I think i want to mount a solar panel to my RR Pioneer platform which will keep the batteries topped up while parked up at home and also while out and about/camping. Ideally the solution will allow me to keep my 60l ARB fridge (~24Ah) running all of the time, at least in the summer anyway, where it's been very useful for picnics, etc., as well as running some lights while camping (~5Ah). I understand that while driving, the alternator will charge the batteries more than the solar will. I don't use the Prado much during the week, so when i forgot to unplug the fridge, the batteries were low (12v & 11.3v) and i've not been on a good drive in the last couple of weeks to top them up.
Solar seems a more flexible option than a mains battery charger.
Which solar panel/capacity
I've been looking at these thin mono panels https://www.vicoffroad.com.au/sport-...ging.html.html
At 2.5mm, i thought these would be a little more aerodynamic than the regular panels which are 30-40mm. With some board/rubber matting over them i'm hoping to still carry things on the roof.
There are also notes on the solar panel pages about not being able to connect these in series or parallel - which sounds like i cannot extend the set up by adding more panels while stationary if required - i.e. if i get a second fridge or run inverter/more appliances/etc. Where originally, i was looking at 100w-120w, i'm now wondering if i should get 150-200w to cope with any future expansion, if i'm unable to run these panels in conjunction with any others.
The 200w version would line up nicely with the outside pioneer rails https://www.vicoffroad.com.au/sport-...-kit-1293.html
I've only seen reports of people mounting the framed pannels on a roof http://www.pradopoint.com.au/showthr...us-solar-panel so unsure if there is an issue if i bolted these to my pioneer platform. I've not seen any examples of mounting these flexible panels to a roof rack.
Which MPPT
Where do i start. I've not been able to find a comparison that shows which MPPT delivers the best charge out of the solar input. The Victron 75/10 or 75/15 is the leader at the moment https://www.victronenergy.com/solar-...llers/mppt7510
Any other panels or MPPT's i should be looking at?
TIA, Steve
Solar seems a more flexible option than a mains battery charger.
Which solar panel/capacity
I've been looking at these thin mono panels https://www.vicoffroad.com.au/sport-...ging.html.html
At 2.5mm, i thought these would be a little more aerodynamic than the regular panels which are 30-40mm. With some board/rubber matting over them i'm hoping to still carry things on the roof.
There are also notes on the solar panel pages about not being able to connect these in series or parallel - which sounds like i cannot extend the set up by adding more panels while stationary if required - i.e. if i get a second fridge or run inverter/more appliances/etc. Where originally, i was looking at 100w-120w, i'm now wondering if i should get 150-200w to cope with any future expansion, if i'm unable to run these panels in conjunction with any others.
The 200w version would line up nicely with the outside pioneer rails https://www.vicoffroad.com.au/sport-...-kit-1293.html
I've only seen reports of people mounting the framed pannels on a roof http://www.pradopoint.com.au/showthr...us-solar-panel so unsure if there is an issue if i bolted these to my pioneer platform. I've not seen any examples of mounting these flexible panels to a roof rack.
Which MPPT
Where do i start. I've not been able to find a comparison that shows which MPPT delivers the best charge out of the solar input. The Victron 75/10 or 75/15 is the leader at the moment https://www.victronenergy.com/solar-...llers/mppt7510
Any other panels or MPPT's i should be looking at?
TIA, Steve
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