Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 02-24-2016, 06:05 AM   #161
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples , Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_3692.JPG
Views:	169
Size:	108.4 KB
ID:	257776  
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
lewster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-24-2016, 09:10 AM   #162
2020 Classic 33
 
Box Elder , South Dakota
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,731
Images: 1
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
ghaynes755 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-24-2016, 10:22 AM   #163
Rivet Master
 
Keyair's Avatar
 
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch , California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
Images: 1
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...
Keyair is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2016, 06:05 AM   #164
Rivet Master
 
gklott's Avatar
 
2004 30' Classic
Johnson City , Texas
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 591
Images: 86
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
gklott is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2016, 07:18 AM   #165
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples , Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
Quote:
Originally Posted by gklott View Post
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
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
lewster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2016, 08:11 AM   #166
Rivet Master
 
gklott's Avatar
 
2004 30' Classic
Johnson City , Texas
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 591
Images: 86
Thanks. Any other differences in packaging, etc between the two? Cannot discern much difference in the tech specs.
gklott is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2016, 12:47 PM   #167
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples , Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
Quote:
Originally Posted by gklott View Post
Thanks. Any other differences in packaging, etc between the two? Cannot discern much difference in the tech specs.

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
lewster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2016, 11:08 PM   #168
Rivet Master
 
switz's Avatar

 
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction , Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,214
Images: 9
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
switz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2016, 09:42 AM   #169
Rivet Master
 
gandttimes's Avatar
 
2014 25' FB International
2007 20' Safari SE
2005 19' Safari
Qualicum Beach , British Columbia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,096
Quote:
Originally Posted by switz View Post
Not everyone has had positive experiences with the "flexible" panels regardless of brand.
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
gandttimes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2016, 01:41 PM   #170
Rivet Master
 
Keyair's Avatar
 
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch , California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
Images: 1
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!
Keyair is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2016, 01:59 PM   #171
Rivet Master
 
gandttimes's Avatar
 
2014 25' FB International
2007 20' Safari SE
2005 19' Safari
Qualicum Beach , British Columbia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,096
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keyair View Post
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!
Exactly. What I said. That's why I subscribed.


George
gandttimes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2016, 10:48 AM   #172
4 Rivet Member
Commercial Member
 
acstokes's Avatar
 
2009 30' Classic
Melbourne, FL , Searsport, ME
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 309
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.
__________________
Fred Stokes
RV Rearview Camera Systems, LLC
WBCCI #2810
acstokes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2016, 10:50 AM   #173
2 Rivet Member
 
LifeIsRiveting's Avatar
 
1976 25' Caravanner
Kansas City , Kansas
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 52
Thanks for the report acstokes, just what the people wanted!
__________________
Follow our shell-off renovation on Instagram @LifeIsRiveting
LifeIsRiveting is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2016, 10:52 AM   #174
2 Rivet Member
 
LifeIsRiveting's Avatar
 
1976 25' Caravanner
Kansas City , Kansas
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 52
Oh, and what size are your batteries? Thanks!
__________________
Follow our shell-off renovation on Instagram @LifeIsRiveting
LifeIsRiveting is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2016, 11:00 AM   #175
Rivet Master
 
Keyair's Avatar
 
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch , California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
Images: 1
Thanks ACStokes,
Can you post some pics of your install please????
Keyair is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2016, 11:19 AM   #176
4 Rivet Member
Commercial Member
 
acstokes's Avatar
 
2009 30' Classic
Melbourne, FL , Searsport, ME
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 309
Quote:
Oh, and what size are your batteries? Thanks!
Quote:
Thanks ACStokes,
Can you post some pics of your install please????
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.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1298.jpg
Views:	163
Size:	340.9 KB
ID:	262435   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1300.jpg
Views:	141
Size:	256.4 KB
ID:	262436  

__________________
Fred Stokes
RV Rearview Camera Systems, LLC
WBCCI #2810
acstokes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2016, 12:53 PM   #177
Rivet Master
 
Keyair's Avatar
 
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch , California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
Images: 1
Very nice!
Thanks for posting that!
Keyair is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2016, 02:24 PM   #178
Rivet Master
 
gklott's Avatar
 
2004 30' Classic
Johnson City , Texas
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 591
Images: 86
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
gklott is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2016, 02:45 PM   #179
4 Rivet Member
 
calais66's Avatar
 
1951 21' Flying Cloud
Sacramento , California
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 263
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. Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1463172169.062766.jpg
Views:	173
Size:	236.5 KB
ID:	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.
calais66 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2016, 03:33 PM   #180
Rivet Master
 
AWCHIEF's Avatar
 
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi , Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
Images: 33
Quote:
Originally Posted by calais66 View Post
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.

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."
AWCHIEF is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:15 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.