Topic: Solar charging unit

[Jayrat]

Came across this:
http://www.arkportablepower.com/pages/about-the-arkpak

[knightrider]

yea ive been eyeing those and the National Luna power pack.  Kind of a neat idea for a 2nd batter imo.  The Nat Luna also includes their charge isolator and works with their dual battery controller.

National Luna Power Pack
http://www.equipt1.com/item/portable-power-pack-dual-battery-system

[Celt]

Came across this:
http://www.arkportablepower.com/pages/about-the-arkpak

  Something like this could work really nicely along with the solar setup I would like to get.

[steve c]

Solar charging unit

+

100w solar is the route I'm going.


Pic is clicky

Group 31m batteries, at least the Odyssey and the late Diehard platinum fit in the stock location without modification or moving any crap around.
I have a fancy (stupid) battery hold down, so I needed to get longer battery hold down stick things.  The other caveat is the positive side terminal  You will need to get creative like Jordan did.  (see pic above)

[Celt]

Solar charging unit

+

100w solar is the route I'm going.


Pic is clicky

Group 31m batteries, at least the Odyssey and the late Diehard platinum fit in the stock location without modification or moving any crap around.
I have a fancy (stupid) battery hold down, so I needed to get longer battery hold down stick things.  The other caveat is the positive side terminal  You will need to get creative like Jordan did.  (see pic above)

 Steve, I'm still wrapping my head around the what's and why's for all of this. What made you make your choice of using a suitcase rigid solar panel vs. some of the roll up/fold up styles?

[steve c]

Jordan recommended that particular unit. 

I'll message him and tell him to defend my choice

[steve c]

From the horses mouth,

"Simple, price per watt.  Flexible solar panels are less efficient and more expensive."

 

[Celt]

From the horses mouth,

"Simple, price per watt.  Flexible solar panels are less efficient and more expensive."

 

 I was wondering if that was the reasoning. How tough are those solar cells? I'm still researching all of this because part of my requirements are keeping the cargo down to a manageable size. Some of the flexible panels are looking a lot nicer to me, at least at the moment. I'm not 100% sold on them but I do want people experiences with different styles of panels while actually using them so I appreciate all this info!

[knightrider]

I agree with you about the flexible panels being more manageable size, my only issue is the price tag. 

PowerFilm 120w $1500    You still need to purchase a charge controller.
http://www.amazon.com/Powerfilm-Foldable-Charger-FM16-7200-F16-7200/dp/B008L1QWRK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458679837&sr=8-1&keywords=power+film+120w


Folding rigid panels take up a little bit more room but cost less than $300

Renogy 100 Watts $260 includes charge controller and padded case.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HR8YNK6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=131LAOIPAZ5OC&coliid=I3IGQIWPGOAZAI&psc=1

[Celt]

That price sure does make a compelling argument to me the consumer.

[knightrider]

also at 20x27x3 the renogy kit isn't that large.