Boonie
Senior Member
OK, I know that a solar panel inclined to a determinable angle is more efficient than a panel laying flat.
I know that a panel that tracks the path of the sun during the day is more efficient than a panel laying flat, therefore, a panel that is inclined and tracks the sun is probably the most efficient that that panel can get and certainly more efficient than a panel laying flat. I also know that in the middle of summer parking your camper in the wide open sun so your solar panels can recharge also results in a very hot camper interior, therefore, being able to place solar panels in the sun while the camper is in the shade is certainly more comfortable. If this sounds like I am convinced that I want portable/suitcase solar panels for my rig, rather than flat panels on the roof, you are correct. I have seen many posts that prove I am not the only one who grasps this concept. I also grasp the concept that is easier to have and you are able to have larger systems fixed to the roof, but my needs are limited.
So far the endorsements for portable/suitcase systems have been "it works for me" or "it meets my needs". I cannot find nor am I equipped to figure out how many amp/hrs (if that is the right term) you can expect from a portable 100w panel that is inclined and tracked vs a flat 100w panel. Or in other words a 100w portable/suitcase used as described can produce the same as a (fill in the blank) fixed panel.
I hope DrJ, Vic, or others who are educated in solar calculations and efficiency can shed light on this. (pun intended)
I know that a panel that tracks the path of the sun during the day is more efficient than a panel laying flat, therefore, a panel that is inclined and tracks the sun is probably the most efficient that that panel can get and certainly more efficient than a panel laying flat. I also know that in the middle of summer parking your camper in the wide open sun so your solar panels can recharge also results in a very hot camper interior, therefore, being able to place solar panels in the sun while the camper is in the shade is certainly more comfortable. If this sounds like I am convinced that I want portable/suitcase solar panels for my rig, rather than flat panels on the roof, you are correct. I have seen many posts that prove I am not the only one who grasps this concept. I also grasp the concept that is easier to have and you are able to have larger systems fixed to the roof, but my needs are limited.
So far the endorsements for portable/suitcase systems have been "it works for me" or "it meets my needs". I cannot find nor am I equipped to figure out how many amp/hrs (if that is the right term) you can expect from a portable 100w panel that is inclined and tracked vs a flat 100w panel. Or in other words a 100w portable/suitcase used as described can produce the same as a (fill in the blank) fixed panel.
I hope DrJ, Vic, or others who are educated in solar calculations and efficiency can shed light on this. (pun intended)