Portable solar panels - any recommendations?
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For camping without electric hookups. (And probably just good to have.)
90 - 160 wt.
Pros: Folds open like a suitcase with a controller built in... charges a battery (or two). About 30 lbs. 30 ft wire.
Cons: Easy to steal. Have to turn them toward the sun occasionally for best exposure.
Zamp is one (American) brand -- but pricey. Any other brand recommendations / reviews?
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Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Ken D.
I was thinking about getting
I was thinking about getting one of those Goal Zero Yeti power stations:
https://www.goalzero.com/shop/kits/goal-zero-yeti-400-power-station-noma...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Pipe Slingin'
I have Goal Zero and it does
I have Goal Zero and it does what I want it to do.
Used it extensively for Targhee Bluegrass Festival last summer, no complaints.
Charges battery in about 3 hours from dead in full sun.
Once again, no complaints from me.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sound and Vision
Super cool except $700.00?!?
Super cool except $700.00?!?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Ken D.
Yeah, I had a little sticker
Yeah, I had a little sticker shock when I saw that. I saw another, smaller Goal Zero unit before that was only around $300. Hey Redneck, which Goal Zero model did you get?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Thumbkinetic
https://www.youtube.com/watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr3hGBAD4As
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Pipe Slingin'
yeti 150 w/ solar panel
yeti 150 w/ boulder 50 solar panel
goal zero
https://www.goalzero.com/shop/power-stations/goal-zero-yeti-150-portable...
https://www.goalzero.com/shop/solar-panels/boulder-50-solar-panel/
Approx $400
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R
I can see the benefit of
I can see the benefit of having a yeti unit if I was truck camping or tailgating.
I already have a battery on my teardrop trailer that I want to keep charged. I might add another, so I have to plan for that.
In the past I've usually plugged in to a campground 30A supply, as the weather around here often demands an air conditioner or heater.
But, now that we're looking towards camping not in a State Park, I'll need some way to recharge after a couple days away from people.
My power consumption will be low -- led lights, water pump, maybe a fan, and a fridge/cooler (which we turn down at night). The latter two use all the juice.
Not interested in a generator; trying to stay quiet.
I could get some cheap panels and wire it myself. But the Zamp stuff is supposed to be top quality and ready to go. Just fold open and plug in. Never overcharges.
90 w = $449. This is the lowest wt I would go, and it's usually prudent to buy more power.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Dr. Benway
i have those panels for
i have those panels for charging batteries used for 12v pumps, they work fine so far.
have you thought about building your own? amazon has inverters pretty cheap...IME sometimes you get a dud, returning them is easy, and most of them work great.
ive had good luck with this one - https://www.amazon.com/WZRELB-Inverter-Converter-Protection-Efficiency/d...
get a couple panels, a couple batteries, wire it up and youve got more for your $$ than you can get out of these premade models. 150-400w is not very much power to have available. if you built a system with that inverter i linked to and 2-4 decent batteries you could run a minifridge overnight and ditch the cooler.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mice elf
Alan; for the needs you are
Alan; for the needs you are describing, upgrading your camper batteries to two six volt golf cart batteries and adding some type of high quality charging device (Intellipower w/ charge wizard or the like) will get you to go from two or three days of dry camping to more like ten in between recharges. It will increase the value and utility of your camper while also saving you the hassle of rolling out all that crap every time you set up, repositioning panels, eventually probably breaking something (the panel) and losing your whole investment along with your power generating abilities. If you’re already looking at a $500 purchase, it’s about the same money either way. Just my two cents.
FYI actually doing an energy audit on your camper and knowing how long you plan to use the system between recharges will tell you what batteries to buy. The goal is increasing “amp-hours” as high as possible. Starting batteries are measured in cranking amps, and are designed differently. I’m assuming your biggest draw here is a small 12 volt fridge.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R
Thanks Larry - I have an
Thanks Larry - I have an inverter already in the trailer.
I could just buy some cheap imported panels and wire them up myself - but the more I read, it might be better to step up to something designed for carrying around and bumping around a bit. I'll pay more for something sturdy, but there are not a lot of choices out there...I just want to make sure if I do pay premium I an getting quality -- the Zamps do have a good warranty. But I don't know anyone who's using them.
The trailer came with a Norcold fridge/cooler, which works ok. I can load the Norcold with frozen food and drinks dial it down to 32 degrees and everything will stay ok for a long weekend. It draws 4.3 amps on 12 v so I need some back up power for longer trips and to top off the battery.
We also take a cooler with us for extra storage (and it can double as a water container, bench, and sink).
I was an RV person -- now I do micro-camping. It's like hauling around a little Japanese hotel room. But unlike the Ford 450 rv there's basically no upkeep expense.
the teardrop back opens up:
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R
Mice elf - thanks.
