Solar panels in the wind
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5779
Printed Date: 16 Jun 2025 at 5:04am
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Topic: Solar panels in the wind
Posted By: Skyward
Subject: Solar panels in the wind
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2015 at 4:49pm
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We just received out Renogy solar panel kit and are trying to figure the whole thing out. There have been some great posts by forum users that have helped a lot. We're going to use some kind of cable to lock them during the day, but we are also wondering about how to manage for the wind (we camp a lot in Death Valley-very windy at times). Any suggestions on how to do that? And how fragile are the panels-can they be damaged easily? Thanks, this forum is an invaluable resource. ------------- Skyward 2014 179 R Pod 2004 Ford Explorer XLT |
Replies:
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2015 at 6:47pm
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I have a Renogy setup that I use for field radio operations and it's pretty darn tuff. I'm guessing you have the 100w panel kit that includes a 30amp charge controller? For me? If I was looking at camping off the grid on a regular basis and depending on solar to keep my batteries charged, I would work towards a permanent mount on top of the POD. This will be a challenging endeavor, however worth the trouble because is solves all of the issue with trying to maintain, move, store, and secure the system. Good luck! Please keep us posted on how it works out. Pic below is not my POD, but a pic with a POD showing a mounted panel on the roof.  ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: ChinookPod
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2015 at 9:46pm
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We have an 80W portable solar panel that withstands wind well. Hubby is interested in buying a flexible panel to mount on the roof of the Pod. A solar rep said they can be mounted using "3M tape" and will not peel, will withstand hail and some abrasion from grit. The rep also said many people have a mounted panel plus a portable panel, just in case the trailer is parked in the shade. ------------- 2014 RP171 HRE 2010 F150 |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2015 at 9:56am
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If I was in the market for solar and could afford it, I would take a serious look at flexible panels like: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HSM39TW - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HSM39TW The portable panel option seems like a great addition, again if you could afford it. From my limited experience...my dual EGC2 group 230 batteries, a yamaha 2400 iSCH, LED's and a little conservation has mitigated any need for additional power. Fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: ChinookPod
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2015 at 10:14am
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The Go Power rep recommended the GP-Flex 100W for our pod, to supplement the 80 W portable. As an aside, the rep said the U.S. and Canada recently changed tariffs on solar equipment, so prices will increase. ------------- 2014 RP171 HRE 2010 F150 |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2015 at 10:34am
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Yeah, those Go Power flex panels really look like just the ticket for the pod. I would really be interested in your experience with them, should you decide to go that route. What kind of storage (batteries) do you use? Fun stuff. Fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2015 at 12:26pm
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I have the Renolgy Portable Solar Suitcase (100w) with Go Power extension cord and 7 pin trailer adapter: http://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Foldable-Suitcase-Battery-Charger/dp/B00HR8YNK6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1423326946&sr=8-3&keywords=renology for a couple of reasons; - The panel in the photo shows it to be permanently mounted. If you are in a shady spot under trees forget getting any real charge. It additionally cannot be pointed "Solar Noon" or depending on your location to the appropriate degree (south for me in MD) to take full advantage of solar benefits: http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/grad/solcalc/sunrise.html http://solarpaneltilt.com/ - Additionally, the extension cable allows me to move it up to 25' where there is no shade from trees and the 7 pin trailer adapter allows me to leave the battery covered: http://gpelectric.com/products/portable-solar-kits-lineup I manufactured a 25' stainless steel cable with swejd <sp> loops and a nice lock at home depot to keep the honest people honest during the day: http://www.homedepot.com/p/EarthCo-Shade-Sails-4-ft-Stainless-Steel-Cable-Kit-017/100676000?keyword=stainless+steel+cable+and+lock I still fold it and place it in the back of the TV for safekeeping at night Does this sound a bit overzealous? Yes, and you will appreciate every last bit when boondocking :) |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2015 at 3:26pm
Will your generator run the POD A/C...no problem? ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2015 at 3:33pm
Wow, this looks good...I like it. Nicely packaged, everything you need except maybe the charge line extensions. How it the 100w holding up for you as far are recharge capacity? The flexible stuff is to expensive, you can by a high end generator for that kink of money. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2015 at 4:27pm
Yep! I'm glad I have it. It's great for DW's hair dryer. She's happy, we're all happy! ;) fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2015 at 7:10pm
------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2015 at 7:14pm
Fred, how do you connect it, I don't see a 30amp plug? and...does it strain with the A/C? Is it maxed out or is there plenty of headroom? Did you do the cap startup mod on the A/C? Thanks... ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2015 at 9:50am
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Just use your 30/15 adapter and plug it in. Lots of folks run their AC off the Yammy 2400. Starts and runs fine. No mods. Just don't plan on using your hair dryer at the same time. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2015 at 5:11pm
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I find the 100W panel to be more than sufficient for boondocking. Keeps the battery topped off during the day while we run the water pump, radio, 12v usb phone charger, etc. And we replaced the group 24 for a larger group 27 battery. I also have a new generator, but have never used it since I try to just use the fans for ventilation and cook outside. I'd rather leave the power hungry appliances for when fully hooked up. |
Posted By: Skyward
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2015 at 5:21pm
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Thanks for all the advice. We are trying out the 100v panels this week-will let you know! ------------- Skyward 2014 179 R Pod 2004 Ford Explorer XLT |
Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2015 at 6:08pm
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A very informative video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFlkBMIKTCg |