A couple of solar panels going £120 cheap(er)

[Grim Reaper]

I used an XT60 plug on the end of the 2 core cable attached to the panel so I can get it through the small hole with a grommet through the van metal roof right at the back of the sleeping area up top, then have a XT60 to MC4 adapter and have solar cable running through the van to the charge controller under the passenger seat.

 

[RunDSG]

I used an XT60 plug on the end of the 2 core cable attached to the panel so I can get it through the small hole with a grommet through the van metal roof right at the back of the sleeping area up top, then have a XT60 to MC4 adapter and have solar cable running through the van to the charge controller under the passenger seat.

Oooh interesting. That’s my next challenge.

 

[Skyliner33]

I used an XT60 plug on the end of the 2 core cable attached to the panel so I can get it through the small hole with a grommet through the van metal roof right at the back of the sleeping area up top, then have a XT60 to MC4 adapter and have solar cable running through the van to the charge controller under the passenger seat.

Interesting, but doesn't the panel come with MC4 connectors? Have you cut those off? I don't get the. benefit of putting that XT60 plug on rather than refitting MC4 connectors after the wire is passed through the hole. Because then you have had to make an adapter cable with XT60 to MC4 connectors, isn't this just adding an extra set of connectors and so an additional point of resistance and possible failure?

 

[Grim Reaper]

It's a large 2 core cable out of the back of the panel, it doesn't come with any connectors fitted. The wire gauge is quite big so the XT60 is an appropriate size, I didn't fit the MC4's directly to the end of the panel cable so I could keep the size of hole in the metalwork down to a size I could get a grommet for and I can remove the cable without needing to remove the connector(s), I think it's a 13mm hole and the XT60 passes through this no problem.

 

[RunDSG]

This matt wrap with air release from MDP appears to be just £12.77 for a 1m length (with 1524mm width).

Am I missing something? This is pretty cheap, right?

 

[Grim Reaper]

That's ex vat (slider at the top) and ex shipping but yes, MDP have some good pricing for vinyl. Their cast vinyl is an equivalent to 3M's 1080 and is more expensive.

 

[PhillH]

Found what appears to be some Photonic Universe 270W semi flexible solar panels cheap (£430) on Wired Campers website 270W Semi Flexible Black Solar Panel - Hidden Junction Box
Photonic Universe's own website has these at £550 12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine
Look like their most recent 9 Busbars panels (the advert is exactly the same for both websites)
I've just bought one so there are only 2 left.
Get in quick if you want one.
I reckon it will perfectly fit widthwise (710mm) on the raised ribs on my Skyline Aurora pop top, length (1900mm) not a problem.

Hi @Grim Reaper was it a genuine photonic universe panel you received? Just wondering how they can sell them cheaper than photonic universe.

Thanks.

 

[Grim Reaper]

The label on the back looks exactly like the one on my last panel that came from photonicuniverse direct, same code on it as the one on their website.

 

[PhillH]

The label on the back looks exactly like the one on my last panel that came from photonicuniverse direct, same code on it as the one on their website.

Thanks mate, that’s great.

 

[RunDSG]

I'll do what I did with the last one, bond it to the three ridges along the length, I have slices of plastic tube cut to the right length to act as supports which will be stuck in appropriate places in the channels, so the panel doesn't sag into the two channels between the ridges, and seal the front edge but not the back. This is the old panel I removed..View attachment 293926

I’m ready for a bonding experience!!

Old panel off. New panel ready. Tube of CT1 primed. Just gotta decide how to support the gaps…

Did you measure roughly 10mm depth between the ridges? Eg. Your bits of pipe are roughly 10mm tall?

 

[RunDSG]

I'll do what I did with the last one, bond it to the three ridges along the length, I have slices of plastic tube cut to the right length to act as supports which will be stuck in appropriate places in the channels, so the panel doesn't sag into the two channels between the ridges, and seal the front edge but not the back. This is the old panel I removed..View attachment 293926

Oh, and did you apply sealant/adhesive to the panel and the place the panel? Or apply to the roof and set down the panel?

 

[Grim Reaper]

I applied to roof/vinyl, then placed the panel on top, this time I'm going to put some type of spacer into the adhesive to make sure I don't squeeze it down too far, like some 3mm thick washers , I think it needs to be a uniform thickness to get the best results from the softness of the sikaflex once it has set. without the spacers the tendency is to press it down and make it too thin a layer behind the panel to allow it to flex.
Yes the slices of tube were about 10mm, just to stop the panel sagging into the low points of the roof.
I drilled acouple of small holes in the tube slices to allow air to expand so it didn't blow out when the panel gets hot.

