Simple Portable Solar Advise Please

[moveinon]

I have minimal electrical needs with a single high ah battery because I have a three way refrig and run on propane most of the time. I have used a 160W Zamp suitcase portable I bought on CL with built in controller for years now and am really happy with it - is built like a tank. I have a 2011 Fleet with a roof rack and attach it to the roof rack plugged in on the roof when traveling (so no storage issues) and at parking areas and with cord extension as a portable plugged into the camper rear end when at camp. Just attaches with small rubber footed screw clamps to the roof rack so easy to come on and off. Only drawback is that the 160W is a little heavy (40 lbs or so) to put up and take down using the camper rear steps, but that is the trade off for being built so well it will handle all the rough roads with no problem. I have never heard anyone complain about having too much solar but sure not true the other way. There have been a number of trips, especially in the spring and fall, that I have needed this capacity because of the heater fan and overcast skies.

 

[Hansie]

Hi There. We chose a simple Renogy suitcase setup, sourced, and installed the sae mount and wiring ourselves. System works great. Check out our post here for details: http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/15644-solar-connector-mount/?p=191039

 

[rubberlegs]

Anyone tried one of these "slim" portable panels? I like the form factor, but don't like the price. Sounds like Zamp is built more ruggedly than others, though.

https://www.zampsolar.com/90watt-long-portable

 

[rubberlegs]

Here's an interesting solar panel. Hopefully this video will start at 6:58.

So I'm wondering if this flexible panel needs to be laid out flat, in which case it's not at the best angle. Like if you draped it over a chair, would some of the panels pointing the wrong way make the whole kit barely produce power? You can't lean it at, say, a 45 degree angle very easily because it's so floppy. But at 7.5 lb and being very compact, it looks really attractive.