Mice elf - thanks.
I'm familiar with batteries and generators from my rv days but never used portable solar. (Aside from camping, it seems it would be good to add to the disaster prep kit.) I would think that there would be more choices nowadays.
Also, I'm wondering what output is worth the price -- the minimum I'd consider is 90wt, but 160 seems like overkill for my needs.
"Zamp Solar's USP1001 90-watt portable solar system, with Grade-A monocrystalline solar cells, can safely charge or maintain 6 different types of batteries - AGM, GEL, lead acid (WET), Calcium, LTO and LiFeP04. Expect up to 540-watts or 30-amps of charging in a typical 6 hour day. "
I certainly agree that my battery situation could be improved -- that's on the list, too.
I also carry a large tank of propane and the Outback has 18 gal of gas, so I got a decent amount of combustible fuel with me, too.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Dr. Benway
if you think you will need
if you think you will need power away from your trailer, then yea, one of these solar gen things is prob the way to go...but fwiw you can get storage racks that fit on the triangular area of your trailer, in between the trailer and the tow hitch on your car...you could build a pretty sturdy battery box onto one of those to wire up to the trailers existing inverter.
pretty nice setup w that norcold on the sliding drawer btw, did you build that for the norcold or is it stock and just happens to fit like a glove?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Dr. Benway
and as far as disaster prep
and as far as disaster prep goes, building your own will give much more "prepper" functionality. im able to live a normal modern life on 8 car batteries, a magnasine 4000w inverter, and about 5000w worth of panels...i have a normal size fridge/freezer, use a high power consumption gaming PC that uses up to 100W when the GPU is active and i am gaming for 4-5 hours a night after sundown, vacuum, air conditioner, air purifier, makita 18v bat charger, and ventilation fans. stove and heat is propane...i could run a washer/drier when the sun is up but i dont have the space for one in my cabin. if i dont use my vaccum or a/c i can go for 2-3 days of rain without direct sun on the panels before the system shut down.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R
Larry - so that's why last
Larry - so that's why last month I read in the MendoBeacon that 8 cars mysteriously wouldn't start at the WIllits Walmart (kidding).
Hey that sounds like a nice off-grid setup. You got everything you need.
I currently have one marine battery in the trailer box along with a 20 gallon propane tank. I'd like to switch out and get two good deep cycle ones (per Mice) and a smaller propane tank. I'm all about dropping weight (or not adding it) whenever possible. Since we are micro, everything has to be small, simple, lightweight and multi-use.
It would be convenient to have a way to recharge without driving, as the car will charge the trailer battery, if needed... hence the window shopping for the foldup portable panels.
I haven't had the need to follow solar in years, but maybe this little project will get me motivated to learn more.
Stupid question... how do you get gaming-worthy Internet?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Dr. Benway
i pretty much only play
i pretty much only play single player games, and not very often...i realize above it looks like i said im playing 4-5 hours a night, thats just how much the computer is on...its my entire media center for internet, movies, music, games etc etc...i unfortunately only find the time and energy to play games a few hours a week during the growing season. but one of the younger guys up on the farm is big into fortnite, and he is able to get internet to his xbox by using this hotspot device thingy, which im pretty sure he has a specific plan for, separately from his phone, then that gets hooked up to some kind of router thing and goes into his xbox. im not sure of all the deets but thats the basic layout.
afaik he can play the game, but with some limitations. occasionally the connection just drops, and certain areas or weapons that use alot of assets, such as a rapid fire gun thats firing tons of individually animated bullets in a very short time, cause his game to stutter and lag pretty badly...but fortnite is not as fast paced as the classic multiplayer arena shooters like quake of half life deathmatch, so a few hiccups in connection doesnt necessarily mean instant death.
we are 45min up a dirt road from town but still get pretty good connection. i can stream in 480-720p and have reasonable download times for files of 1080p tv episodes or films, download 50-100GB video games in 5 or 6 hours. i tend to notice shady illegal streaming sites have buffering issues i dont otherwise have on a wired, on grid connection, but 95% of the time netflix and youtube load right up and start playing up to 720p video in seconds.
while im on the subject of video games, this video came out today...its the first footage of what a next gen game might look like in a few years, released for the ps5 and whatever the new xbox is called. this is some extremely impressive stuff, im guessing even those who arent into games will be pretty blown away. we are getting close to photorealistic, cinema quality animation in fully interactable, real time rendered video game worlds...this is some real future stuff.
https://vimeo.com/417882964
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sycamore Slough
http://www.solarpowerbeginner
http://www.solarpowerbeginner.com/roll-up-solar-panels.html
This type of technology looks like something suitable for the low-weight portable application you describe.
Appears to be 1/3 or 1/2 the weight of conventional gear.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R
Much appreciated Stu.
