[Guide] Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -

Hi Guys,

is this any good? I would mainly use it when we camp off grid max 1-2 nights just to keep compressor fridge ticking over which is powered from 100ah leisure batt. I would ideally like suitcase model but they appear bit bulky while this one could be placed over the windscreen.

 
Hi Guys,

is this any good? I would mainly use it when we camp off grid max 1-2 nights just to keep compressor fridge ticking over which is powered from 100ah leisure batt. I would ideally like suitcase model but they appear bit bulky while this one could be placed over the windscreen.

Should be ideal. Just be aware that any shading of the panels really reduces efficiency, so if inside on the dashboard, it may not work so well.
 
Suns out - Panels Out -- =]

paperwork day + sun = solar panel playtime.

main reason was for this charging the Lithium up : https://www.t6forum.com/threads/low-temperature-lithium-battery.24971/post-390565

but on this thread we looking at the mobile aspects.


+++

These are the two NEW FOR 2021 Lensun Flexible panels.

Flexible panels have some advantages and disadvantages over suitcase kits and fold away kits (in regards to mobile deployment)..

They are fully waterproof,
they can be left outside indefinitely,
they pack away very small for travel (well thin anyway and tuck away nice !)
they are more durable than cloth fold up kits. (which arnt waterproof and cant be left outside all year)
they are less durable that ridged frame suitcase kits ( but suitcase kits are larger bulkier and heavier),
They don't have tilt brackets. ( not a big deal)

+++

we have two of these 100W panels (so 200w with both running - max)

1623149761085.png

Electrical Information:

Peak power: 100W
Solar cell efficiency: 22%
Maximum power voltage: 18V
Maximum power current: 5.56A
Open circuit voltage: 21.24V
Short circuit current: 6.11A
Power allowance range: +/-3%
Maximum system voltage: 500V
Values at standard test conditions: Air Mass - AM1.5, Irradiance - 1000W/m2, Cell Temperature - 25°C

Material Information:

Laminated for weather resistance
Laminated with fiberglass + ETFE + Silicon cell + EVA + Tedlar
Solar cells: Monocrystalline
Dimensions: 960 x 670 x 2.5mm/37.80 X 26.4 X 0.1 inches
Net Weight: 3.5kg/7.7 lbs

Back sheet: Fiberglass
J-Box: IP 68 rated

Package Includes:

1x 100W ETFE semi-flexible solar panel with fiberglass back sheet

2x 1m x 2.5mm2 cables with MC4 connectors

1623149780840.png

personally i love the Black Panel look. . .

these ones have a 5 busbar setup and all black.

1623150159153.png

they have hanging eyelets on the corners . . .


1623150145740.png

and a fully rubber potted connection box.....

1623150250696.png1623150281849.png



and the great thing with these is . . . .


when not in use we just hang them up on the fence . . . . . you can see here the original two Lensun faxable panels we have. (have 4x in total now)


1623150383834.png


+++


I've currently got this running as a 200w on a Victron mppt 100/30 . . .


1623150535864.png


edit:

mid-day thermals added . .

1623155314744.png1623155325688.png1623155337245.png1623155350253.png
 
Last edited:
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Reactions: EdH
Hi Guys,

is this any good? I would mainly use it when we camp off grid max 1-2 nights just to keep compressor fridge ticking over which is powered from 100ah leisure batt. I would ideally like suitcase model but they appear bit bulky while this one could be placed over the windscreen.



I love the Lensun kit . . . i have the 200W version of that.

as a rough guide 100W will give 6A MAX charge . . .

so 200W will be 12A MAX - in the UK you will get around half as an overage during summer.


This is the ruberized 100W panel only - so you need your own MPPT/PWM





1623150939765.png

+++

This is the standard cloth foldable kit with PWM controller - plug and play

it comes with a cheapy controller - but you can upgrade that after.




1623151009375.png

+++






here is the Cloth fold panel only - controller reqd


1623151122390.png
 
Suns out - Panels Out -- =]

paperwork day + sun = solar panel playtime.

main reason was for this charging the Lithium up : https://www.t6forum.com/threads/low-temperature-lithium-battery.24971/post-390565

but on this thread we looking at the mobile aspects.


