ARE ALL SOLAR PANELS BUILT THE SAME? Permanent vs Portable vs Solar Blankets

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GET THE GEAR CAHN USES!
250W Solar Blanket with Legs: bit.ly/250wSolarBlanketWithLegs
25A DC Charger with MPPT Solar Regulator: bit.ly/25ADCCharger
138Ah Camping Battery Pack: bit.ly/138AhBatteryPack
Ever looked at the marketing jargon behind solar panels and wondered what it all meant?
Trying to figure out which solar panel will be right for your setup?
Don't sweat it - you're not alone. Solar can be incredibly confusing!
Join our resident solar guru Cahn as he cuts through the confusion and presents the cold, hard facts - that not all solar panels are made the same, and that some are better than others.
Must-watch for anyone buying a solar panel!
Remember to hit that SUBSCRIBE button so you don't miss a moment of this cracking expert advice that every camper, overlander, explorer and 4WDer must hear!
► ABOUT US
4WDSupacentre is an Australian owned company offering quality 4WD, camping and outdoor products at wholesale prices. We carry a wide range of products designed to make your 4WD or camping trip that much more enjoyable. Products range from air compressors, awnings, awning tents, camping gear, exhausts, led lights, Titan rear drawers, recovery gear and heaps more!
We have all the right gear you need to keep you out on the tracks for longer at incredibly low prices every day. Thanks for watching rom all the team here at 4 WD Supacentre!
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► Gear We Use:
250W Solar Blanket with Legs: bit.ly/250wSolarBlanketWithLegs
25A DC Charger with MPPT Solar Regulator: bit.ly/25ADCCharger
138Ah Camping Battery Pack: bit.ly/138AhBatteryPack
*NOTE: This description contains links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video. Thank you for your support!

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22 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 206

@Wespups 4 года назад

I used to install panels as an apprentice electrician probably did 1000 or so. And I can tell you that the quality of panels out there varies enormously..... The best install we had was with high-quality REC panels, and must have been installed at the perfect angle as the customer rang up and said his system fired up and ran at night on a full moon!!! This is excellent info for the average consumer. Cheers.

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Thanks mate

@jetfu400 2 года назад

Where can i buy that

@steveallen1340 2 года назад

I had REC panels with ABB micro inverters installed in 2013, all are still going strong. Over 8 years now with no issues. Panels were manufactured in Singapore unlike the majority that come from China.

@fvrrljr 4 года назад

Photovoltaic / Solar Thermal Technician here and I approve this video LOL i Like, OLE!

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Thanks for the approval mate! haha I'm sure there are some details I missed, but as a basic guide hopefully it's helpful to most people! Cheers, Cahn

@stephenguy6539 3 года назад

Great video, very useful for a novice solar camper. Thanks for the info.

@FranchisingCode 10 месяцев назад

This is the most helpful, erudite and informed presentation on solar panels for 4 wheel drive I have listened heard.

@peterleary2389 2 года назад

Very helpful advice on solar panels. Thanks Peter

@maryetdave 4 года назад

*We just bought 2x310 watts panel for our sailboat, the mono are smaller in size for the same wattage, on a sailboat that is important, the price difference was only 50$ more. Thanks for the information, I was not aware about the bus bars, I looked at ours and they actually have 5 of them*

@DieselDave 3 года назад

Most informative. You were able to keep us all up to speed on a relatively technical subject. Well done Sir.

@3D_Printing Год назад

Yes agree with this

@cowboyyoga 2 года назад

A really well thought out video! Thank you! It would be nicer without the loud music. As for me it was distracting.

@anthonyg9787 3 года назад

great info for people to see before buying..... thank you for the video....

@CuttingEdgePowerLLC 4 года назад

Wow it's amazing ! I loved all solar panels you showed. There is one different for each need. My favorite one is the Monocrystalline for its perform. Amorphous panels are not popular but I consider they are a good option. I like the different mount systems you have.