Much appreciated Stu. Pretty cool little units.
Thankfully, I'm not backpacking. The fold-up units in my power range weigh about 32 pounds -- reasonable. Since you often have to reposition them to best follow the sun and put them away when you leave the campsite (thieves), you don't want something much heavier --- or it becomes a hassle. And if it' a hassle, it usually doesn't get used. Hence my inquiry to see if any Zoners have experience using the Zamp products (or a better, one).
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mice elf
Alan - if space in your
Alan - if space in your cabinet allows, you might consider adding a piece of pink board (rigid foam insulation) inside between the cooler and the wall. This is a five dollar improvement that doesn’t add weight and will cut down a small bit on radiant heat from the wall to your icebox, and consequently you will save a few amps here and there. If this cabinet happens to be vented to the outside, add a CPU fan (.1 amp) on a basic thermostat switch to exhaust heat as it builds. I have never worked specifically on a tab trailer but my experience with this kind of thing comes from having built a lot (maybe 20) systems on four wheel/ATC campers, scamp trailers, and sportsmobiles, including several tear-down restos over the years.
also, if possible park that side away from the sun when you camp.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mice elf
Now you’ve got me wondering
Now you’ve got me wondering about that little metal vent on the side
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sycamore Slough
Looking at the two photos, I
Looking at the two photos, I would guess that 'dryer-vent' is above the gas range, for onion-vapor exhaust.
Or maybe it's a faht-fan ?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R
the cowbell / dryer vent is
the cowbell / dryer vent is the AC air intake. There is a fan switch that must be turned on before using AC. It vents and drips below the trailer.
Can't use the AC unless we are plugged in to shore power, but to cool down without it there is a nice little fan on the roof and 3 screened windows that open (two on side and the skylight).
I don't think we've ever used the TV -- I may mod it for storage
this pic gives you some idea of the skylight that opens... it's cool to watch the stars and meteor showers if we aren't under trees
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mice elf
Yeah it would be a lot of fun
Yeah it would be a lot of fun to tear that thing down and do a full expedition-level build. I laughed out loud when I saw the air conditioner. There’s the weight trade for your second battery right there.
I think a Yakima rack something like pictured with a real panel would be my call here. Not my camper, but any amount of time spent having to fiddle with gadgets/accessories when camping just takes away from the whole “thing” of it imho.
Certainly there are reasons why more permanent systems have drawbacks (weight, design time/complexity, labor) as well.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: El Nino
Interesting Article on the
Interesting Article on the cost of solar.
https://rameznaam.com/2020/05/14/solars-future-is-insanely-cheap-2020/?f...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R
< I laughed out loud when I
< I laughed out loud when I saw the air conditioner. >
So did I when I first saw it.....cause I was used to California camping. However, on a hot muggy MD, PA, DE, VA summer afternoon, it sure can save the day (and avoid heatstroke). As they say, it ain't the heat, it's the humidity. Nice to crank up the air conditioner (when plugged into electric, of course) and take a little bug free nap -- and wake up refreshed.
Remember when you were young at a festival and woke up a couple of hours after going to bed and the frigging sun was melting your tent by 8am or baking the back of your pickup? After a couple years of that, I quickly moved to the rental rvs, then bought one used. Nothing like a little AC and a real freezer to wait out the blazing sun (I'm talking to you High Sierra). Nowadays I just get a nearby hotel room.
In early Spring and Fall, we've even plugged in a portable heater -- cause it can get very chilly in the Appalachians first thing in the morning in April, May Sept, or October.
Thanks El Nino -- finally some optimistic news!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mice elf
>>Nothing like a little AC
>>Nothing like a little AC and a real freezer to wait out the blazing sun (I'm talking to you High Sierra).<<
touche
high sierra is one HOT motherfucker.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Dr. Benway
Building a 3.5kWh DIY Solar
Building a 3.5kWh DIY Solar Generator for $650 - Start to Finish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVnQ87Fvsk4
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MarkD
Impressive. You gonna put one
Impressive. You gonna put one together?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Ken D.
With the apocalyptic weather
With the apocalyptic weather conditions and worries about post-election social unrest, I finally pulled the trigger yesterday on a portable power station. Went with a Jackery Explorer 500W station. Only 13 lbs and has three USB outlets, along with 12v and AC outputs. I am not going to run a PA and guitar amps with it, but I am sure it could still come in handy for festivals, camping, and power outages:
https://www.jackery.com/products/explorer-500w-portable-power-station?gc...
Got the compatible portable 100W solar panels to go with it:
https://www.jackery.com/products/solarsaga-100w-solar-panel
Might supplement it at some point with a traditional gas powered generator, but still nice to know I will have some power if the grid goes down or need to bug out to the country.