Anyone got any experience with portable solar?

[Rain City]

Getting the electrical dialed here. I've prepped for Solar. I'm contemplating flexible 200w glued to the roof but that might be blocked if I store anything up there eventually, plus the angle isn't always ideal. I also considered something like this just to bring on trips and set up in better orientation to the sun when the boat is docked or anchored in the evening. Or it could be strapped to the roof if all else fails. I think I coulf only get a 200 watt flexible to fit so this seems better for production in that sense as well...

Renogy 400W Lightweight Portable Solar Panel

Renogy 400W solar travel kit is durable, reliable, and portable, catering to various power needs like home backup, RV camping, etc. With ≥IP67 protection and ETFE coating, it withstands harsh conditions, delivering a stable output of 1300Wh daily.

ca.renogy.com

 

[searun]

I have a flexible solar panel on my Grady with all the charge controller tech. Panel is mounted on the hard top - no issues and charges very effectively. It works extremely well. No complaints. The nice thing is most of us do not run our mains long enough to fully charge our batteries. You will not look back.

 

[Rain City]

I have a flexible solar panel on my Grady with all the charge controller tech. Panel is mounted on the hard top - no issues and charges very effectively. It works extremely well. No complaints. The nice thing is most of us do not run our mains long enough to fully charge our batteries. You will not look back.

I had two 100w flexible panels on the commander brow roof as well. Loved it.

 

[Ziggy 2]

I had two 100w flexible panels on the commander brow roof as well. Loved it.

I have flexible panels and used industrial strength velcro....works great

 

[Rain City]

I have flexible panels and used industrial strength velcro....works great

The velcro install might make it possible for me to move the panels if I am going to load the roof rack up.

 

[zurk]

portable panels are better off backed with carbon fiber or aluminum. otherwise they are pretty fragile and overheat.
theres actually a canadian solution - https://www.lightleafsolar.com/
or you can DIY it like me with aluminum 1/4" squares and bolt the panels to it.

 

[SpringVelocity]

I had two 100w flexible panels on the commander brow roof as well. Loved it.

Yeah don't overthink it. I worked in solar design for years, and we used the flexible panels on the transit shelters etc. Lasted for years. Your not powering substation, and your efficiency lost is really not that much to worry about. The flexible ones are fairly robust.

 

[brutus]

I have 2 mounted on Chanel’s with controller just to my start battery to keep it maintained, always full charged

 

[BigBird007]

What flexible Solar panel should a guy buy?

 

[Sir Reel]

What flexible Solar panel should a guy buy?

I have had really good results from SunPower panels. Purchased from Volts.ca
They are sewn onto my Bimini with large zippers to make them removable.
I use a Victron MPPT controller with Bluetooth so I can monitor charge on my phone

SunPower - Semi Flexible Solar Panel 100W

SunPower Semi-Flexible solar panel - the SunPower SPR-E-Flex is one of the most efficient available solar panels. The SPR-E-Flex 100W is the only solar panel built on a solid copper foundation, resistant to corrosion or power loss due to cracking.

volts.ca

 

[Charlie415]

Agreed. I have 100w sunpower flexible with zippers on the bimini as well as a solid 100w renology on the brow. Sunpower would be first choice for a flexible with a budget in mind. https://www.lightleafsolar.com/ looks like a quality product as well just a little pricey.

 

[Rain City]

I have had really good results from SunPower panels. Purchased from Volts.ca
They are sewn onto my Bimini with large zippers to make them removable.
I use a Victron MPPT controller with Bluetooth so I can monitor charge on my phone

SunPower - Semi Flexible Solar Panel 100W

SunPower Semi-Flexible solar panel - the SunPower SPR-E-Flex is one of the most efficient available solar panels. The SPR-E-Flex 100W is the only solar panel built on a solid copper foundation, resistant to corrosion or power loss due to cracking.

volts.ca

I think those are the ones I had too.

 

[searun]

SunPower is what I'm running with a controller and monitor panel which provides constant updates on battery status, charge level and charge input. The controller will adjust input to match what level of charge the batteries will receive. Had my unit now for I think going on 5 seasons - no issues.