Portable Solar Panel Cover

[ryangus]

Looking to get some sort of cover for my DIY folding portable panel kit.  I've tried one canvas place, and whilst I'm sure the quality is good, I can't justify the ~$200 quoted to make it.  The supplier of my panels don't do them either.

Any ideas?

[ryangus]

Looks like this one will do http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/80W-SOLAR-PANEL-CARRY-BAG-FREE-WIRE-BAG-TYPE-B-/390379626183?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5ae4705ec7

Derek does good stuff AFAIK.

[D4D]

http://www.infrontcampinggear.com.au/category27_1.htm

[jclures]

I have one of the ABR Sidewinder bags on my solar system, I also brought another bag to carry my camping table. The bags so far have worked for me.
The ABR Sidewinder bag appears to be better quality than the bag that came with my other 100w solar kit as it’s stitching is already letting go.

[jeeps]

http://www.infrontcampinggear.com.au/category27_1.htm

X2.  They make sizes to fit.

[kylarama]

Looks like this one will do http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/80W-SOLAR-PANEL-CARRY-BAG-FREE-WIRE-BAG-TYPE-B-/390379626183?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5ae4705ec7

Derek does good stuff AFAIK.

Thanks for that,  I need one too.

The bag that came with my panels was rubbish, tore the first time I tried putting the panels back in.  So I taped all of the corners of the cardboard box the panels came in with 100mph tape and it's worked a treat for the last 12 months.

[Blinky Bill]

I've gone for the simple solution of a sheet of pool liner from Clark Rubber.

Lay the rubber down flat put the panels on top & wrap until you have what looks like a gift. Two ocky straps  to hold it all together and that's it....job done. 

The beauty is that I have a spare water proof sheet should I need one. 

Too easy - Wayne

[krisandkev]

I agree with Kylarama. My bag ripped and the zipper gave up not long after we started using it.    The supplier first told me the bag was covered by the panel’s warranty and when they come back in stock he would make sure a new bag is sent, but later he said the bags are now not covered.  I am happy with the panel, but after seeing the quality of the bag I am not sure how long the panel will last.  I am looking at buying an additional panel before our next trip, but I have been put off buying from the original supplier. So just be warned when buying one of the folding kits.

[ryangus]

http://www.infrontcampinggear.com.au/category27_1.htm

Just received my bag from them today.  Not totally happy with it, so have sent them a message.  If I don't get a favourable response, I'll mention what I wasn't happy with - not a name and shame exercise, just to let peple know method of manufacture.

It's not shoddy, but expected a bit more than I got.

Anybody else bought a panel bag from here?

[ryangus]

Well, looks like I'll be returning them for a refund. 

The manufacturers response didn't meet my expectations - he actually told me "you don't know anything about sewing" when I questioned his zips!  Also didn't provide a response to other issues I raised.  I always keep my correspondence with suppliers (and customers) very polite and keep to facts, so was a bit shocked at this response.  Fair enough if I was being rude, but IMHO I only stated facts in a civil manner.

With due credit, a refund was offered in this initial response, which I'll be accepting.

Now, whilst not trying to bag the supplier (again I like to keep to facts), the issues I wasn't happy with were (and I quote directly):

"Solar Panel bag:
1. The straps don't go all the way around the bag, ensuring that they don't tear the canvas or come come away from the bag. My panels are probably at least 20kg, and I'm not confident the straps will last very long with just the couple of small stitches holding them onto the canvas. I believe that they will tear off the canvas, perhaps tearing the canvas in the process.
2. The quilting isn't attached in any way to the canvas cover. I'm concerned this will make removing and inserting the panels into the bag a bit troublesome. I expected the quilting would have been buttoned or have velcro to attach it to the cover.
3. The zip doesn't look very strong, and only has one opener. I was expecting a heavier duty zip (like what's on the axe bag) and would have liked to zip tags allowing the ability to open it from either end. I also note they're not YKK zips, which I believe are the best on the market.

Axe and jack bag:
These are OK, except the end of the zips that are stitched into the bag (i.e. the end that isn't meant to open) isn't properly closed up. On first inspection, there was about 2-3cm of open zip. I can grab the bag and with not much effort the zip comes apart. Hopefully I've explained this clearly."

Hopefully this post isn't construed as a name and shame - not my intentions at all.  I'm sure plenty of customers are very happy with their purchase.  I thought I'd simply provide an update of my experience.  I've taken some photos if my issues aren't explained clearly.

[Wato]

I got a bag made up 3 or so years ago by Danbri and it has been brilliant. Couldn't be happier.

Craig

[jeeps]

Well, looks like I'll be returning them for a refund. 

The manufacturers response didn't meet my expectations - he actually told me "you don't know anything about sewing" when I questioned his zips!  Also didn't provide a response to other issues I raised.  I always keep my correspondence with suppliers (and customers) very polite and keep to facts, so was a bit shocked at this response.  Fair enough if I was being rude, but IMHO I only stated facts in a civil manner.

With due credit, a refund was offered in this initial response, which I'll be accepting.

Now, whilst not trying to bag the supplier (again I like to keep to facts), the issues I wasn't happy with were (and I quote directly):

"Solar Panel bag:
1. The straps don't go all the way around the bag, ensuring that they don't tear the canvas or come come away from the bag. My panels are probably at least 20kg, and I'm not confident the straps will last very long with just the couple of small stitches holding them onto the canvas. I believe that they will tear off the canvas, perhaps tearing the canvas in the process.
2. The quilting isn't attached in any way to the canvas cover. I'm concerned this will make removing and inserting the panels into the bag a bit troublesome. I expected the quilting would have been buttoned or have velcro to attach it to the cover.
3. The zip doesn't look very strong, and only has one opener. I was expecting a heavier duty zip (like what's on the axe bag) and would have liked to zip tags allowing the ability to open it from either end. I also note they're not YKK zips, which I believe are the best on the market.

Axe and jack bag:
These are OK, except the end of the zips that are stitched into the bag (i.e. the end that isn't meant to open) isn't properly closed up. On first inspection, there was about 2-3cm of open zip. I can grab the bag and with not much effort the zip comes apart. Hopefully I've explained this clearly."

Hopefully this post isn't construed as a name and shame - not my intentions at all.  I'm sure plenty of customers are very happy with their purchase.  I thought I'd simply provide an update of my experience.  I've taken some photos if my issues aren't explained clearly.

Which size bag and how much was it?