@Australianzwayne 4 года назад

Great explanation, can,t wait to set up my BT50 with this gear, cheers

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Thanks mate, It will really change your camp setup! Take the time to set it up properly and you shouldn't ever have an issue. Nothing better than sitting back at camp knowing you have more power coming in, than your fridge and 12V gear is using every day! Cheers, Cahn

@davedownunder8057 4 года назад

Thanks for explaining in a easy way to understand, you've cleared up a lot of questions I had .

@avecforte8851 4 года назад

Great video!

@MsNZgal 2 года назад

Hello great video and lots of practical info. I am a complete novice but on a huge learning curve. My situation is that I have a 120w solar panel on the roof of my van and a 200w battery. I also want to add a portable panel as well. Do I need to get a completely new battery for the portable panel to be connected to? Thanks in advance

@bladlob28 3 года назад

Many thanks for this excellent presentation.

@johnx9318 4 года назад

Fantastic presentation! Succinct and perfectly paced. Thanks heaps.

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Thanks John, much appreciated! It's tough to talk about such a heavily technical topic and not get right into the nitty gritty, but hopefully this was a good balance of technical info and practical info! Cheers, Cahn

@karthikeyansrinivasan52 4 года назад

Fantastic & Knowledgable

@accidentallytim 4 года назад

Another great vid Cahn. Be good to have you talk about voltage loss when people have their portable panels 10-20m away from their battery and how important choosing the correct size cable is 👍

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Cheers mate! That's a good point, a lot of info like that in some of my other videos - but for anyone reading consider how many amps your solar produces, how many metres of wire you're running and calculate the voltage drop (there are plenty of online calculators!) then if you need to upsize your wiring it's a worthwhile cost! Cheers, Cahn

@Deepblackice 2 года назад

@@4wdsupacentreAu Trying to learn about solar too are you saying that if I get a 10m extension cable, it will be less effective than the standard 4.5m cable I would get? I'm wondering as I'm looking to buy from 4WD supacentre, but some deals are selling the 10m as a package with the 200w solar panels

@mariusnel9223 3 года назад

Really enjoyed your video mate !

@giosueparrini5767 3 года назад

Nice vid mate would like to put a flexible solar panel on my quicky rooft top tent but im worried about the head if I would glued on because than there is no head escape do I need to worry or should be fine thanks

@renaulttraficconversion 3 года назад

Thanks for a very informative video. I like your presentation. You have a new subscriber.

@4wdsupacentreAu 3 года назад

Awesome, thank you!

@stephenedwards4352 4 года назад

Great vid, helps a lot. With a fixed panel on the roof rack are they tough enough to take load on top? like swag and tents etc. during travel.

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Hi Stephen, They’re tough enough for sure, but you could scratch them and reduce their output so we advise not to do this. Cheers, Emily

@infopluschannel 4 года назад

very good information and good video as well. thx u.

@vinayakpai4945 4 года назад

Beautifully explained.. gonna buy it soon..

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Good choice

@dougalass1111 4 года назад

Awesome info mate. Cheers

@frt3128 4 года назад

Great info. Thanks

@miketucker246 4 года назад

Looking for a cheap and easy solution for a 12v solar pool heater. Pool is 12m X 5m. 1.25m deep going to 2m. Location is Almeria, Spain. Thinking of extending pool season beyond Summer but only if it's not a king's ransom. Grateful for and helpful advice. Cheers.

@patrickeijkenboom3649 4 года назад

Great explainer vid guys!

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Thanks Patrick, Much appreciated! Thanks for taking the time to comment and watch the video! Cheers, Cahn

@edwardsutherland5409 4 года назад

If I want to put a solar panel on my single cab ute Great Wall can you put one on the roof off the ute

@CheapCheerful 3 года назад

Great video, love the detail, explained well.

@4wdsupacentreAu 3 года назад

Glad it helped

@edwardschrisb 4 года назад

Great video! Where can I get these solar blankets in the USA?

