SOLAR POWER 4x4 Overlander, tips advice

SOLAR POWER 4x4 Overlander , tips advice
JUMP LINKS:
0:01 intro
0:35 Battery Power (batt bank)
1:57 Mono/Poly/Amorphous SOLAR CELLS
4:57 Fixed Panels (pros cons)
6:55 Foldable Solar Panels
8:26 Solar Blankets
9:55 Clean Panels are key
11:27 The Shadow Factor
12:47 Do I need Cheap or High Quality??
15:21 SOLAR REGULATORS + CONTROLLER
18:37 Budget system
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[@Rolasolar]

Hi Ronny, Dave from Rolasolar here. Great video some added information for your viewers. Temperature Coefficient: Solar panel temperature is one of the important factors that affects how much power a solar panel will produce. So the more sunshine generally the hotter the solar panels get and this in turn reduces the solar panel output. In some cases the heat can reduce output by 10% to 25% depending on your specific location. Looking at the manufacturer's data sheet a term called "temperature coefficient at Pmax" should be listed. For example a monocrystalline solar panel with a temperature coefficient at Pmax of 0.50% means is that for each degree over 25˚C the maximum power of the panel is reduced by 0.50%. So on a hot day at a solar panel temperature of 45˚C the power would be reduced by 10%. Conversely in cool conditions output would be higher and in temperatures below 25˚C the output can be high then rated. Not all solar panels are affected by heat equally and some do much better at coping with the heat than others. Amorphous solar cells are known for their low light performance and shade tolerance. They also are also better in high heat conditions than monocrystalline and polycrystalline cells due to their lower temperature coefficient value. Amorphous solar cells will always yield more power into your batteries throughout the day then mono of poly of the same size. If retailer can't provide the temperature coefficient values for the solar panel - walk away. Best way to prevent heat loss with mounting semi flexible solar panels directly to metal surfaces is to mount them on a backing material like core flute which allows air flow under the solar panel.

[@mountainconstructions]

Rolasolar Nice to get some cold hard facts out there :-)

[@philcurrie6567]

Rolasolar ;

[@SagittarianArrows]

Thanks for info Dave 👍

[@Rolasolar]

Hi, Dave from Rolasolar here again. Some added info for mobile and portable solar panel buyers: Did you know that most mobile/portable solar isn't certified like building solar. This leaves the buyer open to being scammed with uderrated and poor quality solar? How do you know that a solar panel is underrated for its size, because there is a standard size for a solar panel for the power output. 12V monocrystalline solar panels with a cell efficiency of around 17- 20% should be roughly 0.0064m2 per watt. If there is a substantial variance from that, you are being misled. Listed below are rough sizing you should be looking for in a monocrystalline solar panel: 80W panel = 0.512m2 100W panel = 0.640m2 120W panel = 0.768m2 150W panel = 0.960m2 160W panel = 1.024m2 200W panel = 1.280m2 250W panel = 1.600m2 300W panel = 1.920m2 If you want to know that the panel you are looking at is actually the wattage advertised, do the math above, or jump on a reputable sellers websites like Everdrive or Redarc and compare sizes. As an Example one of the 200W fixed solar panels from online is 1170mm x 510mm or 0.597m2 which equates to approx a 95W solar panel. This scam has been going around for years but seems to be ripe on the auction and other cheap product websites. Do your own research don't be misled by the scammers.

[@lezzman]

So best thing to do is set up your solar panel when it's raining! 😁

[@zoophobia303]

As an electronic technician for the last 15 years, this is the best simple practical explanation of small scale solar I've seen. Great work! This is the video I'll refer people to.

[@anic0485]

Tip: If you got the space on you car (approx 1700x1000mm)and a charger/mmpt that can handle the higher output voltage (approx 35v), talk to you local solar sparky. They often got old house mounted solar panels they are happy to get rid of. You often get em for free or for a carton/six pack. Got a 220W panel for free and intend to run it with a Victron cyrix-ct vsr and a smartsolar 75/15 (or bigger). Get a deep cycle battery and you got a set up with enough power for 500ish $, unless you can source a deep cycle battery for cheap (ask a fire sprinkler guys etc). Don't go camping very often so I try not to "waste" a lot of money in big brands.

[@johndiaz7240]

Thank you very much ,great info,I'm old so I will have to watch more than once,keep up the good work.

[@Mechman0925]

Thanks Ronny. One man can only research so many things or comprehend so many, that is why someone like yourself is such a great resource, not to leave out great videos!

