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  • OK, solar panels then...

    Does anyone here use a solar panel to charge up their deep cycle batteries? I'd like to hear how it's going, what kit and how much did it all cost?

  • #2
    I got a small solar panel 20W mainly to put the charge back rather than nothing at all. My fridge draws 2amps (I think). An 80W panel is great but cost $$'s and bulky. I suppose good for ppl. who have CT or CV's

    I'll be buying a charger so that when I get back from camp to put the charge back upto full.

    <Off Topic>
    The place where I buy batteries suggested I buy an Arlec, they are cheaper and does the same job as a CTEK.
    Cheers,
    Dustie

    Self confessed PP addict!! hmm.. now thats not a bad habit is it......

    Comment


    • #3
      i also run a small 20w panel.
      haven't had for too long.
      i got it to trickle the 3rd battery, when stopped.
      only just finished installing the 3rd battery tonight,
      so i don't have much info on how it's going yet.
      [url=http://www.fuelly.com/driver/damonat/prado][img]http://www.fuelly.com/smallsig-metric/50578.png[/img][/url]

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by dustie
        I got a small solar panel 20W mainly to put the charge back rather than nothing at all. My fridge draws 2amps (I think). An 80W panel is great but cost $$'s and bulky. I suppose good for ppl. who have CT or CV's

        I'll be buying a charger so that when I get back from camp to put the charge back upto full.

        <Off Topic>
        The place where I buy batteries suggested I buy an Arlec, they are cheaper and does the same job as a CTEK.
        Thanks - yep, been looking at a 40W one, which is essentially two 20W ones hinged together, so they open up to be double transport size. Together with a charger/regulator about $569,-. Tempting...

        BTW - get a Ctek. Been doing some charging and discharging of a few various 12V batteries and the thing is just ridulous. Just ignore the cost - you won't regret it... :wink:

        Comment


        • #5
          We have a uni solar 64w cell mounted on the roof to keep the main battery charged. I am still in the process of fitting dual batteries. Our prado can sit for a week and not get run so the cell is able to keep battery / ies charged. we can leave the vehicle and know the solar cell will run the fridge and keep the batteries charged (hopefully). I am still unsure which dual battery system to fit. I saw an isolator the other day that had a cut in voltage of 13.7v and i have yet to see the prado voltage that high. the highest i have seen is 13.5 after running the fridge all night (prior to solar fitting). I am no sparky so am watching this thread with interest. The reason i went with the uni solar Pv was due to its performance when subjected to our high heat during summer and the fact it is shade tolerant ( i.e able to produce power when partially shaded due to bypass diodes ) over the mono and poly solar cells. The cell is mounted on east west pro rack sports bars and doesnt really sit much higher than the north south roof bars.

          cheers

          Steve & Tribe
          Lightforce 240Blitz driving lights, Rear hitch recovery point, GME tx3400 uhf, 64watt Uni-Solar cell, ARB CKMA12 Air compressor. all awaiting new vehicle to be delivered so they can be remounted.

          Comment


          • #6
            Regardless of which size/brand solar cell you choose, I would recommend using a solar regulator/charger that includes a Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT). This allows the solar cell to operate at a voltage that maximises the possible power output, regardless of the voltage requirements of the load. This makes a significant difference to the efficiency of the system.

            Leachy
            EX-Prado Owner

            Comment


            • #7
              Deeptank,

              Found this info on explorerOz.

              "That is where the calcium battery and solar panel combination wins hands down, it is totally dependant on your own idea of a holiday, I prefer to go fishing or diving and never worry about battery power, so I use calcium batteries and a solar panel.

              You can't have too much power (Amp Hours)"

              http://www.exploroz.com/Forum/Topic/155 ... stion.aspx

              Hope this makes your decision making process a bit easier

              Leachy_9 comment about a solar regulator is correct. Just make sure to match the correct regulator for the solar panels you are buying.
              For the 40W panel a 6amp regulator should do. I incorrectly bought a 20amp on eBay.

              Contact these guys. The guys are very helpful and explained the whole process to me.

              Maitland Enterprises Pty Ltd.
              496 East Seaham road
              East Seaham NSW 2324
              Phone: (02) 4988 6655
              Cheers,
              Dustie

              Self confessed PP addict!! hmm.. now thats not a bad habit is it......

              Comment


              • #8
                Anyone else playing with solar cells.

                steve
                Lightforce 240Blitz driving lights, Rear hitch recovery point, GME tx3400 uhf, 64watt Uni-Solar cell, ARB CKMA12 Air compressor. all awaiting new vehicle to be delivered so they can be remounted.

                Comment


                • #9
                  I am looking at this at the moment. Convenient to carry in the car while going away with the roofrack full (protecting the panel from damage) and then fitting on the roofrack while camped. Can run the power cable down the back into a spare outlet next to the fridge or alternatively down the snorkel and directly on to the AGM.

                  http://www.springers.com.au/Products.aspx?ProductID=522

                  Appreciate any comments on idea/cost.

                  Michael
                  My 150 build - http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?27423-A-Random-approach-to-a-Bluestorm-150-GXL-D4D-automatic

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    It seems a little on the pricey side to me. Have a look at solazone they do a
                    Suncharga folding solar panel for camping.

                    Steve
                    Lightforce 240Blitz driving lights, Rear hitch recovery point, GME tx3400 uhf, 64watt Uni-Solar cell, ARB CKMA12 Air compressor. all awaiting new vehicle to be delivered so they can be remounted.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Been looking at this for a while...

                      http://www.projecta.com.au/catalogue/ci ... set_id/152

                      All in one with regulator, folds for smaller storage and comes with 'stand' and carry bag. I have just fitted an Engel 12v charger for my deep cycle battery box, so probably won't need a panel now until a long trip.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        David Bartlett at [email protected] has 60 W Unisolar panels very well priced. It is said Unisolar have stopped making them and David might be the lasr reliable source. Unisolar perform better in shade and at high temperature and are supposed to be really rugged. Quite large, dont fold but I'm pleased I bought mine.
                        Prado VX D4D: Toyo Bars, IPF Spots, Cargo Barrier, GME 3440 UHF, recovery points, Ozicozi coat, Cooper STs. ATS suspension, Airtec snorkel, dual battery, Maxtraxs, Ultimate camper trailer.

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