beat that. As you know I will be fitting a further two 45w Victron panels we got for £80, the only limiting factor will be my 20a Victron solar controller, not how much I paid for the panels.
The Glass rigid panels tend to be much of muchness (but I have found Victron tend to understate their panel ratings so you may get MORE than quoted - I've had over 270W from the original 270W array.I've just purchased 3 of these off eBay.
They are Sunpower units, pleasantly surprised by their quality TBF.
The seller accepted just £30 each including postage. So I've got 240W for £90.
80w Solar Panel – 12v – Polycrystalline – Great Value – 22amp Caravan Motor Home | eBay
<p>Purchased 2 panels too many BRAND NEW </p><br /><p>This 80w Solar Panel is a great value addition to any caravan or motor home. With a polycrystalline solar technology, it is designed to work with a 12V power source. Measuring at 670 & 770 & 35mm, it is portable and easy to install. </p><br...www.ebay.co.uk
Separate panels do have some definate advantages - not least being the physical handling of them as well as giving some redundancy - stone smashes a 240W panel and lost all your solar. stones smashes one of your 80W panels and you still have 160W left.Plumped for 3 separate small units instead of 1 Biggie as I can 'Jenga' them around so they fit the roof better and not as vulnerable to partial shading
.Going on today IF the rain stops
Oooh nice narrow panel! What's the length?The Glass rigid panels tend to be much of muchness (but I have found Victron tend to understate their panel ratings so you may get MORE than quoted - I've had over 270W from the original 270W array.
I know you have just bought glass panels but Sunpower is a good brand and their flexible panels are pretty decent for the money, especially compared to the typical eBay "Pancake" fexi panel (call them "Pancake panels" as they fail, and people end up stacking another on top. that fails, and another one on top .....)
Separate panels do have some definate advantages - not least being the physical handling of them as well as giving some redundancy - stone smashes a 240W panel and lost all your solar. stones smashes one of your 80W panels and you still have 160W left.
Plus of course, as you say, you can play Jenga or Tetris with them
This is my Motorhome roof now.
Solar Completed by David, on Flickr
Total of 9 panels on to give 450W, all in Parallel so any shaded will not impact any other. That big Dome Autotrail like to use precludes any ideas of having a panel on the overhead hump which would be possible on other Motorhomes with an overcab overhang.
One reason I had to go for some many small panels is the difficulty in sourcing long thin panels. No one seemed to make them - until now!
A few weeks ago I got a sample of a brand new solar panel, and in the range there are "ultra-narrow" options, which look really good
This is a 100W panel that is just 350mm wide! could be perfect for those in-fill areas between roof vents and van sides
IMG_20240314_130100_971 by David, on Flickr
Top quality ETFE coated panel so not cheap, but sometimes needs must.
. The flexibles failed around 2 1/2 years ago, I've been waiting since then for the Maxeon air semi flexible to 'emerge' because they keep pushing the release date forward time after time and it's STILL not available. Looked extremely positive too but hey ho. Like you say, needs have must 
That one is 1520mm long. There are a few narrow ones, including a 50W one that is 1540 by just 200mm wide! I am very impressed with the construction of these - the cells are encased above and below so should prove very resiliant.Oooh nice narrow panel! What's the length?
Yep, I've got to strip off old flexible panels that have failed, thought about leaving on but my conscience wouldn't let me! I'll be testing the efficacy of the adhesive shortly
Oooh nice narrow panel! What's the length?
Yep, I've got to strip off old flexible panels that have failed, thought about leaving on but my conscience wouldn't let me! I'll be testing the efficacy of the adhesive shortly
I would say the power is overstated by a factor of around 20?Would agree the 220w Ecoflow is a bit of a faff to deploy on the ground using its cover to angle the panel. It does have a tempered glass construction so IP68 waterproof. And the 4 panel design folds up into a smaller package which was the perfect size to fit into our dining table locker. It is heavier than the Excel so less prone to being affected by winds. It is also bifacial so reflected light hitting the back of the panel can supplement the sun facing side. Never managed to get above 220w though. It maxed out so far at 190w on the ground but it dropped to 180w as it warmed up.
As someone who had 2 large Tag axle vans, I was dismayed at the waste of space in the motorhome garages. That is why I made a lightweight storage frame to fit in them. I made it to suit storage of plastic boxes and a section to slide in a freestanding panel. A much better way to transport all that stuff that you never really needed (apart from the solar panel).
Hey Merl, this is what you need for those little gaps ....
200W Panel, size is 280mm x 280mm (so less than a foot square) - comes with a 50A Solar Controller as well. Under £20 with the discount codeUK 200W Solar Panel Kit Trickle Battery Charger Controller 12V For Car Van Boat | eBay
Solar panel power: 200W. 1X 200W Solar Panel. -Solar panels are devices that convert solar radiation into electrical energy directly or indirectly by absorbing sunlight. -Outdoor solar panels, can effectively convert sunlight into electricity.www.ebay.co.uk
can't deny I am a touch skeptic about what you would actually get
Oh dear, what a joke. Cant see it making 1/20th to be fair considering the border and it's a flexiHey Merl, this is what you need for those little gaps ....
200W Panel, size is 280mm x 280mm (so less than a foot square) - comes with a 50A Solar Controller as well. Under £20 with the discount codeUK 200W Solar Panel Kit Trickle Battery Charger Controller 12V For Car Van Boat | eBay
Solar panel power: 200W. 1X 200W Solar Panel. -Solar panels are devices that convert solar radiation into electrical energy directly or indirectly by absorbing sunlight. -Outdoor solar panels, can effectively convert sunlight into electricity.www.ebay.co.uk
can't deny I am a touch skeptic about what you would actually get
gotta love those chinese Watts eh?
Ooohhhh, I like that ....Oh dear, what a joke. Cant see it making 1/20th to be fair considering the border and it's a flexi
Just received a roll of render mesh for a job at home. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/166463760505
Supposed to be 50 square meters, it's actually just 6.
Must be something to do with inflation.....
Mornings.