[@JoshuaHockley]

This is such a good video bro... exactly what I need learning to get get onto 4wd life. You break everything down in perfect detail and no bs. What a legend

[@patm5165]

I do a lot with remote solar systems, I found your video to be excellent, spot on and easy to understand, very good, thanks for doing.

[@SkyroofNova72]

Great job simplifying something I find to be over complicated. Keep these vids coming!

[@TH3W1P30UT]

Great video! While watching, i was actually wanting co comment on the thing where if you're on a budget, you'd be better off spending more on the controller and skimping on the panels, but then you made that point at the end, so good on you! But it's also nice that your videos cater for budget/DIY guys, in that you agree that sometimes you can buy the medium quality stuff, and basically get the best you can afford. Lots of other guys on KZbin are all "Get this because it's the best, Don't worry about that second mortgage.." Thanks from South Africa, Keep up the great videos!!!

[@gibbethoskins8621]

Perfect no nonsense, no rambling straight to the point video 👍🏽 Cheers

[@SchroederUSMC]

Thank you, Ronny. This video was exactly the level of info I needed. I appreciate the purchasing advice.

[@leannebartlett420]

thanks for keeping it simple for us new to trying to get our head around solar setup

[@imdoinit4theladies]

thanks so much mate, i love your videos and passion that goes into them. im getting ready to set up a new dual cab and hit the cape and fraser. you have taken all the guess work out of my planning. thanks again, be safe... dave

[@mountainconstructions]

Just re watched this Ronny and what great collection of info it is Will be relevant for a long while yet

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for another great informative video. You've helped us out considerably on our two builds. Keep them coming!

[@davidhastings7714]

Love your work Ronny, keep them coming mate! I have 120w blanket that seem to keep up with the 80L dual zone fridge when parked up for the day, with a 130 Ah AGM dual battery wired in, and I use AC charger every so often.

[@thejoeboganexperience7146]

Really helpful info I’m in the market for solar power and this vid has helped heaps!

[@brendanlubbe2259]

THANKS RONNY! Great video, one of the best technical videos so far!

[@stevejc4487]

Thanks for the video, most informative one that I've watched yet. Cheers!

[@MrLuckyLegs]

Thanks Ronny...this helped me a lot...many thanks for taking the time

[@lowranger4x49]

A good video mate. It answered a couple of questions I had in my mind and there were plenty of other points I made note of for future reference.

[@andersonboy620]

Excellent video man! I havent seen another that explains so in detail all the aspects of portable solar stuff. Thank you very much!

[@abo1423jehad]

After all the effert you spent, someone selects dislike!!!why? Thank you very much for this effert,your explanation is the best I have ever watched👍👍👍

[@peterseskis1158]

Very professional and concise video. Absolute Champion! I came away more knowledgeable about the basics of solar panel and controller quality and differences effecting efficiency - all in a short ‘to-the-point’ video. You know your stuff and value the viewers time. Thankyou 🙏🏻 Keep up the great work. 👌

[@francoisl7663]

I like the grading system. Very fair. Well done. Thanks

[@genejitsu3305]

Brilliant video; super helpful, thorough and easy to understand. Great content.. Would also like to hear about your truck, specs, model etc.

[@gregdavis3246]

I have a Kings folding panels which I had mounted flat on my roof rack, used only when parked up for a few days. It worked ok. I have since mounted a hard shell roof top tent, so I have now got a kings solar blanket which will be used when parked up on my next trip in a couple of weeks.

[@didierbeaudequin]

Thanks for all the good and simple advices.

[@nikkisun5546]

Dingo at 18:40. Great vid RD. Thank you, as always for the beta on this stuff. Much appreciated.

[@lezzman]

I think he's actually a Rhodesian Ridgeback, but still, beautiful dog. There's a better view at 15:26

[@rchiggs1]

Like all your videos, fantastic. Was just the basic overview I was looking for as I being to research this part of my overlanding build. Thanks!

[@GCALcontent]

Nice topic Ronny - well done!

[@jiffbox]

Awesome practical video with no marketing BS

[@TruthBiased6640]

NOT

[@MoanaESCALES]

As usual, objective and well explained, thanks mate :)

[@georgenason]

Excellent video Ronny. a great help especially concerning the controller.

[@amaclach]

Awesome - just in time as I start planning for an expedition!

[@rollyb5061]

that was great Ronny, helps me to make my mind up about which one I should buy

[@khaledmahmood5638]

Thanks Ronny. We really got maximum information. God bless you.

[@David-pk9be]

Thanks for tha Advice! I am ordering a MPPT controller to replace my PWM unit right now.

[@danielperdikis5598]

Great vid Ronnie. Definitely helped with my upcoming choice of setup.

