Should I buy this solar panel?

[iamunique127]

Gotcha. Thanks.

 

[iamunique127]

FWIW that strikes me as the simplest and most cost effective approach with this particular package.

Presumably the portable panel will be situated to avoid shading / optimize exposure, rendering the particular advantages (and complication) of a separate and more costly dedicated MPPT controller moot.

The built-in Voyager PWM controller should work great in that situation, delivering all the energy the panel is capable of to the battery.

Just for your consideration.

Thanks Centex.

 

[scubarx]

"April/May, to the South" So, do a quick Google Earth preview of your chosen location. If it is easy to see your campsites, then little to no shade to interfere with charging. But if you can't see a specific campsite then it is likely shaded. (Make adjustments for seasonal factors like leaves, etc.)

Even if there are no leaves at all, any shadow on any part of any cell in the panel will cut its output by 50%. The panel must be in full sun and oriented properly (azimuth and elevation) to come anywhere near its advertised output. Or you can assume about 60% of advertised so you won't be disappointed.

 

[scubarx]

FWIW ... The built-in Voyager PWM controller should work great in that situation, delivering all the energy the panel is capable of to the battery...

Good luck with this.

 

[iamunique127]

Even if there are no leaves at all, any shadow on any part of any cell in the panel will cut its output by 50%. The panel must be in full sun and oriented properly (azimuth and elevation) to come anywhere near its advertised output. Or you can assume about 60% of advertised so you won't be disappointed.

Thanks. That’s why I’m thinking a backup would be a good idea. We’re hoping to be primarily dry camping.