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02-24-2016, 06:05 AM
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#161
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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Not only that, but their output is limited when compared to hard panels….especially on a curved roof surface like an Airstream.
I have been using 5 X 100 watt flex panels from Grape Solar on my Sprinter service van for 18 months and can state unequivocally that their output is, at maximum, only 55-60% of what a GS-100 hard panel produces.
Using the same physical components from my prior system when I used 5 of the GS-100 panels (Blue Sky 3024iL controller, iPN-PRO remote, 200 amp/hour lithium battery and Magnum MS-2812 inverter), the new array of flex panels only produces a maximum of 22-24 amps to the batteries, while the GS-100 panels would often show 32-35 amps at maximum output.
My flex panels are mounted to a sheet of .090 aluminum which is bonded to the roof of the Sprinter. This produced a smooth, flat surface which is also slightly elevated above the roof, as the Sprinter has raised ridges for structural stiffness, and totally free of any obstruction which enables 100% of the available solar radiance to reach the panel surface. This allows for air flow under the panels and also utilizes the aluminum base as a heat sink.
I would NOT RECOMMEND flexible panels to anyone looking to obtain the maximum efficiency and output from their solar array. These will be coming off the roof in the next few weeks and replaced with another array of 5 GS-100 panels.
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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02-24-2016, 09:10 AM
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#162
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2020 Classic 33
Box Elder
, South Dakota
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,731
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Saw this in the last couple of days on the Renogy panels that are affected.
http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/Recal...-Solar-Panels/
__________________
Gary
2020 Classic 33 Twin, 2019 Ram 3500 Longhorn, ProPride
NØVPN
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02-24-2016, 10:22 AM
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#163
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Rivet Master
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch
, California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
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Does anyone have experience with a small portable Charge Controller I can use with my 35w panel? I have been moving it about between 3 different vehicles, and want to have a little charge controller to wire inline with it...
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05-10-2016, 06:05 AM
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#164
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Rivet Master
2004 30' Classic
Johnson City
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 591
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Grape Solar vs. GoPower Flexible panels
Have heard good reviews of these two panels:
Grape Solar GS-PHOTOFLEX-100W: $250 Module eff. 17.6%
GoPower (Carmanah) GP-FLEX-100E: $500 Module eff 19.6%
Warranties seems to be the same.
What more do we get for twice the price?
73/gus
__________________
Gus - KR4K : Mary - K5MCL
2004 30ft. Classic
2017 Infiniti QX80 Limited
ProPride 3P/Prodigy P3
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05-10-2016, 07:18 AM
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#165
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gklott
Have heard good reviews of these two panels:
Grape Solar GS-PHOTOFLEX-100W: $250 Module eff. 17.6%
GoPower (Carmanah) GP-FLEX-100E: $500 Module eff 19.6%
Warranties seems to be the same.
What more do we get for twice the price?
73/gus
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MARKETING!!!!!
And don't believe those high efficiency ratings from Go Power!! They use the same SunPower cells that every other flex panel uses, so why another 2% on panels that are virtually identical.
Show me an INDEPENDENT TEST of all of the 100 watt flex panels out there and they will be within tenths of a precent of each other.
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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05-10-2016, 08:11 AM
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#166
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Rivet Master
2004 30' Classic
Johnson City
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 591
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Thanks. Any other differences in packaging, etc between the two? Cannot discern much difference in the tech specs.
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05-10-2016, 12:47 PM
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#167
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gklott
Thanks. Any other differences in packaging, etc between the two? Cannot discern much difference in the tech specs.
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Nope! Like I said........ marketing!!!!!
Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
ABYC Certified Master Marine Electrician
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center*AMS Lithium Batteries
Lifeline AGM Batteries**Magnum Inverters***Victron Energy Components
541-490-6357
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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05-10-2016, 11:08 PM
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#168
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,214
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Not everyone has had positive experiences with the "flexible" panels regardless of brand.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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05-12-2016, 09:42 AM
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#169
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Rivet Master
2014 25' FB International
2007 20' Safari SE
2005 19' Safari
Qualicum Beach
, British Columbia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,096
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Quote:
Originally Posted by switz
Not everyone has had positive experiences with the "flexible" panels regardless of brand.
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So that statement would suggest that some have had a positive experience?
Those people are the ones I and others want to hear from.
George
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05-12-2016, 01:41 PM
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#170
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Rivet Master
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch
, California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
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Personally, I have decided and started this thread to discuss flexible panels that bend to match the shape of AS roofs. I am glad people posted experiences, but let's focus on the positives from now on.
