solar collecter panels

[bunjin]

I'm thinking of adding a panel to my camping gear.

A few of you have done this and I would be interested in a comment on what I am thinking.

1st I am thinking of having a panel that just sits on the ground, nothing roof mounted.

The question is the renogy 100 watt rigid frame or the flex panel?

The rigid frame weights 16 lbs and the flex is more like 3 lbs I believe.

The specks are a little different as well as price. Ea. has merit.

See link. Comments please.

Monocrystalline Solar Panel Kits for Sale | Renogy Store

[ScottK]

Very similar specs on these two. I would lean toward the flex panel, because of the weight advantage. I've haven't seen a mono crystalline flex panel before - only the thin film flex panels and I would steer clear of them if possible. So this is very intriguing. Whichever you go with, make sure you allow for plenty of air circulation under the module. Heat kills the efficiency of solar modules.

[mainah]

I built a frame for a 100 watt panel that allows me to elevate the panel and turn it the entire thing folds flat and I just carry it on the bed total weight about 16#. It plugs directly into my batteries with a 50 amp connector both front a rear of the camper. By cutting my power demands I have been 5 days with just he batteries (180 AH) alone and probably could go indefinitely with good sun shine. I don't have a microwave don't watch hours of TV or try to brew coffee. The ridged frame panel is the back bone of my frame work I'm not sure how you would work out a ground mount frame system with flex panels.

[Gene]

Mainah had a nice detailed description and great pictures of how his solar panel was built here http://www.sunlineclub.com/forums/f6...nel-14857.html Scroll down the thread to see more detailed pictures. I thought it was impressive.

[bunjin]

Gene thanks for the link. I purposely didn't hijack that thread as my question isn't making a frame. That is easy ...... Mainah did a great job of it. The flex may be a bit more tricky in the frame area in that the 3 lbs can grow quickly into a heavier unit if a back plate is needed, etc.

I was hoping Mainah or someone would be able to tell me which would be the most efficient based on the specs. and also if someone has used the flex panel in question.

ScottK thanks for your input. You were on target as to where I was going with this.

The flex unit is on sale at the moment thus this is the only reason it is even being considered along with whether I would do more than one panel. More panels more weight, etc. Juggling pros & cons here.

Also like the "small generator recommendation" thread.....I'm in the "Old Geezer" category.

Opinions welcomed. (with possible exception of Gene or Paul taking advantage of my "Old Geezer" comment )

[mainah]

Monocrystalline panels right now are the most efficient. This of course means you can do more with less space. One old geezer to another forget the A/C and buy one generator it will charge your battery during the day and let you run some thing like a Fantastic fan all night on the battery.