which Solar Panel

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

My trusty Rutland 913 windcharger is starting to make a noise after operating non stop for the last 9 years, keeping all 5 batteries topped up. I assume the noise is because it needs new bearings, which is understandable considering its age. I am planning to remove it and take it home so it can be overhauled; however, I always wanted a back up solar panel and this is an opportunity to buy one. I am looking for a semi-flexible panel output of 100 to 150watts; but which make? there are a few on the e-bay and I would like suggestions based on your own experience which panel to buy or which to avoid

 

[sailorman]

My trusty Rutland 913 windcharger is starting to make a noise after operating non stop for the last 9 years, keeping all 5 batteries topped up. I assume the noise is because it needs new bearings, which is understandable considering its age. I am planning to remove it and take it home so it can be overhauled; however, I always wanted a back up solar panel and this is an opportunity to buy one. I am looking for a semi-flexible panel output of 100 to 150watts; but which make? there are a few on the e-bay and I would like suggestions based on your own experience which panel to buy or which to avoid

changing its bearings will only cost a tenner or less

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

changing its bearings will only cost a tenner or less

Yes, but I would like to take the opportunity and add a solar panel too.

 

[Pete7]

I have a Solara 45w panel in front of the spray hood. However, at £590 each you could buy a lot of cheap ones for that money. Solbian has been discussed on Cruisersforum which might be worth a read but again prices are steep. Our other two panels (80w +60W) although rigid are cheap no name brands about £1 per watt, if they break or stop working after a few years at least there won't be tears. They both seem well made and the 80w has been sitting on the stern in all weathers for 2 years now. I think your problem will be you won't know until a few years down the road and at that point it's probably too late to chase up the retailer.

Pete

 

[ghostlymoron]

I've just bought a 20w from Lensung off ebay. I'm quite pleased with it seems well made but I'll wait to see how durable it is. Delivery was very quick. If you're after large output you may be better with rigid panels. I notice that there are suppliers from Germany now on ebay.