Are these smaller solar panels any good?

[daventess]

I don't really know what are good and bad makes of solar panel, but I've heard Bimble mentioned a few times.

Thing is, I have an odd roof on my van - it's big but broken up into small areas, making fitting panels a little like playing Tetris.

Came across these smaller panels : https://www.bimblesolar.com/solar/small-panels/12v-bimble-120w

I could probably fit about 8 of these on my roof. Are there any obvious down sides to doing this, either in principle or specifically with these panels? Are there any better small panels out there that I should be considering?

 

[Jez1966]

No idea about panel quality etc but
8 connections to integrate somewhere/somehow.
8 x 120w = 960w, what is the storage capacity for the power generated?

 

[Lenny HB]

They are actually larger than a standard 120 watt panel but a squarer shape.
They are certainly cheap and look like ½ cell construction which is good.

 

[daventess]

No idea about panel quality etc but
8 connections to integrate somewhere/somehow.
8 x 120w = 960w, what is the storage capacity for the power generated?

It's probably overkill for my current batteries (2x100ah lead acid), and I'm on shakey ground regarding how it all works, but I'm thinking for the future where I may increase the storage (eg if I swap out to Lithium at some point).

 

[daventess]

They are actually larger than a standard 120 watt panel but a squarer shape.
They are certainly cheap and look like ½ cell construction which is good.

Yeah, it's the shape that works for me. I can fit some rectangular panels on, but I end up with nowhere near the capacity of these smaller units.

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[Carpmart]

My view is the more solar you can architect to fit your roof, the better! You do need to be able to use what your solar has the potential to generate, which means you will need a decent sized lithium battery bank.

 

[Dotplus6]

I don't really know what are good and bad makes of solar panel, but I've heard Bimble mentioned a few times.

Thing is, I have an odd roof on my van - it's big but broken up into small areas, making fitting panels a little like playing Tetris.

Came across these smaller panels : https://www.bimblesolar.com/solar/small-panels/12v-bimble-120w

I could probably fit about 8 of these on my roof. Are there any obvious down sides to doing this, either in principle or specifically with these panels? Are there any better small panels out there that I should be considering?

Are you living in your van or away for long periods? Are you going to be in the sun or mostly a cloudy area? What exactly are your electric needs? Depending on your answers perhaps a portable solar one would do you? Also do you have a rack or will you be fitting directly on to the roof? The more fixing points the more holes the more you compromise the integrity of the roof?? Believe me, I know what a leaky van is This is something I need to think about too as I want to be off grid for most of the time.

 

[Dotplus6]

My view is the more solar you can architect to fit your roof, the better! You do need to be able to use what your solar has the potential to generate, which means you will need a decent sized lithium battery bank.

Can you point me in the right direction for lithium batteries? I will soon be getting the electrics sorted in my van & need to think about this. (They may be too expensive). Thanks.

 

[ChrisL]

Can you point me in the right direction for lithium batteries? I will soon be getting the electrics sorted in my van & need to think about this. (They may be too expensive). Thanks.

Jim has organised a club discount from Fogstar from June, also Offgrid power solutions offer a 10% discount to Fun members.

 

[CAB96]

Are you living in your van or away for long periods? Are you going to be in the sun or mostly a cloudy area? What exactly are your electric needs? Depending on your answers perhaps a portable solar one would do you? Also do you have a rack or will you be fitting directly on to the roof? The more fixing points the more holes the more you compromise the integrity of the roof?? Believe me, I know what a leaky van is This is something I need to think about too as I want to be off grid for most of the time.

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[Dotplus6]

If you want a complete solution then take a holiday to Oxfordshire

Offgrid Power Solutions

Offgrid Power Solutions We are specialists in LiFePO4 batteries & Victron Energy systems. We’re here to help build the best offgrid electrical systems so you can focus on your adventure without stressing about how much power you have left! Get in touch with us about how we can help

offgridpower.solutions

What is an approximate cost?

 

[oldiesontour]

Go for the panels.Although you would be unlikely to need 9 in fair/good sun on overcast days ( when the output is likely to be average of 10%) then every little helps.
Basic lipo4 batteries start around £2 per ah all singing all dancing apx double that.
I would suggest circa 200ah.
The added expense comes with the solar controller IE the more panels(watts) the more expensive the controller.
If budget is of importance then B2B with mppt and starter battery charger in one unit is the most economic and easiest route ,with a battery meter(shunt type)

 

[LithiumConvert]

Can you point me in the right direction for lithium batteries?

In the interests of balance, I will add that I use Sterling Power for all of my lithium batteries in the 'van and in the house.

Had zero problems with them.

 

[CAB96]

What is an approximate cost?

No idea myself, but lots of happy forum members have reported back.

Offgrid Power Solutions

Another big shout out to nigelivy and RogerIvy at Offgrid Power Solutions, we arrived this morning to have a Victron Orion 50ah B2B and Victron 500ah Shunt fitted. So after 15 mins discussion I added another 175w solar panel with Victron Smart 75/15 controller and Battery Master onto the list...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[MisterB]

Whether you need that much solar is open to debate ...you should consider the following

If you generate a lot of electricity from the solar panels, what will you do with it? You can only fill your batteries until they're full, unless you're using the power your generating at the time it's being generated.

Do you travel every day/every other day? If so a B2B might be a better investment to top up your batteries, if you're not currently using all your battery power and don't intend adding 'stuff' that consumes electricity, then you might be better off just using the B2B to top up the battery you already have, but you need to travel to top it up.

If you're just about managing, then the lithium battery option might be the best use of your cash.

There is no perfect solution, only one which suits you and the way you use your van or intend using it in the future and it's important to understand that before putting your hand in your pocket ...for me it's a combination of Solar, lithium and B2B, how big a combination of each one should be based on your 'demand' both now and the future ..

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[Itsmcb]

Don’t forget the weight of these, around 7kgs each so 8 or 10 would be a fair weight on your roof.

 

[oldiesontour]

Don’t forget the weight of these, around 7kgs each so 8 or 10 would be a fair weight on your roof.

Personally I would say 4 = 480w should be ample for normal user,maybe later add a folding panel if deemed necessary on exceptional days as can be placed to give much better yield than roof mounted,but with b2b occasional ehu and solar unlikely to be needed

 

[cyberyacht]

Don’t forget the weight of these, around 7kgs each so 8 or 10 would be a fair weight on your roof.

Not if he goes for semi-flex panels at around 2.3Kg per 100W. Only any good on a rigid roof though.

 

[Itsmcb]

Not if he goes for semi-flex panels at around 2.3Kg per 100W. Only any good on a rigid roof though.

Well yes, but I was commenting on the weight of the panels that the OP linked to and was asking about.