What @e9999 said.
I don't have data on actual Lensun performance vs what they state, but from a durability aspect, it held up.
Solar Battery Tenders (1 Viewer)
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I don't have data on actual Lensun performance vs what they state, but from a durability aspect, it held up.
Would amorphous panels make a difference? I'm pretty sure they have better low-light, light angle performance than monochrystaline.
I put one of the 25w amorphous panels from Harbor Freight (Thunderbolt kit) on my trailer and ran the connection to the battery thru the Harbor Freight Thunderbolt MPPT controller. So far (6 months later), it's been excellent at keeping the battery (NAPA Legend75 Series 49 lead acid) charged up even in low light conditions.
I'm considering adding solar to my LX. It's parked outside all day and the fridge is in there. The battery in the truck is a NAPA Legend75 Series 49 AGM. It can run the fridge for 2 days comfortably, but gets pretty low. At home, I plug in my NOCO Genius5 battery charger every few days to top off the battery. My 100amp alternator doesn't do a great job keeping the AGM topped off. I just don't think there is enough current to handle the battery. So my thought is to use solar to supplement the alternator charging and handle "engine-off" maintenance when parked. Was thinking of using the HQST 100W mono panel off Amazon (has good reviews)....https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018BMGTTO/?coliid=I2F40UPC0JRUHP&colid=172JLLF32YYWG&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it and pair with an MPPT controller (mounted in the cap to avoid engine bay heat). Was thinking of a fancy Redarc BCDC1225D, but that's really more suitable for dual battery setups as I understand it. I'd mount the panel to my Gamiviti roof rack. If I'm not mistaken, MPPT is a much better (more efficient) option than using a PWM controller.
What would be the difference between a good MPPT controller and the battery minder (https://www.batteryminders.com/12-volt-solar-battery-charger-SCC-180)? Is one superior to the other?
My impression is that these reported/alleged variations between panels of the same type when it comes to low sun elevation angle are a bit of a red herring. I don't think those are large effects -if any at all. And would be hard to measure accurately with good instruments under good test conditions, so anything less rigorous is probably pure guessing. It is possible that different panels may have different anti-reflection coatings that would make a difference at low sun elevation but that is when the energy production is also small on an absolute basis so I doubt it makes any significant difference in real terms. Other effects such as orientation, cleanliness of the panel, etc likely make a much bigger difference, I think. So I would not use such alleged variations as a basis for purchase. But I would be interested in learning otherwise.
The other day, my panels were visibly dirty with dust and dirt, but not dramatically so. Nothing outlandish, just normal been outside for a couple of weeks dirty. Like you could easily see the cells. I cleaned the glass and got something like 5% (maybe a bit more, I forgot) more power out of them immediately, everything else about the same.
As to the discussion about "flexible" panels, if you are talking about Silicon cells, you have the fundamental problem that the silicon slices have to be inordinately thin to show even a modicum of bendability, which is definitely not good for durability. Maybe OK if you are planning to keep them for a couple of years, and treat them very gingerly during that time, but I would not count on them lasting anywhere as long as a rigid panel. I would not go that route personally, unless there is a serious constraint that makes this unavoidable.
The other day, my panels were visibly dirty with dust and dirt, but not dramatically so. Nothing outlandish, just normal been outside for a couple of weeks dirty. Like you could easily see the cells. I cleaned the glass and got something like 5% (maybe a bit more, I forgot) more power out of them immediately, everything else about the same.
As to the discussion about "flexible" panels, if you are talking about Silicon cells, you have the fundamental problem that the silicon slices have to be inordinately thin to show even a modicum of bendability, which is definitely not good for durability. Maybe OK if you are planning to keep them for a couple of years, and treat them very gingerly during that time, but I would not count on them lasting anywhere as long as a rigid panel. I would not go that route personally, unless there is a serious constraint that makes this unavoidable.
I've used these flexible panels in marine applications and have always heard of there extreme durability. I'm planning to pick up their 110W for our camping set up.
For bonus points, I believe Toyota uses SunPower panels on their buildings.
us.sunpower.com
For bonus points, I believe Toyota uses SunPower panels on their buildings.
SunPower Flexible Solar Panels
Solar panels are not just for your roof. Buy portable SunPower flexible solar panels to power your next adventure.
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What's a "solar battery"?
@CORunner excellent setup here. I want to go this exact route - do you need any specific connections to attach a Lensun panel into the BatteryMinder controller? Thanks!Here is my setup. Similar idea, but I went a more permanent route.
Back story, I have to park my Cruiser on the street (with lift and RTT, doesn't fit in the garage and don't have a driveway). Not my daily driver, so can be a few weeks at a time where I don't drive it. Have a dual battery setup and when I could park in the garage I would connect it to a CTeck.
Parking on the street, I wanted a setup that would keep the batteries maintained. Went the route of a flexible solar panel and a BatteryMINDer (it is a combo solar charge, maintainer, desulfator). Panel is a 65W Lensun brand off Amazon.
This is just to maintain the battery while it is parked.
When we camp, I use a 160W folding solar panel (with its own controller) to keep the batteries charged up.
Don't have that Land Cruiser anymore. From what I remember the wires coming off the Lensun panel have MC4 connectors. The BatteryMinder didn't have connectors. Just screw downs for bare wire.
I have one of these on my carhaul trailer's battery box to keep the winch battery happy. It has been on there a year and has worked great.
SUNER POWER 20W 12V Solar Battery... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y5TKMZ4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I have two of these mounted on my leanto. One for my old farm truck and one for my Kubota.
SUNER POWER 12V Solar Battery... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082X5M3BB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Also working.
SUNER POWER 20W 12V Solar Battery... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y5TKMZ4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I have two of these mounted on my leanto. One for my old farm truck and one for my Kubota.
SUNER POWER 12V Solar Battery... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082X5M3BB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Also working.
