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08-06-2011, 03:02 AM
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#1
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GaRoc
2011 27 FB International
Dawsonville
, Georgia
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 30
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What solar panels to buy?
I wish to purchase a portable solar panel - not one installed on the roof. I have 2 batteries and my 27 FB is generator ready with the external plug installed.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
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08-06-2011, 06:58 AM
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#2
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4 Rivet Member 
1977 25' Tradewind
Waskesiu Lake
, Saskatchewan
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 394
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These are what I ordered.
RV Solar Kits : WeGo Solar, Wind and Microhydro for Canada
You could order 2 panels to get 200+ watts if you need extra power. 125 is all we need for our use. I'm simply making a frame to mount the panel to so it can sit on the ground.
__________________
Every home needs a dog, and every dog needs a home. 
1977 25' Tradewind (with two  ... three... FOUR  dogs)
2011 Ram 1500 Quad cab, 5.7 Hemi, tow pkg.
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08-06-2011, 07:22 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master  Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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Portable solar
AM Solar is currently in the final stages of developing a quality 200 watt portable solar charging system that will be tripod mounted and have a fully integrated 15 amp MPPT charge controller.
This system will be using AM Solar's GS-100 high efficiency 100 watt panels to keep the overall size and weight at a minimum. These panels measure approx. 20" X 40" and weigh only 14.5 lbs.
I will keep the Forum advised on the availability of this new system. 
This photo of the prototype was taken at 'The Rally' that recently concluded in Redmond, OR.
__________________
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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08-06-2011, 09:03 AM
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#4
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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Thanks Lew... now that's something I could live with.
Keep this Old Fart off the roof as much as possible.
Will be watching!!
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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08-06-2011, 09:13 AM
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#5
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Ready-to-Travel
2012 30' International
Walkerton
, Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,168
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The thing I hate about portable units is their ability to become alive and walk away. Like Transformers.
Well, maybe not exactly, but easy to be gone, nonetheless.
Pat
__________________
--------------------------------------
Somebody, please, point me to the road.
AIR 3987
TAC VA-2
WBCCI 4596
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08-06-2011, 08:26 PM
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#6
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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 pmclemore
The thing I hate about portable units is their ability to become alive and walk away. Like Transformers.
Well, maybe not exactly, but easy to be gone, nonetheless.
Pat
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There will be a security feature included with this system that 'discourages' casual theft. The professional thief will always find a way to take what they want, regardless of security measures. 
__________________
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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08-06-2011, 08:56 PM
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#7
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3 Rivet Member 
2014 25' Flying Cloud
San Luis Obispo
, California
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 104
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I recently purchased these from CEA Solar:
http://www.shop.rvsolarnow.com/120-w...SLP120F-12.htm
Jim Mannett with CEA Solar was great to with for the purchase and delivery.
For our month long trip this summer, they worked great with my 20 ft. Flying cloud. Having the panels in an aluminum case for transport was a plus.
Another alternative.
__________________
2014 Flying Cloud - 25' RB
2016 Tundra
Air# 42643; WBCCI# 3884
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08-07-2011, 09:36 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
Southwestern
, Ohio
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,671
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lewster
There will be a security feature included with this system that 'discourages' casual theft.
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How about a Model T Ford coil?
.
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08-07-2011, 09:52 PM
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#9
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2 Rivet Member 
1975 25' Tradewind
Reno
, Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 65
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Man, you guys are *rich*...
Take a look at Harbor Freight for a cheap (albeit temporary solution)...45 watts $199.99 goes on sale all the time for $149.99...you can ALWAYS get 20% off either price...
http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt...kit-90599.html
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08-11-2011, 01:59 PM
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#10
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4 Rivet Member
2004 28' International CCD
Birmingham
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 323
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by onemanclan
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A children's riding toy and a 2011 Mercedes four door sedan both roll ... but they aren't the same.
