HOW TO CHOOSE SOLAR PANELS

HOW TO CHOOSE SOLAR PANELS
Here, size matters. In simplistic terms – larger solar panels pump out more power than smaller panels. The greater the panel’s output rating (typically expressed in watts), the more devices they’re capable of supporting. Charging Systems Africa offers a few different categories of panels to suit different applications. Maintenance Panels are ideal for keeping batteries topped up in your caravan, camper, jet ski or classic car when they’re not in regular use. With their compact nature and low current output, Maintenance Panels are not meant to power your electrical devices when camping – although the larger ones will run a phone charger or recharge your drone.

From there, Charging Systems, steps up to the Portable Suitcase and Soft Folding (blanket) solar kits. With up to 200 watts of output, they’re capable of running your fridge and lights (in conjunction with an auxiliary battery), as well as pumps, phone chargers, etc. Lastly there’s the larger fixed panels, which are intended for mounting atop camper trailers, caravans, motor homes or house boats – practically any flat, level surface. There’s a great table on the Charging Systems website to help you determine your power needs – and which panel is recommended.

PANEL MANAGEMENT
A decent sized solar panel, capable of delivering an average of around 10-amps continuous is fairly bulky. Mounting them atop your camper is a great option. However, during those days/months of reduced sunshine, you ideally need them to be detachable so they can be angled directly at the sun – which is problematic. For high-capacity users, you can run multiple kits. The larger, portable solar panel kits can generate a fantastic amount of output. Their flexible nature allows them to be laid on the ground, draped over a boulder, or hung from a roof rack or bull bar. They’re a great alternative for those that don’t want to have to manage large-ish, rigid or semi-flexible panels.

SOLAR CONTROLLERS
While our panels do not incorporate the controller. Charging Systems solar panels are rated at nominal 12-Volts, however their output voltage can go as high as a battery damaging 18-volts on extra bright days, to below 12-volts when there’s little to no sunlight – they can even drain your battery at night. Regulating the panel’s output to a constant 12-volts or 24-volts is the job of the solar controller. While essentially a voltage regulator, solar controllers, like those offered by Charging Systems, include many other useful features and benefits – such as battery conditioning, charge status monitoring and stopping your battery from being drained overnight. They are a must for ensuring your solar panel delivers reliable and safe voltages to power your devices

 

MAXIMIZING SOLAR PANEL EFFECTIVENESS
Every solar panel will have maximum output when facing directly at the sun. With the portable style panels, you can move them around your campsite to chase the sun. When parked up, you ideally want the ability to detach fixed, roof-mounted panels for the same reason.

A clean panel, is a productive panel. Wipe the dust off them daily, plus wash off any accumulated tree sap and bird droppings. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference keeping them clean makes.

When camped up, as well as running your devices, your solar panel/s need to charge up your auxiliary battery – which runs everything once the sun goes down. If you find your auxiliary battery cannot keep up with your night-time electrical usage, you’ll need to look into increasing solar charging capacity, battery capacity – or likely both.

Solar panels really are the best option for generating power when you’re away from the grid. They can be packed away for extended periods of time and remain just as effective when needed. They’re maintenance free and don’t generate any noise or air pollution – they really are the best of all worlds. Happy camping!