@user-in8br7dn2j Год назад

i have a 130 amp solar pan, max power 18v open circuit vol 22.5 max system vol 1000 witch fuse do i need for the solar panel

@martyinsd Год назад

This is really good information, thanks so much. Knowing all that, I'm looking for a rigid solar panel to charge my 1,000 watt portable power station at home. I have a south facing window which gets good sun most of the day. Can anyone recommend a decent 200 watt solar panel with monocrystalline and class A rating? Thanks.

@James_Bond_Magic 2 года назад

Nice video! I have two questions: At 10:52 (NOCT) "the lower the number the better"? At 11:17 "the current increases as the temperature increases"? I didn't know this. Do you have a reference or link where I can study this?

@fatarsemonkey 6 месяцев назад

That was a pretty informative video.

@richardatkin8526 2 года назад

About to add permanent panel on top of my vehicle (with existing roof basket, deciding between semi-flex and standard solar panel. Is it safe to stack on top of either of these panels? Flat items like portable solar panel (for trailer) or soft rooftop bags with bedding only.

@bearfootbowhunter3054 2 года назад

what dose it mean if your mono blanket has smoky looking sells in the panels

@MrBatchy123 3 года назад

These are great 👍🏻 thanks

@noelfrappell6275 2 года назад

Hello, when I connect solar panel to my battery the voltage rises and lowers rapidly on my battery, is this normal, if not what could be causing it? Thank you, Noel.

@robertwilson1827 Год назад

Do you have a link to a shot out with other (quality?) solar panels please?

@MrTubeman123456 2 года назад

Very helpful thank you

@jacksbackable 4 года назад

Interesting 🤔 Thanks

@ellenhall3612 4 года назад

I live in Arizona, which means I'd be stupid to not go solar, but I've been avoiding it, because I didn't know my amorphous from my monocrystalline. Thank you for this succinct run-down on what's out there!

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

We're glad you found it useful 👍

@t.shauny5119 3 года назад

Hi Ellen, check out PEP Solar. We’re AZ local and oldest solar installer in the USA 😊

@nancyhjort5348 Год назад

I learned a lot. Thanks.

@ginod2279 4 года назад

Great video👍

@asherwhite5828 2 года назад

Hey Guys, I have just installed a 160W fixed solar panel onto my 4wd. It charges the Aux battery through a kings 25A DCDC charger. I am wondering about adding an additional 200W solar blanket in parallel with the 160W fixed panel while parked at camp. Is it possible to just use a 2 into 1 Anderson lead and plug them both into the DCDC charger? I noticed that they are rated to different voltages at PMAX, Cheers.

@Kingofrestrrooms666 Год назад

Im a bit confused, he said put the solar blanket in direct sunlight facing the sun, but then he said to keep the solar blanket cool, what put it the shade and poor iced water over the panels every 20 minutes? if the panels are in the shade then how can it use the sun to charge the battery?

@cheryleesbeesakathesilentb3629 Год назад

can you run a blanket along side a fixed panel?

@klaggen1 2 года назад

Hi Mate just a question - I've put in a solar system on my caravan, 3x300 watt Mono's. Got 2x300amp lithium batteries in caravan. It seems the installers couple the 3 panels in series and is surposed to kick out 60 amp , because each panel kicks out plus minus 20 amps. On the best sunny day we only manage to get 25amps of charging from the 3 panels. We thought we would get at least 50 amps . The most wattage we got out was 450 watts between al 3 of them and we getting a good 60 volts from the 3 panels in series. Do you got any recommedations ? Thanks, will await your response Pieter

@ceddybear268 2 года назад

What's the difference between 100watt and 400watt solar panels ? Thanks

@lordaresthefirst 2 года назад

Excellent video

@MrOne-vi7ow Год назад

What is the most powerful blanket out???

@Matt36788 4 года назад

Very informative, great vid 👍

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Glad you enjoyed it

@blingscreensavers3881 4 года назад

Cahn is this a hint of a new range 😳😳😳 cloudy days are getting more often...

@andrewtoon1954 2 года назад

Can you charge two batteries off one solar panel and DCDC CHARGER???