I want to see installations that blend in and function!
__________________
My name is Steve.... and I am an Alumaholic!
Working in my Garage is like playing TETRIS with Tools!
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05-12-2016, 01:59 PM
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#171
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Rivet Master
2014 25' FB International
2007 20' Safari SE
2005 19' Safari
Qualicum Beach
, British Columbia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,096
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Keyair
Personally, I have decided and started this thread to discuss flexible panels that bend to match the shape of AS roofs. I am glad people posted experiences, but let's focus on the positives from now on.
I want to see installations that blend in and function!
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Exactly. What I said. That's why I subscribed.
George
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05-13-2016, 10:48 AM
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#172
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4 Rivet Member
Commercial Member
2009 30' Classic
Melbourne, FL
, Searsport, ME
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 309
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About two years ago I installed 5-120 watt flexible panels on my 30' Classic. Despite all the negative comments I've read here, I've been completely satisfied with mine. In addition to the 600 watts of panels I installed a Midnight Solar "The Kid" controller, a 1000 watt inverter, and 2 Lifeline 6 volt batteries. I've traveled throughout the US from Maine to Florida to San Diego, the desert Southwest and am now at Yellowstone N. P. They've been through summer heat and freezing weather. Even on a streak of overcast and rainy days I've been able to keep my batteries fully maintained most days by 10:00 or so in the morning. Consider me a happy camper and a very happy solar power user. No regrets thus far.
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05-13-2016, 10:50 AM
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#173
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2 Rivet Member
1976 25' Caravanner
Kansas City
, Kansas
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 52
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Thanks for the report acstokes, just what the people wanted!
__________________
Follow our shell-off renovation on Instagram @LifeIsRiveting
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05-13-2016, 10:52 AM
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#174
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2 Rivet Member
1976 25' Caravanner
Kansas City
, Kansas
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 52
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Oh, and what size are your batteries? Thanks!
__________________
Follow our shell-off renovation on Instagram @LifeIsRiveting
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05-13-2016, 11:00 AM
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#175
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Rivet Master
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch
, California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
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Thanks ACStokes,
Can you post some pics of your install please????
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05-13-2016, 11:19 AM
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#176
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4 Rivet Member
Commercial Member
2009 30' Classic
Melbourne, FL
, Searsport, ME
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 309
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Quote:
Oh, and what size are your batteries? Thanks!
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Quote:
Thanks ACStokes,
Can you post some pics of your install please????
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The two batteries I installed are Lifeline 6v GPL-6CT. The first pic here shows 3 120 panels. I later installed 2 more toward the rear of my trailer. The second pic just shows how I used the refer vent to run the wire.
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05-13-2016, 12:53 PM
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#177
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Rivet Master
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch
, California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
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Very nice!
Thanks for posting that!
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05-13-2016, 02:24 PM
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#178
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Rivet Master
2004 30' Classic
Johnson City
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 591
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Very nice flexible panel install. What brand panels are they, and how did you attach them to the roof?
73/gus
__________________
Gus - KR4K : Mary - K5MCL
2004 30ft. Classic
2017 Infiniti QX80 Limited
ProPride 3P/Prodigy P3
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05-13-2016, 02:45 PM
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#179
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4 Rivet Member
1951 21' Flying Cloud
Sacramento
, California
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 263
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Here's the two 50w flex panels from Renology we have on our '51 FC (fastened w. VHB tape). Still in the middle of the resto, so haven't got any practical experience as yet, but very happy with how the look from ground level (not visible). Keeps the original lines of the rig intact.
We're also adding a plug for portable panels for more juice when boondocking. Both the portables and the roof panels are hooked to a marine battery selector switch to disconnect one when the other is in use.
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05-13-2016, 03:33 PM
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#180
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Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
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Quote:
Originally Posted by calais66
Here's the two 50w flex panels from Renology we have on our '51 FC (fastened w. VHB tape). Still in the middle of the resto, so haven't got any practical experience as yet, but very happy with how the look from ground level (not visible). Keeps the original lines of the rig intact. Attachment 262445
We're also adding a plug for portable panels for more juice when boondocking. Both the portables and the roof panels are hooked to a marine battery selector switch to disconnect one when the other is in use.
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Have you spoken with Renogy about their flex panel recall? I was all set to buy several of their flex panels until they stopped selling them. They are working on new flex panels. I ended up with their 100 watt suitcase for the time being.
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
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