Solar panels

[Pedreo233]

I am thinking about getting a Coleman 600mA 15 V solar panel and wanted to know what everyone's experience was out there.  Probably try it on the truck dash and the boat.  I am also interested in a fold-up or roll-up unit just for the convenience.  My main interest is in recharging a 12V lead acid battery or for charging electronics like a laptop, gps, camera, etc.  Any suggestions?  Thanks in advance!

[Al]

Pedreo, here's an interesting site at least to see what's out there:

http://www.findportablesolarpower.com/store/categories/9/solar-power-for-camping-and-outdoors/

http://www.findportablesolarpower.com/store/categories/4/flexible-solar-panels/

I'd use it to narrow your search and then shop around.

Al

[oldfatman]

Not near enough panel.  Go to WWW.ESCAPEES.COM into the forum and get the real information.   I recharge my laptop and camera from my truck outlet.  Recharging a lead acid battery will take a panel of around 100 watts minimum to get it done in less than a couple of days.  My 100 watt 21 volt panel from AM SOLAR.com in the very bright sun here on the coast near Padre Island recharges my battery in about seven hours each day when there is bright sun. The peak out put is about 5 amps.  The 6 milliamp units are a joke in the rv/marine world.

[Al]

How about this unit for occasional use to recharge small batteries?

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11248679

We understand the effectiveness of a solar panel is a function of surface area and efficiency of chemical conversion of light to electricity.

I see a lot of really small panels powering gate openers which are relatively infrequently used.  If all you are doing is recharging cameras or laptops and maintaining a lead acid battery, how much surface area should one shoot for?



Al

[Casa Grande]

saw this in Popular Science a couple of months ago.....


http://www.voltaicsystems.com/



kinda looks like some prop from a cheesy sci-fi movie in the 70's, think Logan's Run.

[homerboy2u]

Sams Club holds a variety fo solar panels and related stuff too,check out their Solar section and see if you find something that can serve you.

  Also, you can check out Northern tools Solar Solutions on their webpage too. There is bound to be many pages where you can find great deals, just don't commit right away with the first one you stumble upon. Check everything out thuroughly.

[Fred]

The smallest they have is for an RV at 85 watts and costs about $600.  But this can give you ideas if you choose to go solar in a big way.  Lots of good information here (see URL below).





http://www.partsonsale.com/

[oldfatman]

RV panels go down to 10 watts that I am aware of.  Most important is to make an educated judgement as to the amount of power you need before wasting money on inadequate equipment.