@alexhamilton4584 3 года назад

very helpful, thanks for the info

@4wdsupacentreAu 3 года назад

No problem!

@savvasbambos2669 2 года назад

I have a 90watt tv I want to run it off grid for 26 hours a day. What equipments I need with a tight budget???? I appreciate if you can precisely give me exact amps,bolts or watts equipment power i need. Thank you in advance.

@beer7139 Год назад

Rated vs real world. A lot of blankets advertise say 200w but only produce around half of that in full sun conditions. Kings included

@rjl110919581 3 года назад

thank you great detail video

@4wdsupacentreAu 3 года назад

Glad it was helpful!

@NaughtyGoatFarm 4 года назад

Hi how do you recommend installing the semiflexible panels on a vehicle to keep them ventilated?

@electricdeckhead3083 4 года назад

mount them on coreflute, check out the video on how to mount them on the product page.

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Yep as CYCLOPATH said we suggest mounting them on corflute - it spaces them up off the roof, and allows air to pass through. Nice and lightweight but strong and shouldn't compress or have any issues! Cheers, Cahn

@robertzeman4301 4 года назад

Nice video, the only think Im missing is the safety and thats pretty big deal.

@shreckm6470 4 года назад

Your doing to much thinking I think.

@robertzeman4301 4 года назад

@mick salau Well I dont know how about vehicles but for houses and roofs its pretty big deal because its about your house. If you want you can do some quick research and you will find a lot of cases of burned solar panels and burned roofs. The fuse and wire will not help you because the cos of fire is failure of the panel it self where one of the cell is blocked and creates basically resistance (blockade for other cells) and that collect all the energy in one spot where it burns. I mean it doesnt really matter in solar farms where one burned panels is not a big deal but for your house and roof thats very important.

@peppermcdonald9156 3 года назад

Very good information

@4wdsupacentreAu 3 года назад

Glad you liked it mate, thanks for watching

@buddymorgan2351 4 года назад

What brand of monocrystaline pannel do u recomend for DIY house

@rogerandlyndabeall3840 4 года назад

$wd supercenter ones

@michaelmarwede7157 3 года назад

When installing a permanent aluminium framed panel on the roof, how much impact do corrugated roads have on the integrity of the panel? Will I need to install foam rubber under the panel? Also, is there a panel which will serve both rooftop during travel and ground during base camp?

@4wdsupacentreAu 3 года назад

Hi Michael, We've never seen the need for rubber mounting, but it wouldn't hurt. You could use a fixed panel on the roof, then remove it when you arrive at camp (so long as you have an easy / quick release system) and ensure you're still using a regulator or DC-DC charger with solar input to charge correctly in either case! Cheers, Cahn

@POM4ALLSHORTS 3 года назад

Hi Guys, Would like to know (Video maybe?) the best way to connect two Solar panels into the same 12v system. Scenario is a fixed one on the roof, then adding a foldout one when camped out. Cheers Dazzer.

@4wdsupacentreAu 3 года назад

Simplest way that's guaranteed to work spot on is to run the fixed panel on the roof through its own regulator that's connected permanently to the battery, and then when you're camping, fold out your portable panel, connect it through its own regulator and clamp onto the battery. Cheers Brenno

@terrysmith7740 4 года назад

Great info, Can you use a fixed panel and also a blanket at the same time?

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Hi Terry, The regulator will only regulator the blanket so what some people do is that they hardwire panel and blanket together and then buy a bigger regulator that can regulate power coming from both units. You may wanna see a sparky to get further assistance. cheers, Saleha

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Just to add to this, you can run them off separate regulators. The best way to do this is connect the regulators first then the panels to each. What will happen is if the battery is severely flat and will accept a high rate of charge, both panels will be working. If the battery is closer to full you'll find that one panel will do the majority of the work (and boost the voltage) and the other, seeing that the battery is 'fuller' will taper off the charging. Ideally you'd run them both through the same regulator for the best output though! Cheers, Cahn

@Tony-yy9cc 4 года назад

Thanx, I needed to see this, can't remember if you touched on the light factor but will they charge if NO sun and it's cloudy all the day long ?