 

[RunDSG]

I applied to roof/vinyl, then placed the panel on top, this time I'm going to put some type of spacer into the adhesive to make sure I don't squeeze it down too far, like some 3mm thick washers , I think it needs to be a uniform thickness to get the best results from the softness of the sikaflex once it has set. without the spacers the tendency is to press it down and make it too thin a layer behind the panel to allow it to flex.
Yes the slices of tube were about 10mm, just to stop the panel sagging into the low points of the roof.
I drilled acouple of small holes in the tube slices to allow air to expand so it didn't blow out when the panel gets hot.

Yea good idea on the spacer. I made the same error when bonding the tail end of my awning rail. Squeezed it too thin and then didn’t hold up. When I allowed a thicker gap, super strong.

I hear your point on flexibility.

 

[Grim Reaper]

I've been using the panel just in its box this weekend at Volkspower, have seen 200W out of it through my smart shunt into my 100Ah Victron Superpack, battery back to 100% from 36% overnight before 1pm.

 

[RunDSG]

I've been using the panel just in its box this weekend at Volkspower, have seen 200W out of it through my smart shunt into my 100Ah Victron Superpack, battery back to 100% from 36% overnight before 1pm.

I’m so excited to get it fitted.

Have just seen @Dellmassive ‘s Velcro method and it has me thinking…

 

[Dellmassive]

I’m so excited to get it fitted.

Have just seen @Dellmassive ‘s Velcro method and it has me thinking…

Been a few weeks now.

Had extreme heat, and rain with wind.

Plus been up and down motorway for hours.

Then panels perfect and hasn't budged.

I've heard a rumour that there is a bet going on how long my panel will last..... looking good so far @Drive Wayne

.

 

[Skyliner33]

I’m so excited to get it fitted.

Have just seen @Dellmassive ‘s Velcro method and it has me thinking…

For what its worth, I used Velcro on my last van and it didnt move in over 12 months.

 

[Anakin]

For what its worth, I used Velcro on my last van and it didnt move in over 12 months.

..and then flew off and killed four nuns at a bus stop.

 

[RunDSG]

Well, my panel has been on for a couple of weeks now. First real test was Latitude Festival. Facing North-West with patchy sun and cloud (and heavy rain at times), my 100Ah Renogy Lithium reached 100% every day. Fridge running on coldest setting drawing 3-5A (and 30+Ah per day). Charging phones and bricks for the whole campsite…

In best conditions, given that I wasn’t facing the right direction, and that my Aurora is about 15 degree incline when ideal is 35 degrees or so, I got up to 200 watts and at cloudy times I was still getting 50 watts or so.

I’ll think I’ll be able to camp off-grid perpetually three seasons of the year, and come winter, I would be able to stretch 5+ days (though unlikely to stay in one place this long).

Really pleased with the outcome; Victron MPPT is amazing, the panel looks great on this roof, I used Wago connectors inside to connect to previous wiring, and coped with the nerve-racking challenges of bonding and cutting a new hole for the rear junction box!

Thanks for all the advice chums. Let’s now hope for more than 4 years on this one…

 

[ginkster]

Well, my panel has been on for a couple of weeks now. First real test was Latitude Festival. Facing North-West with patchy sun and cloud (and heavy rain at times), my 100Ah Renogy Lithium reached 100% every day. Fridge running on coldest setting drawing 3-5A (and 30+Ah per day). Charging phones and bricks for the whole campsite…

In best conditions, given that I wasn’t facing the right direction, and that my Aurora is about 15 degree incline when ideal is 35 degrees or so, I got up to 200 watts and at cloudy times I was still getting 50 watts or so.

I’ll think I’ll be able to camp off-grid perpetually three seasons of the year, and come winter, I would be able to stretch 5+ days (though unlikely to stay in one place this long).

Really pleased with the outcome; Victron MPPT is amazing, the panel looks great on this roof, I used Wago connectors inside to connect to previous wiring, and coped with the nerve-racking challenges of bonding and cutting a new hole for the rear junction box!

Thanks for all the advice chums. Let’s now hope for more than 4 years on this one…

View attachment 298437

Exactly my experience after I fitted my 200w panel. Haven’t bothered fitting my mains charger and leave my DC-DC turned off. Solar has always been enough. It’s great not needing EHU and really frees up the choice of camping locations. I don’t use an inverter.