+++

These are the two NEW FOR 2021 Lensun Flexible panels.

Flexible panels have some advantages and disadvantages over suitcase kits and fold away kits (in regards to mobile deployment)..

They are fully waterproof,
they can be left outside indefinitely,
they pack away very small for travel (well thin anyway and tuck away nice !)
they are more durable than cloth fold up kits. (which arnt waterproof and cant be left outside all year)
they are less durable that ridged frame suitcase kits ( but suitcase kits are larger bulkier and heavier),
They don't have tilt brackets. ( not a big deal)

+++

we have two of these 100W panels (so 200w with both running - max)

View attachment 118841

Electrical Information:

Peak power: 100W
Solar cell efficiency: 22%
Maximum power voltage: 18V
Maximum power current: 5.56A
Open circuit voltage: 21.24V
Short circuit current: 6.11A
Power allowance range: +/-3%
Maximum system voltage: 500V
Values at standard test conditions: Air Mass - AM1.5, Irradiance - 1000W/m2, Cell Temperature - 25°C

Material Information:

Laminated for weather resistance
Laminated with fiberglass + ETFE + Silicon cell + EVA + Tedlar
Solar cells: Monocrystalline
Dimensions: 960 x 670 x 2.5mm/37.80 X 26.4 X 0.1 inches
Net Weight: 3.5kg/7.7 lbs

Back sheet: Fiberglass
J-Box: IP 68 rated

Package Includes:

1x 100W ETFE semi-flexible solar panel with fiberglass back sheet

2x 1m x 2.5mm2 cables with MC4 connectors

View attachment 118842

personally i love the Black Panel look. . .

these ones have a 5 busbar setup and all black.

View attachment 118844

they have hanging eyelets on the corners . . .


View attachment 118843

and a fully rubber potted connection box.....

View attachment 118845View attachment 118846



and the great thing with these is . . . .


when not in use we just hang them up on the fence . . . . . you can see here the original two Lensun faxable panels we have. (have 4x in total now)


View attachment 118847


+++


I've currently got this running as a 200w on a Victron mppt 100/30 . . .


View attachment 118848
Just ordered my self 100w foldable one from Lensun (ready to use kit), which will come with crocodile clips. @Dellmassive if I was to make a permanent connection with the leisure battery as my leisure battery is under the passenger seat and I think that crocodile clips will be bit awkward to attach. Would eyelet attachment be ok to connect to the battery terminals with gray quick attachment at the end which will then enable me to attach panel cable to the battery when neded? What's the gray quick attachment called which pluggs into cable leading to the panel so I can have a look on eBay to get one. Panels haven't arrived yet do I am just thinking ahead. Thanks in advance.
 
LENSUN 200W SOLAR BLANKET -







1623151210555.png


Description​

Through ebox's wifi settings, select different battery type, can charge not only lead-acid batteries but also lithium batteries.



The 200W Portable Solar Blanket is the apex in portable, convenient and lightweight solar power to suit any camping lifestyle. Designed for portability and strength, solar blankets are constructed with a solid copper backing and thick connectors for higher efficiency.



200W foldable solar panel can generate 800-1000 Wh of energy daily, in good weather even more. This energy can be stored in a battery or solar generator. Like this you can use the energy to power or charge almost any device with solar energy.



Item Specifications:

Model: LS-200BK

Rated Power Output: 200W

Optimum Operating Voltage [Vmp]: 18V

Optimum Operating Current [Imp]: 11.11A

Open Circuit Voltage [Voc]: 21.24V

Short Circuit Current [Isc]: 12.22A

Cell Technology: PERC Monocrystalline Solar Cells

Solar Cells Efficiency: 21.5%

Production Tolerance: +3%

Output Type: Solar Cables, Solar Controller

Dimensions(unfolded): 1765 x 1108 x 5 mm/70 x 44 x 0.2 inches

Dimensions(folded): 380 x 380 x 75 mm/ 15 x 15 x 3 inches

Net. Weight: 7 kgs/15.4 lbs

All Technical data at standard test condition AM=1.5, E=1000W/mm, Tc=25





Packing

1 x 200W foldable solar blanket panel

1 x Waterproof MPPT Regulator

1 x eBox Wifi Adapter

1 x 16ft Anderson to Anderson Extension Lead

1 x Anderson to Alligator Clip Adaptor (charge for battery)

