Any one using one of these?

[jmpgino]

Zamp Solar 160w Portable Foldable Solar Panel w/ Charge controller ZS-160

Just got a 25 ft and still have the 20 ft that is being cleaned for sale, the 20 footer has an inverter and a solar panel and the 25 has neither. So thinking about this folding solar system, already have the Honda 3000 monster but considering getting a 2000 as a back up in case when boon docking and we need some 120 power straight away. The 3000 is just a monster and although it will fly the AC and the 2000 will not, we seldom use the AC. Anyhow has anyone got or used a Zamp solar unit and what do you think of them.
Cheers,
James.

[Rocinante]

We have a Zamp solar panel fixed to the roof of our trailer. The system works OK, but it is based on a PWM controller. Today a more modern and efficient MPPT controller is the standard. So, you may want to check to see whether the Zamp solution you're considering has an MPPT controller. If it doesn't, I'd suggest picking a different brand. I keep hearing on the forum that AM Solar is a good vendor, you may want to check them out before making a final decision.

[TinShack]

Originally Posted by jmpgino

Zamp Solar 160w Portable Foldable Solar Panel w/ Charge controller ZS-160

Just got a 25 ft and still have the 20 ft that is being cleaned for sale, the 20 footer has an inverter and a solar panel and the 25 has neither. So thinking about this folding solar system, already have the Honda 3000 monster but considering getting a 2000 as a back up in case when boon docking and we need some 120 power straight away. The 3000 is just a monster and although it will fly the AC and the 2000 will not, we seldom use the AC. Anyhow has anyone got or used a Zamp solar unit and what do you think of them.
Cheers,
James.

The portable folding solar units are becoming very popular. I have one of these 120 watt systems http://www.amazon.com/Go-Power-GP-PS.../dp/B009MIPH4K and have been very happy with it. My generator barely gets used anymore as long as there is sun. I like that I can park the trailer in the shade and my panels can be in the sun. The extra power of the Zamp 160 would be nice, although there is a portability trade off with the extra size and weight of the panels compared to the 120 watt.

[KJRitchie]

I'm thinking of getting one also for a trip out west this summer. Here is a thread on the 160.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...ar-124920.html

Regarding the controller, I don't think an MPPT controller is needed for small solar only if you are to go with a larger array. None of the portable systems have MPPT from what I can see.

The dimensions of the Go Power 120 Closed/Open
32.5 x 19.9 x 2.8 in
32.5 x 39.8 x 1.4 in
Weight 33lbs

The dimensions of the Zamp Solar 160 Closed/Open
20x39.5x3
40x39.5x1.5"
Weight 34.5lbs

The dimensions of the Zamp Solar 120 Closed/Open
21x35x3"
42x22x1.5"
Weight 33lbs

Cost
Go Power $550
Zamp Solar $689
Zamp 120 $649

Kelvin

[dznf0g]

I have one, see this thread:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...ar-124920.html

[KJRitchie]

I like the Zamp controller a little better than the Go Power. The Zamp has an LCD display so you can check both the amps and volts. Zamp also has a 200 watt panel but I think its too big for my storage requirements of sliding it my truck on end because my tonneau cover will get in the way.

Zamp 200 Closed/Open

27x40x3"
54x40x1.5"
Weight 47lbs

Cost $799

Kelvin

[mefly2]

...just sold our Zamp briefcase portable on CL ... with the EU3000is, we just never used the Zamp ...


What we have found is that although the specs on solar look great, we don't usually have enough continuous sunshine- where we prefer to camp- to allow full charging via solar.

[martin300662]

We have a 200 watt version but having a storage area built under one of the twin beds (over the wheels which was dead space anyway) to carry it......just posted a photo on our rebuild page.

With the 200 watt panel and the Magnum inverter we can run everything on the motorhome from battery if we need to, not definitely but we can do it. But then we can also run from a little EU2000i because the first think we did was cut out anything we don't need running on 110v, then worked out how we could power it.