Thread: My portable 12v solar power project

I have a little lightweight 5v solar power system (which is packable) to run LED lights and can charge phones and batteries for headlamp and GPS etc.

But in situations where you want to be able to do more with it, 5v isn't enough. If camping by car, drive to huts etc then a bit more bulk and weight isn't a problem.

So I thought I'd build up a larger capacity 12v solar system.

Started getting most the main components together.

Still a few more little components to get to tie it all together and make it work.

2 x 30w panels that I'll hinge together and add a carry handle.

2 x 22ah agm deep cycle batteries

10 amp solar charge controller

MTM plastic ammo box

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Nice, you will get approx 1.5amp/hr form each panel in bright sunlight, so the regulator will cope well with that size of battery. They look like polycrystalline panels? Monocrystalline area a bit more efficient in dull light (for reference).

Originally Posted by Mathias

Nice, you will get approx 1.5amp/hr form each panel in bright sunlight, so the regulator will cope well with that size of battery. They look like polycrystalline panels? Monocrystalline area a bit more efficient in dull light (for reference).

Yeah I should get 3 -3.5 amps in good light.

I believe it the other way around. Poly better in low light, mono better in bright.

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Put some window/door sealing foam around the mating surfaces of the panels to stop the rattle when transporting when folded shut.

Easier to wire up if the battery terminals are adjacent to each other too.

Another tip, connect to batteries before you open up to the sunlight or else you can have a bit of a spark up as they are live once the light hits them. I used to sell a few panels once upon a time

Here's some good tips. Pros and Cons of Monocrystalline v's Polycrystalline solar panels

Where's the best place to buy panels? They appear to be the highest cost items with solar setup.

Originally Posted by kiwijames

Where's the best place to buy panels? They appear to be the highest cost items with solar setup.

AA solar has mono panels or supadealer on trademe has poly which is where I got mine. Quite well priced.

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I just got a 70W panel from AA Solar yesterday for the new clay bird tosser when have just purchased for our wee group of shooter, (now we have 10)
Guess who got the jobbie of sorting out the battery / charging system

Their prices are really sharp and the panels are good quality

Yep AA Solar been about for ages, know their stuff. Always at the caravan shows etc.

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Originally Posted by mikee

I just got a 70W panel from AA Solar yesterday for the new clay bird tosser when have just purchased for our wee group of shooter, (now we have 10)
Guess who got the jobbie of sorting out the battery / charging system

Their prices are really sharp and the panels are good quality

Keep in mind what my landlord does to keep his head above water

Originally Posted by Pengy

Keep in mind what my landlord does to keep his head above water

Yes understood but I also get similar "discounts" on lots of electrical, electronic and other stuff too

Originally Posted by Mathias

Nice, you will get approx 1.5amp/hr form each panel in bright sunlight, so the regulator will cope well with that size of battery. They look like polycrystalline panels? Monocrystalline area a bit more efficient in dull light (for reference).

Re the dull light performance of the poly panels, heres a exert from Aussie Batteries & Solar|Australian Direct 12 Volt Shop for Camping, Caravan and Batteries Direct

Myth: Monocrystalline solar cells are better than polycrystalline cells Monocrystalline solar cells have been superior for many years due to their higher peak efficiency and their availability. However, stating monocrystalline solar cells are better than polycrystalline is incorrect. Let’s briefly compare both types of cells. According to some, monocrystalline solar cells have a more aesthetic appearance due to their black cells. Typically, one square meter will generate approximately 190W which makes the panels slightly smaller than polycrystalline panels. Monocrystalline cells operate well (and often better than polycrystalline cells) under perfect weather conditions: during clear, sunny days. Polycrystalline solar cells have a blue colour with some patches that are lighter than others (due to multiple crystals) although their look has become gradually darker. They also reveal a better performance on days with less ideal sunlight and higher temperatures. Thanks to their multiple crystals, polycrystalline cells can produce more electricity as sunlight is reflected within the crystals. One square meter of polycrystalline cells generates about 180W which results in slightly bigger solar panels to allow an equal amount of wattage compared to the monocrystalline cells. - See more at: Common Solar And Battery Myths Busted

I got it all finished up last night. It's been a cool little project.

Works bloody well, panels are charging at 3.5 amps in full sun and 1 amp+ when cloudy.

Could stay in bush for yonks and keep everything well charged and have good lights in hut or camp.

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So when does it get its first real use? Bit late for the roar but can see it being handy in the maimai in he next month

Do you mind sharing how much you invested in this setup please.
Neat little system you've built