leisure recharge, alternator vs genny vs solar vs theft

[Oldiebut goodie]

The farm near me seems to be roughly like that - just by looking at it whilst driving past. Definitely south, angle - ish!

[itchyfeet]

Flexible stick on one.....stick it, forget it.
It just works.

All too complicated... mount it, never think about where its pointing
Martin

Yep agreed. I have had a fixed 135w panel on for 4 years and never think about it.

Fit and forget you all say....

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... 5#p8091771" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Oldiebut goodie]

I think that the problem in that thread is due to the semi flexible-ness of those panels combined with poor assemblage - the two people that have problems appear to have the same type and make.
My rigid panels have been on top of my boat and both vans with no problems whatsoever for donkey's years.

[California Dreamin]

Mines also a single rigid panel (Baird 100 Watt) I actually removed the 'pigtail' (wire and waterproof plugs) and soldered in a 'continuous length of 4mm twin cable all the way to my charge controller.
I had NO resin in my connection box...I think the flexi panels use a more exposed and compact type of connection that the manufacturer feels they need to 'fill with this carp'.

Martin

[itchyfeet]

60W folding panel at work

[CovKid]

Ah, another thread gone solar.

[itchyfeet]

Ah, another thread gone solar.

I remain open minded, if it's not up to it one spring or autumn camping trip when it's cloudg and I need the heater then I'm getting a genny.

[keith]

Ive painted over my flexible stick on panel with rustoleum.....should last forever, stops the uv rays affecting it and only cost £50 to do. Used a roller and an old flipflop to get a mirror finish.

[keith]

Flexible stick on one.....stick it, forget it.
It just works.

All too complicated... mount it, never think about where its pointing
Martin

Yep agreed. I have had a fixed 135w panel on for 4 years and never think about it.

Fit and forget you all say....

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... 5#p8091771" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Im off to prize mine off the roof with a shovel based on that indisputable statistical condemnation of all things electrical.

Whilst im out there im taking the diesel motor out and swopping it for a traction engine steam jobby.

[CovKid]

Thank goodness for 80/90 filtering - filters out the rubbish.

One thought on portable solar as opposed to fixed, much easier to have stolen (possibly) if you sauntered off down to the lakes/beach etc. Mind you, there are plenty of scrotes that will unbolt awnings and all sorts.

Think I'd rather have a genny - at least as a backup. They're not very social but if you're on a site with plenty of noise, it probably doesn't matter.

[keith]

Thank goodness for 80/90 filtering - filters out the rubbish.

One thought on portable solar as opposed to fixed, much easier to have stolen (possibly) if you sauntered off down to the lakes/beach etc. Mind you, there are plenty of scrotes that will unbolt awnings and all sorts.

Think I'd rather have a genny - at least as a backup. They're not very social but if you're on a site with plenty of noise, it probably doesn't matter.

My filters not working then.

[itchyfeet]

Gennys can be nicked too, both can be chained down
Would not want a genny in the van when not in use as it would smell of petrol
Always leave stuff out on campsites never had anything nicked yet

[CovKid]

Always wondered how I'll get on with portable fridge as plan is to put it outside at night. I suppose an awning essential.

[itchyfeet]

In my experience stuff is safe on campsites
Most scrotes don't leave the city
an awning is not secure but does keep the rain off

[Oldiebut goodie]

Chaining stuff up is no deterrent, I had a brand new dinghy (2 weeks old) stolen from a locked boatyard, the hefty chain and padlock was cut off. 4 dinghies were nicked there that night.