Solar panel advice

[Watty2975]

Has anyone had any experience with these panels?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/360466559807?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_2836wt_1175

My plan is to buy some panels to keep camper batteries topped up while away from power. I will be running 65l fridge, a couple of lights and water pump.

[Fun Police]

If I were to buy a solar panel from eBay, bit_deals or *bitoo* would be the ones to buy from.

That's all.

[D4D]

Support a forum member, buy from Mandrake.

[DannyG]

Has anyone had any experience with these panels?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/360466559807?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_2836wt_1175

My plan is to buy some panels to keep camper batteries topped up while away from power. I will be running 65l fridge, a couple of lights and water pump.

We recently bought that exact set. We have only used them at home as a test and of course worked fine, but Ill judge them when we are using them in anger on the front line
I dont have anything to compare them to quality wise, but they seem reasonable. They have a typical Chinese look about them but I am confident if we look after them they will be fine....and for $200 odd dollars they are great value.

Only time will see if they last but my research suggests people are happy with this set from bitdeals.

[speewa158]

Support a forum member, buy from Mandrake.

\
l did  top gear & nice bloke to ( if you can catch him at home when hes not camping )

[lilstookie]

If I were to buy a solar panel from eBay, bit_deals or *bitoo* would be the ones to buy from.

That's all.

We got ours from Bit Deals 2 x 80w and they work very well.
Made by Rich solar. Seem to be going well when there is sun.
Been in constant use since april now.
We changed the Reg to a Steca type controller and it lets us know how much is going in and how much we are taking out which allows us to cut back when needed.

[Watty2975]

Thanks for the responses. Now need to work out whether 80 or 120w better suit our needs. My theory is to go bigger to make sure we keep up with the power demands of the fridge and other draws on the power.

[BigJules]

l did  top gear & nice bloke to ( if you can catch him at home when hes not camping )

And he has dealers in QLD and WA (JetCrew & Burnsy).

[SteveandViv]

Thanks for the responses. Now need to work out whether 80 or 120w better suit our needs. My theory is to go bigger to make sure we keep up with the power demands of the fridge and other draws on the power.

Go the 120. An 80 will not keep up. I know O have one and also a hundred and that almost keeps up. However, it tends to be a bit hotter up here so the fridge is running flat out.

[Teabag]

This is the case where bigger is better. IMO, get the biggest panel set up to which you can afford and have space for. If you have a few bad days when it's raining or overcast you may need to play a bit of catch up. IMO 80watt would be absolute min and would recommend 120watt plus......

[jeb1900]

It's a lot more expensive but I'm very tempted to go with the 90W Engel Power Film when I buy my solar panel later this month. 

That's where my heads at right now anyway.  Here's a link to it:

http://tentworld.com.au/products/power/item/Engel-PowerFilm-Solar-Foldable-90W.aspx

The space and weight savings in my mind help justify the cost.  Weight is just 2kgs & packs up to the size of a regular laptop. 

Unlike mono crystalline, if damaged will still work.  Here is a video of the Power Film being shot with a glock of course. 

Extreme testing of the PowerFilm 20 watt foldable solar panel	Small | Large

[Watty2975]

We recently bought that exact set. We have only used them at home as a test and of course worked fine, but Ill judge them when we are using them in anger on the front line
I dont have anything to compare them to quality wise, but they seem reasonable. They have a typical Chinese look about them but I am confident if we look after them they will be fine....and for $200 odd dollars they are great value.

Only time will see if they last but my research suggests people are happy with this set from bitdeals.

Hi DannyG
Any feedback on the panels. Have  you been able to use them in anger yet?

[kylarama]

I've had a 'Bit Deals' 160w kit for almost 2 years now.


-Quality 'Rich' sloar cells.  The output of the panel is exactly what the sticker on the back claims.
-The bag was rubbish and ripped first time I tried to put the panel back in.
-The legs are a bit flimsy, but work.  I've got tons of ali sections lying around.  So just need to whip up something better.
-The cables, connectors and Juta reg that come with it are okay.  I lengthened all the cables, added in extension leads with 6mm twin core and anderson plugs.  The reg is now set up so it is right next to the battery and has up to 15m of cable (5m of cable plus 2X 5m extension leads) to the panels.
-I only purchase from them because I had heard of Rich Solar and lived 30 minute away, so was able to inspect the panels at their factory prior to purchase.

Bar the bag and legs I'm more than happy with my purchase.

[DannyG]

Hi DannyG
Any feedback on the panels. Have  you been able to use them in anger yet?

Not out on the front line mate but yes I have been using them at home and realistically it should be the same!

Some of my findings are the same as Kylarama and some are different.

My bag is quite well made and heavy duty. Even though it hasnt copped the abuse it will most likely get on a big trip, I am confident it must be better than they were supplying with them 2 years ago.

The output is the same as the claims in the advertising so therefore are replacing the AH's as I expected when the sun is out. They even put something back in less than ideal conditions, which may not be enough but at least it is better than nothing.

The legs on mine are also very flimsy but with the limited use I have given them so far so good. They will only break if kicked or abused.

I have left my controller on the back of the panels at this stage. The reason being is that I use 6 B&S from an anderson to the CT batteries (plugs into the tug usually) So I put an anderson on my Panels and just plug them into the CT that way. No voltage drop with that size cable.

So for the $200 or so dollars they cost we are very happy so far. And if the panels themselves are looked after and not smashed there is no reason why they wont last a lifetime. They dont wear out, I dont think! Sure the controller may one day die but until then I think they are fantastic value. And bit deals are a large business with a good reputation from what I can gather so they wont give you any grief if there is some sort of issue.

[Watty2975]

Thanks guys that is great feedback. Sounds like they are differently worth a go!
 

[ian_baker58]

Support a forum member, buy from Mandrake.

I had a good experience with Mandrake an would recommend.  I have 2 x 100 watt panels and these plug into my Redarc BCDC1240 in the Ultimate Camper (2 x 105AH AGM batteries)

---IanB

[McGirr]

I had a good experience with Mandrake an would recommend.  I have 2 x 100 watt panels and these plug into my Redarc BCDC1240 in the Ultimate Camper (2 x 105AH AGM batteries)

---IanB

I agree in supporting members where possible but when you can save a couple of hundred dollars for something that will do the same job you have to buy what you can afford.

They are tempting for the price.

Mark

[ian_baker58]

Price is always a consideration in any decision.

There are some discussions somewhere on this forum about 'not all solar panels are created equal' in terms of efficiency.

That said, it's a little bit like the old HiFi discussion to some extent that says you can spend a lot more money for that additional fidelity, and for most people, it's simply not worth the extra $$$

People I have dealt with in the solar area, and have confidence in are Mandrake, and Jamie's Touring solutions.  Both of these suppliers eat their own dog food - ie they user their products personally out in the weeds, in Jamie's case 'extreme' use out in the weeds...

I'm not associated with either of these outfits other than being a satisfdied (paying) customer!

There are I would expect some forum members with experience in the suppliers you are considering, and hopefully you'll get some feedback...(positive hopefully!)

[speewa158]

I had a good experience with Mandrake an would recommend.  I have 2 x 100 watt panels and these plug into my Redarc BCDC1240 in the Ultimate Camper (2 x 105AH AGM batteries)

---IanB

Hardly surprised , Hes always the Gentleman to deal with .