Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 10:34
John, there are a lot out there now, from quite expensive Projecta panels down to more economical options.
These below represent some excellent value I feel.
Supercheap Australia
Ridge Ryder have numerous folding (blanket type) solar panels, as seen on this page . . .
>
SCA solar blankets
I have both the 100w and 150w.
Both put out exactly (even a little over) what the specs state, 6 maps and 9 amps in full sun.
They have a decent output even on a very overcast sky, the 100w when tested was around 3 amps I recall.
ALWAYS wait for their 20% off sales, or when they do specials on them occasionally.
The 100w is on special now >
SCA 100w solar blanket
^ This is my favourite panel, so much smaller, lighter, easier to manage, fits over my windscreen perfectly.
I actually rarely need solar input, but if camping say 3pm in the desert or wherever, I will face vehicle to the sun, and place the 100w across the screen.
This shades the vehicle interior and gives excellent solar angle / input for a few hours.
This is the 150w >
SCA 150w solar blanket
SCA have smaller panels
clearing like the 45w, but they are really only good for keeping a battery in topped up conditions when parked etc.
Another option, if you are willing to deal with them, 4WD Supacentre (Kings).
My brother purchased a couple of theirs, the 120w and 200w.
Both are supposed to have comparatively higher ratings, but I haven't had a chance to see if they are correct.
What bothers me about them is they appear to be exactly the same solar modules etc, but the 120w is same size as my 100w, and I can't see how it may have an extra 20w capability.
The 120w one >
Kings 120w Solar blanket
The 200w one >
Kings 200w Solar blanket
As you can see, the Kings pricing is amazingly low for the product.
I would only buy of of the 4WDSC products if going into one of their shopfronts.
Hope you find what you're looking for.
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Follow Up By: bellony - Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 17:12
Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 17:12
I bought a SCA 50w on a super special deal once, think it was about $60. Wish I had bought the rest of their stock. Puts out 3.0A Isc. Best $60 I ever spent on solar.
Also have a Rich Solar 140w from Bit Deals, it puts out about 0.5A more than the SCA 50w. Something sus about the 140w, surface area is 0.58968m2. The SCA 50w has an area of 0.3596m2.
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Follow Up By: john m85 - Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 17:41
Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 17:41
thanks Les some interesting reading will call in to supercheap and see what they have.
cheers
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Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 18:25
Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 18:25
No worries
John, based on your small needs, I suggerst the 100w wit h6amp input in full sun would be ample, and being on special excellent at $229.
Umm, I just had a look at that offer on the 100w, ends today !
I would either order online at the special price, with pick up as option to collect, OR just wait until on special again, that or the 150w unit.
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Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 18:28
Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 18:28
bellony, they are
clearing the 45w, have been for a while now . . . yes, the 45 should put out close to the 3amp in good conditions, and at $69 makes me think it could be a good buy for some maintenance charging on the main battery.
SCA 45w solar blanket
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Follow Up By: rocco2010 - Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 19:35
Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 19:35
Thanks for the tip Les. Been thinking abt a solar blanket for this year’s trips and I had read the reports over the while that the Rydge Rider was good value for money.
Just ducked out and got the last one at my local
Supercheap.
Cheers
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 22:37
Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 at 22:37
.
Nothing to stop you putting two 45W panels in parallel either.
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Follow Up By: bellony - Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 00:05
Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 00:05
I tried to buy a couple of 45w panels to use around the place as maintenance chargers, but they wont ship them, and no store within 300Km of
Perth has them in stock so it was a no go.
I bought a 100w panel instead, it can replace the piece of crap 140w I have. Maybe I can separate the 3 panels of the 140w and use them as maintenance chargers.
Les should be on commission from SCA.
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Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 07:17
Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 07:17
True Allan, in fact they sell the various PWT controllers separately, as
well as connector cables.
bellony, glad you picked something up at a good price.
If your very handy with electronics, you might be able to split a 100w, the folding part may = being able to divide into 2, maybe 3.
Hmmm, SCA public relations manager :)
I missed making a comment on the Kings ones.
One thing I recall do like about them is the Anderson plug connections, makes it easy to integrate with other things like my Arkpak battery box.
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Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 14:27
Monday, Feb 18, 2019 at 14:27
The Kings Panels are ok however I don't use their solar controllers. I use a Redarc controller. Also the Ridge Ryder from Supercheap are fine. Once again I use the Redarc controller with their optional monitor which tells me how many volts and amps are coming in and the state of the battery
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