Portable Solar Panels - any recommendations?

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I am looking at portable solar panels as they can be angled to face the sun to boost charging.

Ideally the specification I’m looking for is around 200w, 100% waterproof, and without MPPT regulator so panel only. Accept that efficiency losses might mean maximum generation on a good day of around 140w. Something durable yet light at say 10kg or less preferred.

Waterproof is essential really given U.K. weather but on the other hand on rainy days charging can be poor so how important is this criteria?

Would users of portable panels please share their experience and have any recommendations?

I already have rooftop so this is purely a portable fold up type panel “Which Magazine” consumer chat.

I’m aware of cabling requirements. Purely panel feedback wanted from users if there are any?
 
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Why not make one out of two small 50w panels on a folding alloy frame, a case should be simple to.
A dedicated cigy plug connected to the regulator for it to plug into, im thinking of this myself.
There are many on the market but only come with a cheap regulator, and the units are well over priced.
 
I have not done this but my boost plan was to just buy another semi flexible panel pair and fix them over the windscreen when stopped and plug them into the existing mppt. I already park the car facing the sun approximately as our rooftop panels tilt forward a bit.
I thought they might store strapped under the bonnet
 
That was quick feedback so thankyou however I would like to keep it simple and focus on portable panels and user experience. I’m not looking for alternative options.

This is the sort of thing I am seeking user experiences and suggestions on. Freestanding stand alone panels that are ground based:-

 
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Portables.
Great idea, several of us use them. And like Mark, I use the Victron. Although mine is a regular Eco-Worthy 120, not a folding panel, wired through a Hella plug and socket on the rear of the vaninto the system
The biggest issue could be storing them. I’ve got mine on a makeshift shelf under the bed, slides out of the rear doors.

Edit. Seen your latest. Ignore my input, although it might be of interest to others.
 
Portables.
Great idea, several of us use them. And like Mark, I use the Victron. Although mine is a regular Eco-Worthy 120, not a folding panel, wired through a Hella plug and socket on the rear of the vaninto the system
The biggest issue could be storing them. I’ve got mine on a makeshift shelf under the bed, slides out of the rear doors.

Edit. Seen your latest. Ignore my input, although it might be of interest to others.
The thing is Victron and Eco-worthy may well offer portable solar panels in their product range. I haven’t explored what they offer.

As for storage that is a factor but only a minor issue for me. The weight of at or under 10kg folded up probably sets size limits anyway.

Edit- just checked and Victron don’t but Eco-Worthy do and they do actually make a folding panel however it is heavy and it’s folded size is bigger than I would like however it would be a consideration.
 
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I didn’t make the point I was trying to make particularly clear. My fault.
Weight shouldn’t be a problem. The physical size of the panel/s might well be.
 
Why not make one out of two small 50w panels on a folding alloy frame, a case should be simple to.
A dedicated cigy plug connected to the regulator for it to plug into, im thinking of this myself.
There are many on the market but only come with a cheap regulator, and the units are well over priced.
I use a standard 100 w solar panel as a portable , bolted a couple legs on cost about £60 , thought about buying folding flexible , some sellers claim they are waterproof But are trained by politicians,
 
It's a lovely idea - just point your panel into the sun and get loads of extra power all day :D

Reality is a little different I found when I used my Portable Panels the last time in July. I put them out facing the sun. Then moved them a couple of hours later, then again a bit later, then again a bit later, then aga .... you get the picture :)
I don't know how these folk with tilting kits on their roofs manage! They must be on a different planet (literally) to be able to put their panels out at an angle and get improved harvesting all day long.
I am inclined to just leave the kit on the ground to supplement the roof array.

You want 200W and no more than 10Kg? they are going to be very lightweight (= very expensive) and you will almost certainly need to peg them down to avoid being blown over as they will be like sails with that size/weight ratio.

FWIW, this is my Solar Kit - https://www.photonicuniverse.com/en...per-caravan-boat-or-any-other-12V-system.html. A couple of other folk have the same (as I sold them to them :) ) . I bypass the basic PWM controller and use a Victron MPPT inside the van on the kit instead. The advantage of doing that is not only better performance but you avoid having any electronics out in the weather.
Also, most portable kits don't tend to have Lithium compatible controllers so if you end up going the Lithium route you will need to change it anyway.

That 100W kit above weighs in at 12KG. I have also bought these lightweight kits in 120W and 140W format - https://www.photonicuniverse.com/en...-solar-charging-kit-with-MPPT-controller.html - and I was very impressed by the quality, but the price was higher than I would like to pay for myself. Weight is good at around 6.5Kg for the 120W unit.

I had considered the DIY route by buying a couple of plain panels and legs and hinges and a bag and cables and .... nah. Easier to get the ready-made kit for only slightly more money and it all folds away neatly.
 
I use an EcoFlow for additional off grid power and it’s great, but their portable panels are well over priced so I bought 2 of These added 2 hinges, an over centre clip and an handle. Y connector and therefore a160watt folding panel under £220
 
I use an EcoFlow for additional off grid power and it’s great, but their portable panels are well over priced so I bought 2 of These added 2 hinges, an over centre clip and an handle. Y connector and therefore a160watt folding panel under £220

Like many other products (as I've been finding all this year), they are currently out of stock 😟
 
Like here.
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solar b.png
solar c.png
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