Solar Charging

[steveirving]

Hi,

I'm looking for a good recommendation for a solar panel and charge controller in the 40-50 watt range.

Mainly looking to replenish the battery from the 1.7 amp hour draw from our natures head toilet. I think it would also be nice to have power replenishment in general.

I was considering mounting a solar panel on our coleman ac cover which measures 24x27" on top. I was also considering flexible or peel and stick solar panels to go on the leaft and right rear of the ac unit. Basically Im lookign to avoid drilling holes in the roof.

Thoughts?

[morgandc]

I have read that the rihht 3m tape works great straight on the roof. I tend to subscribe to the more watts is better school of thought, so I would use the best watts/m2 panel I could find with the option to add more later. I have read good things about zamp, but that may be more than you are looking for.

[steveirving]

Originally Posted by morgandc

I have read that the rihht 3m tape works great straight on the roof. I tend to subscribe to the more watts is better school of thought, so I would use the best watts/m2 panel I could find with the option to add more later. I have read good things about zamp, but that may be more than you are looking for.

Could you clarify the 3m tape you mentioned? Is this double sided?

[star kitty]

I bought the Zamp 40 watt portable unit at the end of last summer. Like you, I have very little draw on my battery. I'm really happy with it.

It's a really clean unit with a nice carrying case that protects it during travel. It also has a 16' cord that you can connect directly to your battery.

My only concern is that it will grow legs and walk away! The aluminum frame has cutouts for a lock but they are small in diameter. Just enough to deter someone.

[Drathaar]

We just put a Zamp 150 watt, with 30 ampere controller on the Desert Tortoise. It works nicely. They make a number of smaller units.

Hardwired Solar Kits | Zamp Solar

[mefly2]

Goal zero offers a very nice portable unit that folds into a "briefcase" if you don't need too much power. The factory panels are only 53 watts each ...

[steveirving]

Originally Posted by mefly2

Goal zero offers a very nice portable unit that folds into a "briefcase" if you don't need too much power. The factory panels are only 53 watts each ...

Im looking for some panels that i can mount to the ac cover with brackets or roof with adhesive if possible. I only need a 30-40 watt panel

[morgandc]

Originally Posted by steveirving

Could you clarify the 3m tape you mentioned? Is this double sided?

Multiple references on the internet to amsolar.com and if you read their installation notes it refers to either 3m or screws multiple times. I would call and talk about it. A quick google search refers to 3M VHB tape, 3M-5200. If you look at this LINK you will see that 3m is recommending some tapes for actual frame assembly of the solar panel. Some more info

[Sylver Slypr]

Here is a competitive supplier for RV's Solar Power Kits For RV And Bus Conversions

[Bigventure]

You may want to check the adds on Airforums.

[arodriguez60]

How about these panels. I have had good luck with this company.Solar Cell, Solar Panel, Solar PV, Solar Products, Charge Controllers, Solar Trackers