1 x Anderson to MC4 Connector (charge for solar generator, solar power station)

1 x Heavy Duty Carry BagFeatures:

  • Complet kit, with Waterproof MPPT Solar controller, 6ft extend cable with Alligator Clip, NO DIY, Ready to charge battery
  • The MPPT solar controller come with eBox Wifi Adapter, Realize wireless monitoring of the solar panel and battery.
  • Charge for lead-acid batteries, Lithium batteries, solar generator, solar power station.
  • The solar panel use Grade A PERC Monocrystalline solar cells with much higher efficiency than other mono solar cells. And the solar cells are 5BB(5-busbar) technology, which is batter performance against crack than the other 2BB, 3BB or 4BB technology
  • The solar panel use Japanese ETFE film which has higher light transmittance, longer lifetimes than PET film. ETFE also has self-cleaning abilities, ensure the best performance day after day.


1623151294917.png1623151305817.png1623151314459.png1623151322411.png
 
@EdH

yes you can do that . . .

100w will give you 6A max - so you need to use a connector that can handle that + 50% - 100% overhead.

The common way to do it is to use MC4 connectors/leads for the PV side.

and grey Anderson (50A) connectors for the battery side.

different connections on solar systems ensures that the connections are made correctly.

I use the grey 50A Andersons for all my power / battery connections.

- Remember ANY connection to the battery MUST BE FUSED -

have a look at this example, its good for 100W and is fused at 10A. just connect to your leisure setup.






1623151672718.png



+++


i also use a Anderson extension lead to get the main connection out the van to the controller.


this is the 5m lead i use . . .







1623151863636.png


++++


here is another lead you can use to connect to the MPPT/PWM to convert the battery output to Anderson.

this lead doesn't necessarily have to be fused as its delivering power from the MPPT to the battery.

just remember that at the other end the battery connection MUST be fused.







1623152067739.png




you can also make your own cables as you see fit . . . . .

see here:



1623152172719.png

1623152191134.png1623152200287.png1623152214110.png1623152223500.png
 
@EdH

yes you can do that . . .

100w will give you 6A max - so you need to use a connector that can handle that + 50% - 100% overhead.

The common way to do it is to use MC4 connectors/leads for the PV side.

and grey Anderson (50A) connectors for the battery side.

different connections on solar systems ensures that the connections are made correctly.

I use the grey 50A Andersons for all my power / battery connections.

- Remember ANY connection to the battery MUST BE FUSED -

have a look at this example, its good for 100W and is fused at 10A. just connect to your leisure setup.






View attachment 118858



+++


i also use a Anderson extension lead to get the main connection out the van to the controller.


this is the 5m lead i use . . .







View attachment 118859


++++


here is another lead you can use to connect to the MPPT/PWM to convert the battery output to Anderson.

this lead doesn't necessarily have to be fused as its delivering power from the MPPT to the battery.

just remember that at the other end the battery connection MUST be fused.







View attachment 118862




you can also make your own cables as you see fit . . . . .

see here:



View attachment 118863

View attachment 118864View attachment 118865View attachment 118866View attachment 118867

Aha, this is the type that I had in mind just didn't know the name of the connector. So if I get one of these I will be good to go and it's fused?

1623151672718.png?
 
Im getting a lot of questions about placing mobile panels, connecting them and leads.

- heres what you need to know -



Panels in Parallel: - Amps add up - Volts stay same (based on 2x same panels)

Panels in Series: - Volts add up - Amps stay the same (based on 2x same panels)

1623152507605.png


most solar controllers have a MAX VOC (Voltage open circuit) that will determine how you connect you panels.

if your MPPT has a MAX VOC input of 25v - then 2x18v panel will be 36v - that's to much. . .

so you connect in Parallel, that way the VOC for both panels will stay at 18V.

