PV Logic Fold Up Solar 60w Review

[BrenR]

Has anyone tried one of these 60W for short off grid? Just for lights / radio and charging laptop on weekends off grid. One has come up local for a good price.

60 Watt Fold Up Solar Panel Kit - Includes Voltage Regulator

Thanks

 

[Nigel W]

I know this isn’t what you asked but if no one else has one and can offer any advice I can really recommend the Renogy version which is superb and has a really good controller and, if you have one, run the fridge.

100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Foldable Portable Solar Suitcase with Voyager Waterproof Charge Controller

 

[BrenR]

Thanks @Nigel W I have ended up going for the 200w version recommended by @Skyliner33

 

[The Ham]

Thanks @Nigel W I have ended up going for the 200w version recommended by @Skyliner33

that 200w panel weighs a ton man. sent mine back

 

[Nigel W]

that 200w panel weighs a ton man. sent mine back

I went down a different route and bought two sets of the 100 watt suitcase versions, one with controller and a second without.
my thought was to use the smaller and lighter 100 watt as a single but if the weather was bad to then add in the second one.

 

[BrenR]

With leisure battery under the seat, how do you connect easily? I couldn’t see a ‘tail’ connection in the renogy website.

 

[Dellmassive]

With leisure battery under the seat, how do you connect easily? I couldn’t see a ‘tail’ connection in the renogy website.

For a direct battery connection? So you can connect the solar controler to charge the battery?

 

[BrenR]

@Dellmassive yes. Not fitted yet, just planning it out. But once leisure battery is under seat then what’s the best way to connect the solar as assume croc clips will be difficult

 

[Dellmassive]

gotcha.

most people use some sort of quick disconnect.

there are many to choose from.

i normally go with the fused Anderson connector - they are good for up to 40/50A


this is a 10A fused example . . . .

0.5m 4.0mm cable with 50A battery plug on one end, a 10A fuse, and 8mm ring (eyelet) battery terminals on the other end, suitable for Photonic Universe folding solar charging kits: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Free delivery and returns on eligible orders. Buy 0.5m 4.0mm cable with 50A battery plug on one end, a 10A fuse, and 8mm ring (eyelet) battery terminals on the other end, suitable for Photonic Universe folding solar charging kits at Amazon UK.

amzn.to

you can then cut off the Crock clamps and replace them with these . . .

https://amzn.to/3jSVjI7

 

[Dellmassive]

some other ideas shown here - [Guide] Solar Cables? . . . - How I Did It -

and more on the battery charger thread here - Battery Chargers - How I Did It -

 

[Dellmassive]

this is another option.

good for around 8A (120W) (above 8A the socket will get hot)

https://amzn.to/3bsonSk

with this . . .

GTIWUNG 2 Pack Car Replacement 12V Cigarette Lighter Male Plug with Leads, 15A Fuse Protection with LED Light, Cigar Female Socket Plug Extension Cable for Motorcycle, Car, Tractor : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

Buy GTIWUNG 2 Pack Car Replacement 12V Cigarette Lighter Male Plug with Leads, 15A Fuse Protection with LED Light, Cigar Female Socket Plug Extension Cable for Motorcycle, Car, Tractor at Amazon UK. Free delivery on eligible orders.

amzn.to

 

[Dellmassive]

see here for more info:



******************************************************************

SOLAR:

• Solar Pwm & Mppt Controllers - How I Done It -
• Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -
• What Solar Panel & Controller? - How We Done It -
• Solar Panel Cutting Hole In Roof !!! - How We Done It -
• 300w Plus Solar Club -- How I Done It --
• Solar Sheds & Other Non-t6 Solar Projects - How We Done It -
• [Guide] Solar Cables? . . . - How I Did It -

*****************************************************

 

[BrenR]

Amazing replies as always @Dellmassive many thanks. I did read through some solar threads prior - one of the reasons I went for the 200w.

I plan to add a DC-DC charger from vehicle and a leisure battery - which is a mine field. I think I read somewhere on one of your threads about the solar charger on the Renogy not great with lithium battery but can't find it now? I am likely to go for a 100ah AGM I think currently.

 

[Dellmassive]

All the Renogy kit is now fully compatible with lithium.

I'm currently running a Renogy lithium battery a CTEK DC-DC charger.

Previous ly I had the Renogy DC-DC + Mppt connected.... A very good 50a unit.

 

[BrenR]

Thanks @Dellmassive - think I will go with the 12V 40A DC to DC On-Board Battery Charger

 

[Dellmassive]

@BrenR

That unit does not have solar capabilities.

I would recommend this unit, which does vhave solar built-in.

DCC30S 12V 30A Dual Input DC-DC On-Board Battery Charger with MPPT

Explore the Renogy DCC30S 12V 30A DC to DC charger with MPPT for efficient and reliable power management in all conditions.

uk.renogy.com

.

 

[BrenR]

Thanks @Dellmassive. My thoughts were it wasn’t needed as there is one with the portable one?

 

[Dellmassive]

@BrenR you went for the Renogy 200w Suitcase setup - that's a great kit - i have one myself ( and the 100W version)

that kit comes with a very capable PWM controller . .





so yes you could just use that.



However . . . . my case would be,


+++++++++++++++++++++



The Renogy DC-DC + MPPT solar controller has a "MPPT" which is much better than the PWM and will give you more power per sun hours.

its combined so only one unit needs fitting . . .

it will reverse trickle charge the starter when the LB is full. - the other one wont

The black combined unit runs much quitter and cooler than the blue chargers.


so i would suggest going for this one : https://amzn.to/3EzPTtx






over this one: Renogy 12V 60A DC to DC On-Board Battery Charger : Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science





++++++++

i would also sudgest getting the Bluetooth unit that goes with the MPPT charger . . . with that you can adjuest the output and change the setting, and monitor the output etc. . . you cant do that with the blue uni9ts..

https://amzn.to/3mAu2f9

++++++++++++++++++++


having said all of that i would still keep the PWM controller.


so you then have multiple options . . .

just clip in the PWM controller to the van to charge with quick disconnects,

clip the PWM controller to any other car, van or battery to charge that.

clip just the panel to the MPPT with MC4 quick disconects,

run BOTH the MPPT and the PWM with a second panel.


etc etc etc . . .

just keep adding panels

 

[Dellmassive]

have a look at my new Renogy DC-DC & MPPT with the BT2 and APP.

[Guide] DC-DC Charger (for leisure battery) -- How I Done It --

As above, I chose option one. Didnt have the option for monitoring at the time.... id imagine its like the cali panel you get in the top cubby hole. I’ve found some info on these options but no mention of that panel but seems to be more dc-dc charge regulation than just SCR. Anyone interested...

www.t6forum.com

 

[Dellmassive]

see here for the BLUE Renogy charger : [Guide] DC-DC Charger (for leisure battery) -- How I Done It --



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