Solar panel 100w

  • Thread starter Thread starter Andy
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I fitted a German made semi flexible panel ( Barden ) on my boat maybe 18 years ago - it was not very flexible, but just able to be sikaflexed to a slightly curved hatch cover. Expensive at the time, but it is still working.
 
The reason I used semi-flexible panels in a rigid application is that they save a lot of weight. It isn't difficult to make sure that they do not flap or oscillate. I used machine screws into tapped holes in the frame around the edges and Sikaflex in the inner areas where the bracing crosses the panel. The totally prevents any flexing. The only time that the panel could be subjected to any significant loads is in the case of the tilting panel should it be left raised in strong winds which is easily avoided.
 
I know a few guys who have used this company.

Bimble Solar

Affordable Solar Panels and Solar Equipment in the UK and delivered Worldwide. Solar panels - From 20W to 490W, Off Grid and On Grid Packages. MPPT Charge Controllers, Inverters, Batteries and all accessories.
www.bimblesolar.com www.bimblesolar.com
 
Geraldine said:
I know a few guys who have used this company.

Bimble Solar

Affordable Solar Panels and Solar Equipment in the UK and delivered Worldwide. Solar panels - From 20W to 490W, Off Grid and On Grid Packages. MPPT Charge Controllers, Inverters, Batteries and all accessories.
www.bimblesolar.com www.bimblesolar.com
Click to expand...
Going to throw in a reminder about the following point, as Bimble Solar tend to promote larger panels that are either not compatible with many solar controllers, or do not work well with others.

If the panel is a "24V" Panel (such as all the ones shown on the Bimble link above), then
1) It will NOT be compatible with the majority of B2B/MPPT Combo Charger-Controllers as the voltage is too high and the panel will cause permanent damage to the unit
2) If paired with a PWM controller that can support the voltage, you will not get anywhere close tothe rated wattage as the high voltage gets chopped - so the 265W Panel listed there, running with FULL Harvesting will actually deliver less than half that (I make it 123W Peak)

There is nothing wrong with those panels and Bimble is a popular supplier, but there is more to spec'ing solar than the PV Panel Wattage - and do it wrong and you can make a very expensive mistake. (I think Bimble should include an informational note more clearly about this as so many people just look at two things ... Watts and Price and ignore the rest as too boring)
 
wildebus said:
Going to throw in a reminder about the following point, as Bimble Solar tend to promote larger panels that are either not compatible with many solar controllers, or do not work well with others.

If the panel is a "24V" Panel (such as all the ones shown on the Bimble link above), then
1) It will NOT be compatible with the majority of B2B/MPPT Combo Charger-Controllers as the voltage is too high and the panel will cause permanent damage to the unit
2) If paired with a PWM controller that can support the voltage, you will not get anywhere close tothe rated wattage as the high voltage gets chopped - so the 265W Panel listed there, running with FULL Harvesting will actually deliver less than half that (I make it 123W Peak)

There is nothing wrong with those panels and Bimble is a popular supplier, but there is more to spec'ing solar than the PV Panel Wattage - and do it wrong and you can make a very expensive mistake. (I think Bimble should include an informational note more clearly about this as so many people just look at two things ... Watts and Price and ignore the rest as too boring)
Click to expand...
Thanks for that. Great advice. I will bear that in mind before purchasing..
Cheers. David.
 
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