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OK, I guess I'm not anti-solar. More appropriately it's just never been something I've needed. I've always had a dual battery system, fairly low power supply needs when not running (fridge, minor lights at night, phone/gps charger, etc). I think the biggest factor is I don't often stop and camp out for more than 3-4 days at a time rather we are usually driving on a daily basis so the dual battery system does all the heavy lifting.
But, I'm ready or at least I think I am. I'm running into a couple of issues the main one is the vehicles just sitting, sometimes for weeks or months at a time. Nothing is running, fridge is unplugged, etc Radio's have memory, battery's have losses, etc. I've been pretty good about keeping them on trickle chargers and the Nat Luna system will charge both batteries with a single charger so it isn't a huge deal. Issue #2 is camping for more than a few days and not wanting to run the vehicle for extended periods just to get a somewhat superficial charge. So, I've started looking at a panel that would accommodate my wants/needs all while being fairly robust and easily transportable, i.e. not fixed to a roof-rack. I've read through many of the links in the FAQ and there was some great general info but much of is it quite dated and solar panel technology seems to be improving pretty fast no?
So, I'm really looking for a recommendation for a solar panel and charge controller (the two integrated would be killer) that can have a pair of alligator clips on the end an offer a decent output (50+ Watts too much to ask). I'm seeing some random options on Amazon that look like the might fit the bill?
Hard panel 120W, decent reviews albeit weak legs which I can upgrade easy enough. Not sure it will be easy to transport long-term without damage?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MGLIIQO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A5KU5HDAPDC75
Add these clips and I'm golden:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MEQVJQW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AU5MW0P13QZ5V
I really prefer a fold-able soft panel such as these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVFEBKU/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AU5MW0P13QZ5V
But they have really mediocre output. Totally opposite ends of the spectrum (27W vs 120W) but I think I should emphasize I'm open to any recommendations for what has worked for you? Any suggestions or links I can look at?
But, I'm ready or at least I think I am. I'm running into a couple of issues the main one is the vehicles just sitting, sometimes for weeks or months at a time. Nothing is running, fridge is unplugged, etc Radio's have memory, battery's have losses, etc. I've been pretty good about keeping them on trickle chargers and the Nat Luna system will charge both batteries with a single charger so it isn't a huge deal. Issue #2 is camping for more than a few days and not wanting to run the vehicle for extended periods just to get a somewhat superficial charge. So, I've started looking at a panel that would accommodate my wants/needs all while being fairly robust and easily transportable, i.e. not fixed to a roof-rack. I've read through many of the links in the FAQ and there was some great general info but much of is it quite dated and solar panel technology seems to be improving pretty fast no?
So, I'm really looking for a recommendation for a solar panel and charge controller (the two integrated would be killer) that can have a pair of alligator clips on the end an offer a decent output (50+ Watts too much to ask). I'm seeing some random options on Amazon that look like the might fit the bill?
Hard panel 120W, decent reviews albeit weak legs which I can upgrade easy enough. Not sure it will be easy to transport long-term without damage?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MGLIIQO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A5KU5HDAPDC75
Add these clips and I'm golden:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MEQVJQW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AU5MW0P13QZ5V
I really prefer a fold-able soft panel such as these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVFEBKU/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AU5MW0P13QZ5V
But they have really mediocre output. Totally opposite ends of the spectrum (27W vs 120W) but I think I should emphasize I'm open to any recommendations for what has worked for you? Any suggestions or links I can look at?