Portable vs. Fixed panels

[Oswegatchie]

This is my first posting on this great site. A question I have been wondering about for a while now while researching solar possibilities. Why are the stationary panels that are used on the roofs not utilized for portable use, like the Renogy suitcase panels are? It seems that they are much less expensive on a per-watt basis and could be adapted for portable use with some hardware built onto them for tilting and moving around. Am I missing something as to why these are not used? At least I don't think I have read anybody using them portably on this site. Any feedback on this would be most helpful as we are getting ready to take the solar purchasing plunge soon. Thanks!

 

[jimindenver]

Ive used the larger 24v panels portable for years. The issue is where to put them and moving around the 50 pound panel. I use C-clamps and pine slates as support for one or two panels. Last year I used three and left them laid flat on supports for ventilation. Eventually I will mount them and the a panel on my truck that will tilt. That way I can turn the truck once in a while as the day goes on and keep that panel tracking the sun.

The good side to portables is being able to leave the rig in the shade and the panel in the sun. You can track the sun from morning to night and get peak power the whole time.

The downside is they can walk away. (why mine will be on the truck) It gets to be a pain turning them. Mine fill up the walk way so overnight stops suck. They don't charge while traveling.

Personally I like a mixture of both. My portable can out pace the flat for hours in the morning and late afternoon.

 

[Oswegatchie]

Ive used the larger 24v panels portable for years. The issue is where to put them and moving around the 50 pound panel. I use C-clamps and pine slates as support for one or two panels. Last year I used three and left them laid flat on supports for ventilation. Eventually I will mount them and the a panel on my truck that will tilt. That way I can turn the truck once in a while as the day goes on and keep that panel tracking the sun.

The good side to portables is being able to leave the rig in the shade and the panel in the sun. You can track the sun from morning to night and get peak power the whole time.

The downside is they can walk away. (why mine will be on the truck) It gets to be a pain turning them. Mine fill up the walk way so overnight stops suck. They don't charge while traveling.

Personally I like a mixture of both. My portable can out pace the flat for hours in the morning and late afternoon.

 

[Oswegatchie]

Thanks for the info on your experience. I wasn't aware that the permanent ones weighed so much. I believe the portable 100w Renogy panels are less than half that weight of 50lbs. We have 100W that came standard on our Lance 1172 truck camper and are looking to augment it with about 100-200 portable. It looks like you have to purchase the Renogy portables in increments of 100W since i can't find any larger options.

 

[highdesertranger]

people use the grid tie panels all the time. but you need a MPPT controller. and yes they are heavier mainly because they are higher wattage as well as higher voltage. highdesertranger

 

[highdesertranger]

oh by the way I just noticed you are a new member so, Welcome Oswegatchie to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you. highdesertranger

 

[jimindenver]

Thanks for the info on your experience. I wasn't aware that the permanent ones weighed so much. I believe the portable 100w Renogy panels are less than half that weight of 50lbs. We have 100W that came standard on our Lance 1172 truck camper and are looking to augment it with about 100-200 portable. It looks like you have to purchase the Renogy portables in increments of 100W since i can't find any larger options.

Most any panel can be mounted or used portable. Smaller panels are easier to use portable for their weight and ease of storage. That said, one of my 250w panels weighs less than two 100w panels and cost considerably less too. It's a trade off.

 

[flying kurbmaster]

i have one portable panel and 2 fixed, I haven't used the portable all summer, I have moved it around a fair amount, I will likley get rid of it, or set it up on another vehicle as a permanent, I think it is a pain in the ass to deal with, store, set up etc. I know it is not a big deal but it is just one more thing to do before taking off, I like to have things set up that all I have to do is store a few dishes and leave.

 

[Oswegatchie]

Most any panel can be mounted or used portable. Smaller panels are easier to use portable for their weight and ease of storage. That said, one of my 250w panels weighs less than two 100w panels and cost considerably less too. It's a trade off.

From everything I have read so far, it is not advisable to mix different wattages of panels. If I have a 100w fixed on the roof and go with a single 200w for the portable, is that doable?

 

[Oswegatchie]

Is it possible to mix and match them if they have separate controllers?

 

[highdesertranger]

I have mixed wattage panels on the same controller, they are all 12v panels. what you need to be aware of is different voltages you can't mix a 12v panel with a 48v panel. I have never tried it but I heard you can run different voltage panels if you run them on separate controllers. maybe someone with some experience with this will chime in. highdesertranger

 

[jimindenver]

yes

 

[blars]

When mixing panels in parrallel, the VMP should be as close as possible. (Series, it would be IMP.) I've got panels from the same manufacturer in different sizes and shapes to fill my roof.

 

[flying kurbmaster]

from what I understand if you mix them on the same controller, you will only get the lowest watt panel production from the larger panels, it is not very efficient but sometimes that does not matter.

 

[GrayWhale]

So which is better, portable or fixed solar panels if you can only have 100w to 200w only.

Fixed, then you'd have to park in the sun a lot, where you're getting roasted all the time by the sun.

Portable, seems to be a pain to keep having to setup and put away daily. Then there's the problem of theft and loss of stealth.

 

[highdesertranger]

I have a 12v 15watt panel permently installed on my rack mainly for battery maintenance. I also have 2 80 watt 12v portable panels that I hook up to the same controller for when I stop and set up camp. works fine. highdesertranger

 

[jimindenver]

I don't know the shipping on these but it's a good price.

https://www.solarblvd.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_25_42&products_id=2965

 

[Van Lady]

I don't know the shipping on these but it's a good price.

https://www.solarblvd.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_25_42&products_id=2965

Jim,
I really like the price and 160 size of the suitcase. Are these solar suitcase panels mono or poly? Is the controller a PWM?
From reading posts I thought I should get mono panels and a MPPT controller to get the most efficient charge.
Does the size and price over ride that need?
Thoughts????


Van_Lady

 

[GrayWhale]

I don't know the shipping on these but it's a good price.

https://www.solarblvd.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_25_42&products_id=2965

$24 shipped to the East Coast using Fed Ex 4 days.  Just add it to cart and get shipping charges.

 

[jimindenver]

I don't see Poly or mono but with a VOC of 21v I would think poly which I have found better for our use. A Mppt controller at this level would not provide the increase in production for the increase in price it would cause.