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Sorry for the late reply! The answer is they'll put out some power thanks to the light that does pass through the clouds, but it'll be significantly reduced! Off the top of my head if you're in a nice cool climate, a really bright sunny day will hypothetically put out 100% An 'average' (not super bright) sunny day will put out around 80% A sunny day with some clouds might put out 70% (depending on clouds!) A sunny day with more regular clouds maybe 50% (again depends on cloud cover) An overcast day could be around 20% output And a really dark overcast day might only be up to 10% Of course, that's in the middle of the day with max sun and a panel that's pointed directly at it - if it's early morning or late arvo when the sun isn't as bright it'll affect it too. So the best scenario would be on top of a cold mountain on a bright sunny day, and you constantly reposition the solar so it's pointed at the sun! Cheers, Cahn

@fratermus5502 4 года назад

> NO sun and it's cloudy all the day long "NO sun" = night. In full overcast I see about 20% of max yield. In full dark overcast I see about 10%. In full bright overcast I see about 30%.

@marknathanks7592 Год назад

If this helps: my 100 watt panels usually have a low average amp output of 8 tenths of an amp in the cloudy times, varying to 1.2 amps . This is low low light day conditions.

@lorrystagg6578 8 дней назад

Is it possible to make a Kings folding solar panel fixed by making a aliminium frame out of 50x50 Aliminium angle

@4wdsupacentreAu 8 дней назад

Hi there, Unfortunately not as they are not designed for permanent fixtures. Regards, Courtney

@ingridromer6052 3 года назад

Hi just like to know how heavy the folding panels are to lift. Regards Ingrid

@4wdsupacentreAu 3 года назад

Hey Ingrid, depends on the panel - which one are you after?

@GeraldPUR 4 года назад

And where do I get thouse 26.5% efficiency panels if may I ask? Highest I've seen is 21% in mono

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

G'day Mate, we put the source in the video - onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/pip.3102 check out the latest! but to sum up, I'm talking about an individual cell efficiency in the lab. by the time you add a layer of glass over the top and have to house it in a frame, plus run the busbars a greater distance they lose efficiency. About the most powerful you can get at this point is just under 23% Cheers, Cahn

@gregbishop610 Год назад

@@4wdsupacentreAu lol

@LET005 4 года назад

What brackets are you using to attach the solar panel to the roof rack?

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

I think you mean these ones: www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/solar-panel-mounting-brackets-to-suit-kings-110w-fixed-solar-panel-mounting-hardware-incl-stainless-steel-adventure-kings.html but if not what time of the video and I'll let you know! Cheers, Cahn

@johnnumbat9782 2 года назад

Hi there - I looked at a Kings brand review on RU-vid where the owner had replaced his blankets three times in a few months with warranty replacement - also the 200W rated panel only produced 100W in full sun and no clouds - was there a bad batch of these panels? - thanks for the detailed technical review and explanation- John in SA

@4wdsupacentreAu 2 года назад

Hi John, There has not been a bad batch of blankets released, unfortunately this customer has just had a poor experience. As part of our commitment to customer satisfaction these would have been replaced promptly. As for the 100W produced, output is dependent on a number of factors and would need to be discussed further. If you would like to receive more information on product featured, call us on 1800 88 39 64 or visit the 4WDSC website. Regards, Talia

@jamiefookes1579 2 года назад

The quality dropped about 5 or 6 years ago

@johnnumbat9782 2 года назад

@@jamiefookes1579 yes Jamie it appears so - I’ve had a positive experience with their Titan drawers but had to modify their awning because the thin aluminium strips with holes where the horizontal poles feed into kept tearing at both ends despite my careful and diligent approach to erecting the awning every time - I’ve reinforced these with an aluminium plate ‘sandwich’ and of course with holes - they should automatically come with strong fixtures in the first place - the awning material has been very good though and not a drop gets through after long downpours - I also replaced the horizontal extension poles which bend easily with a better pair from Tent World - John in SA

@applejacks971 4 года назад

“Australia has the highest solar irradiation on average on earth. That means we get the most sunlight per square meter" *California and Florida have left the chat*

@graham0521 3 года назад

The last time I checked, Australia was a country, Florida and California are states.

