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Old 02-01-2016, 10:58 AM   #1
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"suitcase solar" any experience?

I'm looking at this unit.
http://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Watts-M...H5KMH45G5NA22R

Anyone have any experience with it? or something similar?

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Old 02-01-2016, 12:09 PM   #2
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Lots of info on these in this thread from expo. 100W Portable kit on ebay - Expedition Portal

The later pages talks about the Renogy kit you linked. I've had that same kit in my "wish list" for a while now, but I think hard mounted solar will be the way to go for me when I get a top installed.
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Old 02-01-2016, 12:29 PM   #3
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[QUOTE=mikracer;..... I think hard mounted solar will be the way to go for me when I get a top installed.[/QUOTE]

If you can do hard mounted and near 300 watts, you will be pretty satisfied. Of course, depends on the electrical draws you anticipate.

Remember, 300 watts on a perfect SUMMER day gets you around 22 amps per hour flowing towards the batteries for about 5.5 hours, so a bit over 100 amps. Subtract usage during the day and draw down over night. Factor in shade, over cast, etc. Then start thinking winter time where a perfect sunny day gets you about 4 hrs x maybe 16 amps per hour.

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Old 02-01-2016, 05:10 PM   #4
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Picked up the Overland Solar kit this summer after chatting with them at the Expo earlier this spring and I've been super impressed with the construction, attention to details etc... used it a handful of times so far and no complaints.
Went with the mid sized kit as i will be adding roof mounted panels too. Camp too much in a shady nooks during the summer months and i wanted the portable unit to compliment the roof panels...
Portable Solar Panels for RV/Boat/Off Grid – Overland Solar
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Old 02-01-2016, 08:54 PM   #5
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My dad has the renology 100 watt solar suitcase. No complaints from him. In my experience 100 watt panels generally don't produce more than 5-6 amps, and this is what his produced in full sun, tilted toward the sun in 70 degree weather.

It is convenient if you park in the shade, but having roof mounted solar is much easier and more convenient for me personally.
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Old 02-02-2016, 08:28 AM   #6
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I also have the Overland Solar 90w kit and I am very happy with it. At some point I will do a permanent roof mounted system like Alta825 is planning. Both systems have there advantages.
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Old 02-02-2016, 11:24 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brianjwilson View Post
In my experience 100 watt panels generally don't produce more than 5-6 amps, and this is what his produced in full sun, tilted toward the sun in 70 degree weather
That's exactly my experience. The manufacturer told me the full rated output only occurs under labratory conditions. They admitted I'll never see 100W under any real world conditions, so crank that into your calculations when planning your install.
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Old 02-03-2016, 09:27 AM   #8
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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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