++++


So most people will be connecting in parallel.


the easiest way is to use MC4 branch connectors:

this is a two way example: VIVLLEN Branch Connectors MC4 Connectors Y Connector in Pair MMF+FFM for Parallel Connection between Solar Panels and Photovoltaic Systems: Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

1623152817551.png


++

and a 4way example (what i use) : Eidoct 1 Pair Solar Energy Panel MC4 T Branch Connectors Cable Coupler Combiner - 1 Male to 4 Female(M/4F) and 1 Female to 4 Male(F/4M): Amazon.co.uk: Garden & Outdoors

1623152858397.png

you fit them here, next to the panels:


1623152914339.png


++++

the idea is that you fit the panels out in the sun, remote from the van and controller, so to do that you just get a MC4 - MC4 PV ectension lead . .


im using this lead to connect the branch connector to the MPPT that is inside the house . .

this is a 5m extension lead ready to go . . https://amzn.to/2T7hLmf

1623153106501.png





+++

here's my little collection



1623154330141.png


+++

next up is the controller to battery extension . .



as shown above i use Anderson 50A for all battery connections. . .


i use this Anderson 5m Extension lead: (well i have two of them)







1623154432366.png


then after the extension, the fused battery connection . . .





1623154565425.png



and unfused connection for MPPT / PWM side:






1623154609107.png



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


those are the pre-made leads.

now days i make my own leads up.

Anderson 50A plugs are cheap:




1623154699155.png



and put on with a HS-16 crimper:



1623154759574.png
++++




and the same for MC4: plug sets are cheap . . . .






1623154831890.png


as are the kits with the crimpers . . . .






1623154886952.png




***
 
Aha, this is the type that I had in mind just didn't know the name of the connector. So if I get one of these I will be good to go and it's fused?

View attachment 118872?



Yes, The grey connectors are called Anderson.

that size is the 50A version:

good for 50A but will start to get hot above 40A.

absolutely fine for 10A.
 
DIY Prototype :

- Fold up Solar Panel stands -




Todays BluePeter project is an idea that come to me the other week.

i wanted a fold flat, portable, adjustable stand for all / any solar panel.

i sketched the idea on a bit of paper . . . and forgot about it.

Today is the day . . .


1623162103510.png

I started with some 5mm hard board and cut into 4x strips.

wide enough to be sturdy, and tall enough to be stable.




1623162137919.png



next using gaffer tape as a flexible hinge at the top,

1623162212759.png


i had some 50mm webbing that was cut twice the overall length. .


1623162248891.png

and stuck it on leaving equal lengths at the ends . .

1623162291037.png

.

1623162348574.png

1623162464815.png

next up was the buckles . .

i had these in stock already . .

1623162337330.png

buckles on, we now have the means of adjustments to the set angle . . .

1623162396198.png


++++

copy the whole process again . . . . we have a matched pair . .

1623162485224.png

1623162432259.png


then again for a 4 way set . . .


1623162513905.png


this is how they lay . . .

1623162539221.png


the angle is adjusted via the straps at the bottom . . .

1623162573446.png

the final result ./ . . .


1623162845167.png

1623162857697.png
1623162911224.png


i have ideas now for the 1st improvement - Velcro to the panels.. =]



************************************************************************************

parts i used;

50mm plastic buckle set with slider: https://amzn.to/3w2RELO

1623161785865.png

+++


50mkm black webbing: RETON 50MM 10 Yards Black Nylon Heavy Webbing Strap (50MM, 10 Yards): Amazon.co.uk: Luggage

1623161838599.png





+++


hardboard : Amazon.co.uk : hard board


gaffer tape : Amazon.co.uk : gaffer tape



++++

version - MKII

im going to add 50mm velcro sticky tape to the upright and bacl of the panel.

that way any wind shouldnt blow the panel over when set a high angle for a low sun . .







1623162027634.png
 
Head banging time. Dokio 160w panels connected to victron 75/15. 23v out of the panels, removed input wires from victron 23v. Green light is on on the victron but nothing from the yellow. Switched polarity and still nothing, any clues?
 
Head banging time. Dokio 160w panels connected to victron 75/15. 23v out of the panels, removed input wires from victron 23v. Green light is on on the victron but nothing from the yellow. Switched polarity and still nothing, any clues?
got a few pics?

have you got a multimeter?

have you got the app connected to the victron?

swapping polarity will damage the unit, at min blow the fuse?

polarity of PV and battery connections is extremely important.



it goes from left to right: BATT+/- PV-/+ LOAD -/+


+++

example 75/15

green - FLOAT - battery full

yellow - ABSORBTION - battery almost full

blue - BULK - battery charging


1623240877175.png (flashing blue - nightime)



edit :


also battery connection must be first on,

and last off.


so make sure the battery is connected before any panels are connected or disconnected.