@christophercollins4548 2 года назад

Australia is the continent with the highest solar irradiation on average on earth. Not country or state!

@marknathanks7592 Год назад

Let me say in florida, cloud hours in florida are equal to sun hours in an average day. I think due to proximity to each coastal sea breezes bringing air moisture as humidity.

@jasonyannuccelli2499 2 года назад

Question..... Oh BTW, that was great info thanks very much.. I am looking for a panel with the highest Amp output I can get and was wondering if your Kings 200W Solar Blanket coupled with the 20A MPPT controller that is advertised as outputting "up to 16Amps" is a "Real Life" figure that I could expect to get in ideal conditions or is that the unachievable Lab test rating ? Cheers

@TindogTravels Год назад

from what i have been testing. NO the links 200w solar blanket will output about 8amps, i use 2 x 200w solar blankets from kings and a victron 100/20 MPPT and struggle to get 250w and 15 amps, the kings 250w folding panels will give about 14-15 amps so there is a difference, thats my take on it anyway

@pammarinucci6100 4 года назад

If you mount the Kings 160 watt solar panel, between the canopy and attached to under the roof racks (not on top), how many watts of power do I lose by the roof rack bars going across the panel? No one has been able to answer this for me.

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Hey Pam, I think the reason no-one has been able to help you out is because this is a very hard question to answer! First of all, you'd need to figure out the surface area of the shaded sections, then find that as a percentage of the total cell area - that would give you the immediate % drop at a certain point in time. Every roof rack will be different in what shadow it casts, plus it will depend on where you mount the panel and which parts of the roof rack (mesh, cross bars, mounting points etc) are actually shading the panel. The problem though is that over the course of a whole day, as the position of the sun changes and the shadows getting longer, that surface area will constantly be changing. That means the output is constantly changing too. Next issue is that while the shaded areas will be cooler (which you might see as a good thing), that shading can cause a drop in efficiency in that cell, which causes the cell to heat up more than others and lose power output. Also the fact that the cells themselves are mounted hard against the bottom of the roof rack could mean that heat transfer between the racks and the solar panel is an issue. Depending on the air gap between the canopy and the solar panels it could affect it more than if there was a larger air gap too. Overall, I'd say the possible losses don't make mounting it under the roof rack worthwhile. Next time I have a chance though, I might try and set up two identical panels on top of and underneath a roof rack and try and get an instantaneous difference in output for you! Cheers, Cahn

@asatvoong2348 3 года назад

I bought a cheaper solar panel from Aliexpress. I have a question perhaps you can help. I have 22 volts DC coming out from the solar panel. This is a 20 watt panel. The maximum current I get is 30 mA. It is quite low. It was fine before. I don't see any physical defects. I checked for the diodes and don't see. Just a little USB circuit. Any ideas what could be wrong? Thanks

@4wdsupacentreAu 3 года назад

Hi Asat, I'm afraid we cant comment on any other brands as they have their own design. I think it will be best to contact manufacturer or a solar electrician. Thanks. Cheers, Saleha

@SydneyDrums 2 года назад

MPPT for the win

@phillipcave1197 3 года назад

Can you have two different types of panels going into one mppt charger?

@4wdsupacentreAu 3 года назад

Hi Phillip, this gets a little hard especially if you're using 2 different brands or styles of solar panel. We suggest only linking solar of the same design, size/output and brand together. (OR use individual regulators on each panel if they’re different) Cheers, Mia

@torresmaria842 2 года назад

Dont understand much about the mathematical process but I am trying..

@lukeneave 4 года назад

Can you use 2 different types at the same time to charge your battery like have fixed flexi solar panel and then a portable solar blanket?

