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Topic ClosedSolar panel security
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bearclaw68 View Drop Down
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Joined: 03 Oct 2014
Location: Modesto Ca.
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Posts: 45 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Solar panel security
    Posted: 25 Jan 2015 at 12:58am
Any thoughts on keeping your portable zamp panels from getting stolen while charging? Or am I over thinking this? 600.00 sitting outside my pod worries me.
John and Dolly
09 Tacoma 4x4
RP 179
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bearclaw68 View Drop Down
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Joined: 03 Oct 2014
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Posts: 45 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jan 2015 at 1:01am
Also is 100W overkill or is bigger better? 100W portable panels are semi heavy.
John and Dolly
09 Tacoma 4x4
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Podster View Drop Down
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Joined: 16 Sep 2014
Location: San Antonio
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jan 2015 at 5:59am
Originally posted by bearclaw68

Or am I over thinking this? 600.00 sitting outside my pod worries me.

I don't think so. During my years in the Security Forces and Law Enforcement the number one reported and documented crime was theft of property that was not secured. Sure, if a thief really wants something they can figure out a way, but securing property removes the easy, unplanned opportunity. 

If I were using unmounted panels I would try to figure out a way to make them look mounted. I would probably use some kind of temp attachment on top of the POD. If going on top the POD is not an option, maybe attach a cable to the frame of the panel and loop it through something?

As far a sizing that all depends on use, but I don't think 100w is over the top at all. 

Use this solar calculator (off-grid section) to determine use and solar sizing.

Good luck!
Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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bearclaw68 View Drop Down
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Joined: 03 Oct 2014
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Posts: 45 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jan 2015 at 4:35pm
Thank you.
John and Dolly
09 Tacoma 4x4
RP 179
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Location: MD
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jan 2015 at 7:58pm
Yup, if you can't babysit them, secure them.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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kylekai View Drop Down
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Joined: 06 Aug 2014
Location: San Diego
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Posts: 139 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Jan 2015 at 4:00pm
I used an old computer security cable with a lock.  This type of cable is long and skinny, with a loop at the end.  I wind the cable thru a section of the solar panel and secure the loop end at the trailer with a lock.  Search Amazon for "computer security cable" and you'll find something.
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rickcosby View Drop Down
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Joined: 28 Jan 2015
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Posts: 5 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Jan 2015 at 4:35pm
I saw a security cable in a campground that must have been 25 - 30 feet.  It was on a reel and was designed to run through all of your outdoor furniture, ice chests, etc when you leave.    
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kylekai View Drop Down
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Joined: 06 Aug 2014
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Posts: 139 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Jan 2015 at 4:44pm
Something like this cable and a good lock should do the trick:

http://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-72DPF-Braided-Diameter/dp/B000BD8IQ4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1422654158&sr=8-5&keywords=security+cable
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CruiseMaster View Drop Down
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Joined: 21 May 2015
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 May 2015 at 8:24pm
You can purchase the cable cut to any length you want at any good hardware store.

I have the Dish Tailgater that sits outside and is attached to the trailer with a cable. I also use a Doberman bag alert protector. This is a small alarm that is sensitive to movement. If someone attempts to move my Dish it goes off and it is loud. Here is the link to the alarm. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Doberman-Security-Bag-Protector-Alert-SE-0304/100657694?N=5yc1vZ45r
RP 179 - Peace Pod
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan

Being Retired is hard work.
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