[@icingfeestbeest]

Keep em coming, Ronny, very helpful!

[@bradkent6240]

About time someone can talk the walk,big thumb's up,

[@ozyrob1]

Holy cow those blankets are expensive!. Best solar video for camping I've seen yet!

[@WarrenGaum]

Best 4x4 channel on KZbin

[@murphtahoe1]

Great video Ronny! Simple and well said!

[@silknfeathers]

Pretty good overview. I like how you pointed out the efficiency gains of the amorphous (most people simply say they are "less efficient" because they require more surface area per watt. Is a tractor less efficient that a micro car when plowing a field? Of course not). You didn't mention that the amorphous panel is also more efficient in hotter conditions, though all panels do lose efficiency as they heat up, as you mentioned. An amorphous panel will still continue to put out amps as the sun sets, well after the mono has shut down. If amorphous were only slightly more expensive, I couldn't understand choosing anything else, unless you were really tight on room. As it is, there is a huge price difference. Overall, very good overview.

[@lachlanmulder5313]

Awesome video, help me out so much with understanding solar and what works best for me

[@slowboat6021]

good run down on solar thanks Ronnie, we have a cheep folding panel which came with an "MPPT" controller, I chucked the controller and as you said have a DCDC controller near the batteries in our camper. this also provides a proper charge from the car when towing. its only a 120w panel but it runs the 70L fridge and our lights just fine.

[@waldemarbartold5317]

Always top quality stuff Ronny

[@aldrimduramax]

Thanks for the video Ronny I always wanted to learn more about solar.

[@FlewTheCoop]

More please. Thanks for all you do.

[@demo3003]

Ronny is a legend

[@Vacublaster1]

Really helpful video and great advice for my solar power purchase.

[@brentwalker8805]

An excellent explanation - thankyou. Now I know which type of solar blanket, controller to get.

[@davidphillips4014]

Best video on here for the information I needed. Thanks

[@bananasusyd]

Another great video mate. Cheers

[@briansuchan1794]

Hi from The USA. Great info. Love your videos

[@UpDownUnder]

I have a fixed panel on the roof but have a blanket I can run out when camped up as well. Just wired the plugs in parallel and feed into my 1225D BCDC. Works really well.

[@majers_abroad]

great video mate. love the knowledge. helped me decide on my blanket decision

[@yohanfu2807]

Hey Ronny I love your videos,great videos,Hi from Miami Fl USA.excellent work👍👍👍👍

[@davidjohn9006]

Informative and well presented. Cheers for sharing your knowledge and experiences 👍🏽👍🏻🇦🇺

[@ikaSoka]

That was very informative. Thanks

[@stephen271]

Thanks mate I’m looking into solar panels so your video helped a lot 👍👍👍

[@MortifiedU]

3 x 120w foldable panels from ebay (other $120 each), ripped the PWMs off, replaced the diodes for schottky's as the panels themselves were German qulity. Then mounted the epever tracer Mppt 30cm from the 300ah Giant battery + dual battery 150amp fused blah blah.. 7 months touring east coast of Aus with 2 x 40 litre fridge / freezer.. worked a treat.

[@PittwaterMowing]

Very informative vid Great work mate

[@aeromech8563]

Good vid mate I have used a kings solid hinged panel run straight to my battery once parked up, been awesome so far over the last 4 years been N,E,S and W plenty of power (160W I believe) for general travel inc one fridge lights for night Etc 👍

[@triggerking135]

Excellent video. Can't wait to see the first EV Modified episode!

[@gabrielfranco245]

Wow that was super educational .thanks heaps that 20 min vid taught me heaps.cheers mate.🌞

[@MrLuckyLegs]

Thanks Ronny! Nice! Thanks! Great info! this is kind of you to explain this thank you

[@Jake_Horton]

Great video Ronny. Also good information.

[@thredwa]

Awesome video, this answered a lot of my questions. Thanks mate

[@Dwealdric]

Great stuff Ronny.

[@tutekohe1361]

Thx Ronny for putting it all into language I can understand! 👍

[@dubious6718]

English? :p

[@heathp7378]

Thanks Ronny very helpful video

[@RobBlane]

I have a 250 watt foldable solar panel connected to a Projecta DC to DC charger in my camper that has 2x 100 amp hour batteries. We run coffee machines, fridges lights and other auxiliary power, and have never run out of power. I think your video this morning was very informative for anyone starting out. Weld one and keep up the good work.

[@mountainconstructions]

Rob Blane Totally agree with that level of Solar and Storage

[@JackSKillin]

Hey Rob ! Can you tell us the brand of your solar panel ? Cause your setup is pretty much the same as mine, but I just want to buy some new solar panel !