@fratermus5502 4 года назад

I'd use separate controllers.

@lukeneave 4 года назад

@@fratermus5502 cool but can go into the same battery?

@MichaelEricMenk 3 года назад

If the panels have the same voltage range, you can connect them in parallel and use one controller . If you use MPPT controller, it's more optimal to have separate controllers. And yes, you can have more than one charge-controller on one battery. The only thing is if you have two controllers and lead acid battery, only set the one controller to do reconditioning...

@april7_ 4 года назад

In most cases your alternator will charge more than you can get from your panels when you drive. I got 140A in my camper and it will charge in drive my second battery about 30-40 Amps. The voltage is often slightly higher so it's easy to build system where when you stop, it automatically starts charging from panels. A Good rule is to have every 100W of panels 100A battery. And if you use big inverter you need more battery capacity!

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Yes that's true! But solar priority charging can improve your fuel efficiency (even if it's just a little bit...) A larger alternator puts more load on your engine and that will use more fuel if it's constantly needing to charge at high output. A combination is a good thing, so as I said in the video combining alternator charging with your solar is a good idea! Glad to hear your setup is working well (that's the main thing everyone should aim for!) and thanks for the comments and handy suggestions! Cheers, Cahn

@april7_ 4 года назад

@@4wdsupacentreAu In my 2.3L Diesel (Fiat Ducato) I do Not found fuel consumption Increase even if I use Air Conditioner, that's mainly because it's Diesel and 90% time under heavy use. And if those increase consumption, it is so little that you can not measure it. Thanks for your answer, just want to share mine because working over 10 years with it!

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

@@april7_ Yes it can be marginal in some diesel vehicles - you're right. For petrol vehicles and vehicles with smart alternators though, it's a big win! Cheers, Cahn

@timdargan8996 4 года назад

Do yous install them on customers 4×4

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Some stores offer fitting, other stores have fitting partners - Hit the 'Stores' link on the 4WDSupacentre website to get this info. Cheers, Emily

@1wor1d 3 года назад

12:24 Remember where you parked when you climb out of your vehicle for your midnight pee!!

@FredTroughton 4 года назад

should all the solar panels be the same or can you mix them up??

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Hi Fred, You can mix and match mate, it just depends on what you are looking to achieve. Give us a bell on 1800 88 39 64 and we can give you the advice you need. Cheers, Chad

@irondrinky4056 4 года назад

The real question on everyone’s mind is do we buy a 2500$ REDARC amorphous blanket, or do we buy the kings 250w blanket.. how do you decide the 2300$ difference is worth it or not. Probably depends on everyone’s budget

@TheVeganTravelShow 4 года назад

Let's just say the poor man buys twice and leave it at that.

@geofftrabilsie4820 2 года назад

@@TheVeganTravelShow yes correct but in this instance the poor man can buy 10 times 😂

@artofnoly9754 2 года назад

Tx Cobb.

@danielgray74 4 года назад

Can a semi flexible panel be tied to cross bars of a roof rack without a cage?

@shanevonharten3100 4 года назад

Flapping in the wind will eventually destroy it

@danielgray74 4 года назад

@@shanevonharten3100 thanks

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Hey Dan, No, while they’re able to conform to gentle curves, they’re not designed to be constantly flexed. As you can imagine, mounting it at each end will cause it to bow in the middle and flail back and forth while you’re moving, causing damage. Hope this helps, Emily 👍

@kadronfye3934 11 месяцев назад

I am currently I the middle of a warranty claim on a 200w flexible panel from these guys (Lensun Solar) that I had mounted to the roof of my RTT since may2023 (its AUG 2023 @ time of writing). Maybe it will get better but currently I have not been impressed, my issue hasn't been resolved, and the panel just up and quit working. No visible damage. Just stopped working.

@4wdsupacentreAu 11 месяцев назад

Lensun Solar? Where did you purchase? Also how big is it and did you ever measure the output when it was working?

