Portable solar panel kit

[Budgie7]

I am asking this question when looking out of the window as it is pouring down with rain .
Can anyone recommend a portable solar kit that they are using or think is good value. I am thinking of about 100w
There is a Baird set up on EBay for about £159 , looks good to me, but I am not that clued up.
Any suggestions would be welcome

[CovKid]

So much on here on solar. Depends what you expect of it, how often you use camper blah blah.

[itchyfeet]

Some 'kits' are just the panels
make sure it comes with charger and case
charger will preferably be already fitted to a portable panel and be outdoor rated otherwise you have to do all the wiring and worry about waterproofing.

[Budgie7]

Want it to top up leisure battery when camping at shows or off grid. Do have split charge system already in place and hook up, so just belt and braces really.
Ideally don't want to be worrying about the leisure battery running down when camping for a few days without hook up.

[CovKid]

Consider the fact that portable does have major drawbacks. Quite apart from the fact that for most of the year they will be unused, if you do plug one in on site you'll be virtually chained to it requiring a solar 'minder' lest it gets stolen. This can be a real bind and why, although I originally planned to go portable, I abandoned the idea altogether. You've also got to pack it.

To get a proper return on your investment, it makes better sense to have a permanent panel up top - fit and forget. It also keeps your batteries fully topped up when the vehicle is not in use and the cost is around the same. I use lightweight flexi ones. Most seem to feel that 150watt is a reasonable powerbase to work from.

I run 200watt and even if I run the Propex and lights all night, before I've even finished my breakfast, the leisure battery is fully charged. They're fixed, hence why I increased the wattage, but I really didn't want to mess chasing the sun and becoming obsessed by the output when I'm out to have a good time. Even if mine is parked for weeks on end, it starts first time.

[itchyfeet]

For the few times I use it I got a portable one.
Just chain it to the van.

If you are going to use it regularly then fixed is less hassle.

[Budgie7]

I can see the pros and cons for either set up, just need to make a decision. As I am trying to buy a pop top for my van, maybe a portable one will do so I am not limited to how I park. If I keep with the tin top then a fixed one makes more sense.