Too Much Solar?

[Belinda2]

Since it works for little panels has anyone ever tried to use portable solar panels inside the vehicle to charge, like on the front dash so they are not stolen?

 

[LostlnTransit]

My 2 Cents worth on this topic..

As of this morning.. We're taking a brand new approach to our 2015 Transit Connect.. In the beginning and this still holds true.. we wanted an expedition vehicle.. but when my wife asked that I make her jelly toast this morning.. One look at the T-Fal toaster and I knew right away..

Perfect.. We will coat the top with that silver /chrome tape then add two rows of solar panels.. *Bam* introducing our "Toaster Van"

 

[LeeRevell]

I have seen mention of the smaller solar panels being used on the dash, but the light level can be reduced coming through the glass while heat level can get quite high. Also, a thief may just bust out a side window to help himself to the juicy gadget sitting there.

 

[Belinda2]

Humm, good point Lee. I can't really bolt it down because it has to be removable on the dash. I guess that solves this issue. Also, do you think that the heat in the car could hurt the panel?

 

[highdesertranger]

I won't hurt it, but it will greatly reduce the output. highdesertranger

 

[AuricTech]

To the original poster: one thing you do not want is a toaster oven.  There are few things more destructive to battery life than trying to use 12V current to create heat.  That 1000W VAC toaster oven will have a 12VDC Amp draw of around 80 Amps.  More than a few minutes of that and, in the immortal (and certainly NSFW!  :s ) words of Private Hudson, it's "game over, man, it's game over" for your battery bank.

 

[ZoNiE]

Seems that about 2X the Panel Wattage of AH on the batteries seems to be a good number. ie. 400W panels, 200AH Batteries. It's what I have roughly, as did someone else. I get about the same charge rates.

 

[jimindenver]

The only way too much solar can damage a battery is if it is producing a charge rate too high. AGM's can take a really high charge rate and even my full 750w system on the ground tracking the sun can only produce 50-55 amps or so. Mounted flat it will start with a very gentle rate as the sun comes up and because of the way we use our system, it will be in float long before we start seeing peak amps. Generally we use very little battery power and that's only at night. The rest of the time our solar is a micro generator that covers our day time needs and keeps the batteries in float. The batteries do cover what the system can while using the microwave, coffee pot of hair dryer but those are short term loads and what isn't covered is replaced quickly.

 

[LostlnTransit]

Late Follow Up:

Again trying to find somewhere I can fit in. I was searching for some of my old post just to keep my blog active. I noticed that vandwellers has a store tab and decided to check it out.. About 1/4 the way down I spotted this:

Now that's what I'm talking about! Flexi-solar sheets on top of our Toaster van.

 

[jimindenver]

Are those Uni-Solar strips? Those are great but their disadvantage is what creates the advantage. They take up much more room for the wattage but they also produce in lower light levels than anything else.

 

[akrvbob]

The Uni-solar are great but they re out of business and those panels are gone.
Bob

 

[LoupGarou]

These guys have a good write-up on their solar power setup.
http://www.technomadia.com/2014/11/zephyr-is-solar-powered-800-watt-rv-bus-roof-solar-install/

They tested some flexable panels and posted their findings.