@kadronfye3934 11 месяцев назад

@@4wdsupacentreAu purchased from manufacturer website. It’s roughly39”x 40”, typical output when it was flat (tent closed) was around 7-12A output and between 80-140ish W.

@yodadunbar8909 Год назад

I wonder if anyone has installed panels actually inside a 4x4 canopy, (flexiglass) side, long windows, have the battery in the tub, and when at home, I hook up the panels to Kings solar charger, a pain in the butt, would be nice to have panels secured inside, would also cut out the sun as well?

@larryc1616 Год назад

I've been asking all the channels to do a review of fold out panels 2x4 as a dashboard sunshade, but no one has done it.

@blake9358 Год назад

Don't tell me that Australia beats North Africa or the Andes mountains for solar radiation or Antarctica for that matter

@kenlittle5706 4 года назад

no..... 12 seconds. A new personal best LOL

@denniscockayne6022 4 года назад

My 250 w portable solar panel is making 22.2 volts at the Anderson and I have three and all doing around same volts , I also have a 160 watt portable panel and it’s doing around 13.6 volts ,will the extra volts on the 250 panels cook my 170 & 150 agm batteries .

@zeMasterRuseman 4 года назад

No. The solar charge controller will regulate the voltage going into your battery.

@denniscockayne6022 4 года назад

Master Ruseman shouldn’t it be around 13 volts measured at the Anderson plug not 22-23 volts for a 12 volt panel.

@zeMasterRuseman 4 года назад

@@denniscockayne6022 pre charge controller it can be any voltage the charge controller can handle (mine is 45v max for example) , post charge controller it'll be whatever voltage your battery needs. That's the job of a solar charge controller.

@NotAnotherUsername20 4 года назад

In short, 22.2 volts strait to the batteries will kill them very quickly. Sounds like the 160w portable panel has a regulator of some sort and your 250w panel isn’t. Never connect an unregulated panel to a battery of any sort.

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Hey Dennis, That should be the Open Circuit Voltage (or close to it) that's listed on your panel. Once you connect it to a battery, the regulator automatically adjusts to suit the battery voltage and start charging. If you connect it your battery and then check the voltage you'll see it drops down! Cheers, Cahn

@leeannefisher2066 4 года назад

What are the blacks ones at the back

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Hi Leeanne, They are the support legs. See link below. www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/250w-solar-blanket-with-support-legs.html Cheers, Cahn

@markwright196 Год назад

More amps with heat does not mean the mppt will work better! more voltage would. So if it went from 18-21v then the mppt would be able to put out more. Plus you didnt say if the voltage dropped? So if amps up and volts down its likely the ONLY thing that would see a benefit would be PWM (though still lower than a mppt)

@JoshuaDegreiff 4 года назад

Interesting fact about Australia I wonder if Canada have the same unique characteristics as Australia.

@scampilinguine4361 4 года назад

how many watts will i need for my setup?

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

What are you running? Do you have a DC charger or dual battery isolator etc? Cheers, Cahn

@Network126 4 года назад

Yes.

@allaussietraveller9879 3 года назад

You will need all of the watts.

@jec_ecart 4 года назад

Awesome

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Thanks for your support mate! Cheers, Chad

@kyfisher3662 Месяц назад

Will a solar panel work through a window?

@4wdsupacentreAu Месяц назад

Hi there, Our solar panels may not work as efficently compared to being in direct sunlight. Regards, Courtney

@jiangsolar1497 4 года назад

Amorphous panels are not popular beacause price

@asatvoong2348 3 года назад

it's a polycrystalline solar panel

@kamikazekunze 4 года назад

Doesn’t poly get better efficiency when partially shaded?

@electricdeckhead3083 4 года назад

from my understanding it's not shade they need, it's cooler temps. light conditions but cooler temps they perform better than light and hot. basically more efficient in spring type weather rather than middle of summer.

@4wdsupacentreAu 4 года назад

Hi Alex, Amorphous offers better efficiency, and realistically partially shading either poly or mono panels will mean a significant reduction in output. Hope this helps, Emily