Portable Solar Panels

[Fancypantsas]

Does anyone have experience and recommendations for portable solar panels?

[alano]

Take a look at Zamp Solar. They have a complete range of products. Airstream even added their Solar Port connector in 2017 models to make the connection simpler.

[dbj216]

Airstream Life has just tested and stocked these portable solar panels in their on line store. The purpose of these panels is battery charging on sunny days. Don't think for a minute you can run your air conditioner with them.

Another recommendation for your consideration.

http://store.airstreamlife.com/searc...q=solar+panels


David

[AWCHIEF]

Personal opinion based on ownership and use. For the best quality and value check out Renogy.

http://www.renogy.com

[TheCabin]

I have the portable 200W ZAMP. The two panels are ok; they are as good as any and the controller is a good multistage. I purchased mine just as the controller was updated to something that is easier to read so I have the old that is difficult to see in bright sun, which is what you want when using the system to maximize the power collection. They allow me to have the trailer in the shade and the panels in the sun. When traveling I try to place the package where it will do the best weight balancing.

[Wayne&Sam]

I'm traveling for the dirt time with a Renogy 100 panel. I expect to try it in the next few days and will report back. We are very conservative with our power use when dry camping.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[Trailbob]

I went through this last year, and eventually bought the 90W folding panel from Overlandsolar.com. The decision for me came down to storage size when traveling. The Overland panels fold into thirds and had a nice case for storage, which worked well in our situation. Our AS and truck mounted camper both have roof mounted solar panels, and have external Anderson connectors wired to the camper and AS mounted solar controller. The portable panel is an addition for when park in the shade, or need extra power, etc.

I liked the Overland set up because they wire it so you can easily bypass the panel mounted controller, and run directly from the panels to your trailer (if it has its own controller), to minimize voltage drop. But I would not purchase their 30' extension again, since it is made of 10 ga CCA (copper clad aluminum) speaker wire, not stranded copper. I made my own 30' extension with 8 ga marine duplex, and cut the 10ga CCA extension into shorter lengths for other projects.

Based on my research, there were many people that were happy with the Renogy 100w panel and it appears to be a good value. It was a very close second choice, and likely would have worked just as well as the Overland panels.

[centennialman]

I agree with Michael and am happy with my Renogy panels. They charge up the batteries well and are easy to set up and take down.

[LiLNomad]

Using the Zamp 120 for my 25ft. Portable, easy, folds up in its own carry case. Love it.
LilNomad