I have 180 watts installed flat rooftop. This is great for "top off" as you are travelling down the road and will easily handle my requirements during the summer in the southwest. However, my highest requirements occur in the winter. Even in the southwest, the sun angle limits the effectivity of the flat mounted panels. At best I get a "real world" gain of 20 to 25 A-hr.
So as I was planning an Alaska trip and new that this situation would only get worse, I bought a Zamp 120 watt portable panel from Solardealz. I bought it less the controller and wired it through a quick connect into the Sportsmobile installed Zamp 30 Amp controller. I found this essential for summer travel to northern latitudes.
But even more important, I can now deploy the portable panel during the winter in the southwest and expect a gain of 40 to 50 A-hr total from the system. The 120 watt portable returns as much as the 180 watt panels mounted flat.
In my mind, a well balanced design should have both.
Just my experience... JIM
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The Mercury
-light of the morning, looking for shelter in this thunder and this rain
2012 SMB Sprinter, 2500 EB Tall, Brilliant Silver Metalic
12vdc no inverter, 180 w Permanent Solar, 120 w Portable Solar
Queen platform bed
(Delivery Taken 7/23/12) NM 31357RVB
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