flexible solar panels

[Woody.303]

Yall,

I am intrigued by the idea of using solar panels in my Airstream. This is on my must-have list, but will have to wait until after the interior gets remodeled.

I recently had the opportunity to do some bid work in the Toledo, Ohio area and found out about a great little company up there making flexible solar panels. (One could potentially drape the panels over the top of the camper and down the walls a bit, for a nice flush look.) The company was founded on research done at the University of Toledo. The company is called Xunlight.

Xunlight Corporation

I don't know if anybody has tried these panels or not, and don't know if they would work in an RV application. However, I did get to work with some of the people at the company. It was a great experience, and very friendly folks.

If anybody is interested, ask for Jim Young.

I'd like to know more about these products if anybody has had experience, or is willing to try it out.

Woody

[Gene]

I think, maybe, they don't produce nearly as much electricity as the silicone panels now commonly used. They are good for uses that aren't in a permanent location.

Gene

[ROBERT CROSS]

Have had these for three seasons now. 30w, pretty simple, roll-up storage. Attach with suction cups, keeps the batteries charged up during storage, and help maintain them while boon-docking.

[3 Dog Nite]

It's OK to wait till after the interior remod to get solar panels. Just do your homework 1st. Find out what panels you'll want & where they will go. It's easier to run the electrical lines during the remodel. That way they'll be in place & you won't have take the new interior apart to run them. This will save lots of time & cash down the road. Your solar panel install can wait as long as it takes till you have permission from your wallet or better half.

Ricky

[VIKING]

I saw a similar product in Mother Earth News about a year ago. The ones they highlighted were on a self-adhesive metal backer and they were applying it on a standing-seam galvanized metal roof. I am very intrigued by this. They are probably way more durable than traditional glass panel type solar. Also, they didn't have the typical solar pattern on them, they were more Airstream-like than these appear to be.

[malimish]

I have the exact same solar panels. 2x5 and 1x20. Haven't thought about using them on the airstream because i didnt know what the best way is to mount them and connect them. Can you describe how yours are set up and how much realistic recharge you get when boondocking?

I am assuming a good amount of power conservation is required to keep it going but how much?

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Have had these for three seasons now. 30w, pretty simple, roll-up storage. Attach with suction cups, keeps the batteries charged up during storage, and help maintain them while boon-docking.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Very basic, it charges 1.8 amps@17v. Using the IPC 30w charge controller. Usually when boon-docking for more than three days I set them out on the roof over the rear window. Charge wire running thru the left side window channel, hole drilled below the lift support, quick connector left behind window when not in use. It gets plugged into the rear 12v plug. I have never had the Interstates get below 12.2v.

We do watch our 12v consumption closely.
I have no qualms about running the generator when needed, usually while preparing dinner approximately 1 hr per day.

They are most useful in keeping the things charged between trips, no need to plug in at all, no worry of boil over. This our 4th Season on the Interstates.

suctioncups.ws - Type Hooks