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08-11-2011, 11:00 PM
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#11
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2 Rivet Member
1975 25' Tradewind
Reno
, Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 65
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by UAPachyderm
A children's riding toy and a 2011 Mercedes four door sedan both roll ... but they aren't the same.
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Stating the obvious is always helpful! Thanks! Most people post to forums to hear ALL their options, not just the best...if not, I'd be driving a Mercedes too. Oh, wait no I wouldn't...it wouldn't tow my 'stream. Cheers.
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08-12-2011, 05:19 AM
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#12
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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First....rationalize the reasons you want/need.
Then.... find that feel good solution.
For me I never got past the rationalize/cheep...
Whatever flotes 'yer duckie....
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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08-12-2011, 05:39 AM
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#13
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4 Rivet Member
2004 28' International CCD
Birmingham
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 323
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by onemanclan
Stating the obvious is always helpful! Thanks! Most people post to forums to hear ALL their options, not just the best...if not, I'd be driving a Mercedes too. Oh, wait no I wouldn't...it wouldn't tow my 'stream. Cheers.
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Yes, please forgive my attempt at humor. You are right ... it is always best to know your need and all the solution options available for that need. It just really "jumped out" at me that the two 100w 20"x40" panels and controller setup by AM Solar appears to be of a VERY different quality and capability compared to Harbor Freight's.
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08-12-2011, 05:46 AM
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#14
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2 Rivet Member
1965 26' Overlander
1972 21' Globetrotter
Arlington
, Tennessee
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 64
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Just back from 11 state 5800 mile odessey, got good service from 45 watt harbor freight light kit mounted on a sheet of plywood on ladder rack of TV.
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08-14-2011, 09:24 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master
1957 22' Caravanner
1960 26' Overlander
1963 24' Tradewind
El Paso
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 945
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I've thought about trying the harbor freight solar panels out but I wonder about the quality and what kind of life I would get out of them.I prefer quality and only having to buy something one time and getting good use from it, Just wondering!
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08-14-2011, 10:04 AM
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#16
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More than one rivet loose
Currently Looking...
Los Alamos
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,756
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GaRoc
I wish to purchase a portable solar panel - not one installed on the roof. I have 2 batteries and my 27 FB is generator ready with the external plug installed.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
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I have four panels on top of my 31 Classic. 52*2 from the factory and 80*2 BP 264 watts total. These panels also shade the top of the trailer.
I like the shade.
__________________
Michelle TAC MT-0
Sarah, Snowball 
Looking for a 1962 Flying Cloud
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08-14-2011, 07:35 PM
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#17
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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 desertair27
I've thought about trying the harbor freight solar panels out but I wonder about the quality and what kind of life I would get out of them.I prefer quality and only having to buy something one time and getting good use from it, Just wondering!
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YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!
A quote that I saw a long while ago still sticks in my mind................... " The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten"
__________________
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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08-14-2011, 08:03 PM
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#18
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2 Rivet Member
1975 25' Tradewind
Reno
, Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 65
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by desertair27
I've thought about trying the harbor freight solar panels out but I wonder about the quality and what kind of life I would get out of them.I prefer quality and only having to buy something one time and getting good use from it, Just wondering!
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I think preferring quality and desiring long life from our purchases is a universal trait...everyone reading this thread would surely prefer the solar panels in the $600-$800 range. Reality sometimes dictates a more affordable alternative. I'd prefer a brand new Airstream instead of the 36 year old one I've got. I guess I could take a 2nd out on my house to get one...the reality is that I want to retire someday!
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08-14-2011, 08:13 PM
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#19
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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$600-$800 range surely you jest!!!
I paid $350 for 30W of flexible power...just to keep things going on the pad.
Anyone want to volunteer what their 200W+...$$$$$
How much Sun will you have to suck before....never mind.
Reality Bites
ad sulum suss own
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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08-14-2011, 08:17 PM
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#20
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Rivet Master
1978 31' Sovereign
Oakley
, California
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,197
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Costco is selling a 55 watt solar system by Coleman for under $300
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