.
 
Sorry - i just couldnt help myself -

- RENOGY 200W Solar Suitcase Kit -

PT1



The title says it all . . . . . . .

Renogy makes some outstanding kit . . . . .and this 200w setup make no acception.

i already have the 100W solar suitcase kit and that works great . .

lets see what Renogy have done with the new 200W version.


++++

first off lets look at the elephant in the room . . . . Its large, well at 200w it has to be,

this is it in the hard-shell protective case. . . Thank s to Mrs Dellmassive for the Photo-shoot !! its supposed to demonstrate the scale / size.

1623260530213.png1623260614510.png

out the case we have the panel folded in half as a briefcase style . .

1623260652729.png

then fully open . . . . 100W + 100w panels.

1623260692633.png

on the inside / backside we have the two panels mounted in a study ALU frame, hinged at the center.

and the included PWM Voyager 20A controller on a hinged bracket - so you can swing it down when deployed and see the display.

1623260840521.png

having a closer look we see the panel specs . .

1623260864353.png

and the Voyager 20A PWM controller . . . which is great.

i already have one of these i purchased last year . . . a very capable controller.

1623260931414.png

the rest of the kit included . . . connection cables with fused crock clips,

carry pouch, and user guide for the controller.

they use MC4 connectors for the PV and battery side . . . which i dont like, so ill be changing that over at some point soon. (anderson plugs for battery side)


1623261010986.png

here we can see the Panel connection and bypass diode . . . . notice they haven't rubber potted it like the Lensun units have.

1623261126773.png

this is the rear of the controller, showing the MC4 and connections to the splash proof controller.

1623261217528.png


....



size wise . . . . this is the 200w unit compared to my existing 100W suitcase kit. .

1623261257521.png


deployed they look like this . . .

The included adjustable stand works a charm. . .

1623261307477.png1623261329605.png

power wise . . . . . i plugged it into the Victron 100/30 while testing . . and got 148W (10.6A charge rate into Lifpo4 battery) in late afternoon . . . so very happy with that. =]

1623261423950.png

part of the other testing . . . you can see here the size comparison on the LENSUN 100W faxable panels . . .

1623261499733.png



so im well impressed. . .



charge average is around 6A per 100w, so id expect 12A / 200W max from this setup. . . . . i got over 10A. in late afternoon UK June sun. =]



Go have a look at the Renogy site . . . . they are on offer ATM.



plus they gave me a 10% discount code to pass on to all . . . .













Happy Looking =]



++++

1623260918418.png
 
Well my first ever portable solar system has arrived. 100w Lensun. These now come with different controller apparently (had email from Lensun informing me of that), just a cheapest probably what they can get. Hasn't got Velcro to its back to attach to the back of the case, but I can make some, so not an issue as I would prefer to have it attached to the case.

5m cable from the panels to the connector and then short crocodile clips for the battery connection. @Dellmassive I would prefer longer cable with the crocodile clips or a longer cable with Anderson connector and then eyelets to attach it to the battery. It's strange that it has such short battery cable.

As you can see from the photos battery feed cables are not attached the best way, some wires are protruding and not all of them are attached when the cable was cut. I better reattach it in U shape.

I also tried to test it, but without battery connection and nothing was showing on the contoler, does it need battery connection as well?IMG_20210609_184629974.jpg I thought that it would indicate something on the controler display?IMG_20210609_184634415_HDR.jpgIMG_20210609_184641315_HDR.jpgIMG_20210609_185321491.jpg
 
What @Pete C said....

Battery conections first.... then solar conection..
 
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What @Pete C said....

Battery conections first.... then solar conection..
And when I am removing/packing up the system, do I disconnect from the battery first or remove the cable connection from the pannel which goes into controller?

@Dellmassive I like how your new system has longer battery cable which I would prefer.

Is this the correct cable to make extension to the battery?


Sorry for all the questions, new to this.
 
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