[@Colaaah]

Very well presented and explained. Cheers.

[@funkydodo149]

Very good video, thanks!!!

[@gorillahd9247]

Excellent video and some great information. Scott

[@simonnelson455]

My power usage is low so I have a 80watt portable panel and an Intervolt DCC Pro 25a charger. Intervolt is a great product and made in West Oz.

[@johnclark5182]

Great video Ronnie, keep it up! I recently bought an Intervolt DCDC (which is a Perth company) for my Prado and caravan aux, how about a review video? Very happy with it, and love supporting local

[@OffroadAddictionTV]

We run the REDARC BMS30 paired with the 190w Solar Blanket and a 2000w Inverter. Primarily use it for charging our camera equipment when filming and editing the days action while chilling out at a lit up camp site. Would definitely not feel as safe plugging expensive gear into cheaper quality solar products. Definitely need to uprade the 120AH Lead Acid battery to a Lithium sometime soon though we always seem to set the low batt alerts off late at night when editing.

[@rwandadrives]

Great information as always!

[@stupidsexyflanders9191]

What did that cheeky bugger in the background do with your blanket haha? Great video as always! Here's a couple questions for your next video: - Permanently mounted dual battery system or a portable battery box, which is best? - What should I look for in a battery box? - Which companies (preferably Australian) sell the high-end A+solar panels? - Are lithium batteries worth it? - What are your best tips for minimising power consumption?

[@turorit]

Great vid, looking forward to part 2. Watch out for cheap MPPT controllers, I've seen plenty on eBay which look exactly the same as the eBay $20 PWM ones. Do the research to make sure you're getting a good MPPT controller.

[@vinayakpai4945]

Hi Ronny, Thank you so much mate. Beautifully explained. Could you please do a video on following points while camping in Australia for beginners? This is beautiful country and would benefit beginners. Good man. Thanks again. 1. Do's and Don'ts 2. How safe is it camping in remote area in terms of wild animals, emergency , etc etc 3. How safe it is to camp in public area especially when you are accompanied with a Girlfriend, Wife or with a family with kids. Is there any treat from humans who would have drunk? 4. Tips to avoid camp sites yet safe to spend night. Appreciated!

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

Great video Ronny. I just purchased a 50L frighted for my Jeep and I am looking at ways to keep the single battery charged up. The 2 door Jeep has space as a premium and since I have a hardtop, I am looking at the 100w solid panel attached to my roof to charge my system and keep the refrigerator performing at 100%. I usually overnight camp and then hit the trails when the sun comes up - not much into the base camp stuff.

[@boydauspeditions]

Fantastic mate, well done, thanks for the info, Cheers Boyd

[@BARBANDIT]

Thank you for the information made easy!

[@pjcrotty2813]

Thank u that was magic. I have mono blanket 200 watts

[@ajhowell7344]

I run the kings panels but as mentioned the regulators are not the best so just removed the kings one and purchased a stand alone red arc 20A regulator. And wired the panels through that.Works brilliantly.

[@lindsayre2106]

Another great video - got me sorted!

[@anncorradini2684]

Luv this help, much appreciated.🤗

[@BradGryphonn]

I have been thinking about a solar setup for when I get back on the road for many years. I bit the bullet and started on the setup. I've gone with 2 x 138A/h AGMs, 2 x 160W fixed panels, a 12 Volt controller and DC-DC charger/regulator, and a 3000W pure sine wave inverter (I'll be using a computer and other electronics). I've got a 3000W petrol genset as a backup. It may be overkill but I will be using a fair bit of power. The ute will basically be a mobile bush mechanic's workshop (and video/photography studio) with a fridge, shower, stove, and bed.

[@SM-wq2fe]

One problem not mentioned is the vehicle mounting of fixed panels; I have more cracked and damaged panels as 4X4's are flexible and so are their bodies, when mounting a fixed panel I always use rubber exhaust bobbins as this gives more under panel cooling and the flexibility of the rubber gives enough movement to counter the flexing of the panel.

[@brettwilson5389]

Dude, best license plate.

[@outdooroskar1257]

Awesome video, thank you!

[@easemailboxes]

Great video. Thanks heaps. Perhaps could have given some idea about cable thickness.i really needed a basics video to get a starter handle on it. You gave me much more. Gratful!

[@jjjoooojjj]

Very good video mate! Thank you..

[@doittoday1]

Thank you, very informative

[@jarrodbasham6044]

Great informative video mate.

[@coralplow4480]

Excellent informative video, thankyou.