Solar Panel Question

[BergyPatty37]

I am considering installing a solar panel on the top of my cargo box. I would like it to be easily removed/installed depending on if I am adding more gear to the top of the box or not. My thought process is that it would work as a camping charger for accessories such as headlight, phone, or motorcycle intercom, and potentially a battery tender for the motorcylce.
I see various ones on eBay for cheap that claim high wattage output.
If you have any experience or suggetsions I would appreciate the help.
The rough dimensions I would be looking at being under or close to are 11"x8".

 

[m in sc]

ive almost a few times bought a solar powered USB charger w battery pack. imho this is a great was to go since everything you listed is or can be USB powered. no reason it , or another type of charge panel, can't be velcroe'd onto the top of a rear case/bag.

 

[BergyPatty37]

ive almost a few times bought a solar powered USB charger w battery pack. imho this is a great was to go since everything you listed is or can be USB powered. no reason it , or another type of charge panel, can't be velcroe'd onto the top of a rear case/bag.

That is what I was thinking was just a few velcro strips and then can remove it when I put my tent and other gear on top of the case.
If I order anything I will report back with how well it works.
I also thought about just getting a foldup one and using it once at campsight, problem with that is Maine is all woods and won't get any sun penetration. At least on the roads it would be exposed on top of the case.

 

[BergyPatty37]

@m in sc Almost was thinking something along the lines of this, except dimensions are slightly larger than what would work for me. I can't imagine how it is 30 watts though:

30W Solar Panel Kit 12V Trickle Charger Battery Charger Maintainer Boat RV Car | eBay

Solar Light Outdoor Waterproof Solar Powered Security Flood Lights Motion Sensor. Power: 30W. Works with automotive, motorcycle, tractor, boat batteries, car battery and more. Type:Portable Solar Panel Kit.

www.ebay.com

 

[SneakyDingo]

@m in sc Almost was thinking something along the lines of this, except dimensions are slightly larger than what would work for me. I can't imagine how it is 30 watts though:

30W Solar Panel Kit 12V Trickle Charger Battery Charger Maintainer Boat RV Car | eBay

Solar Light Outdoor Waterproof Solar Powered Security Flood Lights Motion Sensor. Power: 30W. Works with automotive, motorcycle, tractor, boat batteries, car battery and more. Type:Portable Solar Panel Kit.

www.ebay.com

It looks small until you see the product image of it taking up 2/3 of a RV's windshield. 30W for something that size seems reasonable.

 

[BergyPatty37]

It looks small until you see the product image of it taking up 2/3 of a RV's windshield. 30W for something that size seems reasonable.

Dimensions are 5" x 14" lol. I hate the images they use on some of the chinese products.
I just re-read description and says not waterproof (ok for a drop lol). So that would not work, but something along those lines would be what I would be looking at.

 

[dmonkey]

Some folding panel setups can be used in a folded state just with less output, so you could ride with one that folds to about the size of the cargo box, and then unfold it to a larger size and have it hang off past the cargo box for a larger aperture area when parked. I second the recommendation of feeding it into a power bank or trickle charging a battery with it, I did that with a Goal Zero solar panel setup a few years back where it charged a USB power bank that I then used to power string lights on my truck at night.

 

[BergyPatty37]

@dmonkey You think something like this would work?

 

[SneakyDingo]

Dimensions are 5" x 14" lol. I hate the images they use on some of the chinese products.
I just re-read description and says not waterproof (ok for a drop lol). So that would not work, but something along those lines would be what I would be looking at.

lol more like 5 ft by 14".

 

[m in sc]

thats what i was thinking. the folding type. i was going to put them in a bag that has a clear map cover. 0.02

 

[dmonkey]

Yeah that looks like a pretty nice setup. I already had the Nomad 10 so I used that and it was overkill for that purpose. You could math out what your devices would need for a recharge... I'm lazy and just wing it

 

[Cpd419]

thats what i was thinking. the folding type. i was going to put them in a bag that has a clear map cover. 0.02

May overheat.

 

[BergyPatty37]

So I am thinking of going with this one:

Pardon Our Interruption...

Unfolded size is about 14.2" x 7.5" which would fit on the top box I have just barely. It looks like you can charge the powerbank with usb-c too.
Realistically all I would need it for on a camping trip is to charge up my flip phone and maybe motorcycle intercom if with other riders.
I will think of a way to have it be secured while riding but easily removable. Right now I am thinking velcro strips, but the only downside is the velcro will get dirty if it is not hooked together and exposed while riding.

 

[m in sc]

May overheat.

if a solar panel overheats in sunlight .. then how good is it? im sure itll be fine. I have a panel in my shed behind glass for the overhead light, and its fine for years.

 

[dmonkey]

I wouldn't worry about the panel, just the battery in the power bank. That might need some air around it while charging and discharging.

 

[bukwessul]

So I am thinking of going with this one:

Pardon Our Interruption...

Unfolded size is about 14.2" x 7.5" which would fit on the top box I have just barely. It looks like you can charge the powerbank with usb-c too.
Realistically all I would need it for on a camping trip is to charge up my flip phone and maybe motorcycle intercom if with other riders.
I will think of a way to have it be secured while riding but easily removable. Right now I am thinking velcro strips, but the only downside is the velcro will get dirty if it is not hooked together and exposed while riding.
View attachment 13147

I have one similar to the one in the picture. Never used it on a motorcycle, but it should be fine.
Heavier than I'd imagined it.
Charges cells and batteries well and works as a battery bank.

 

[BergyPatty37]

@bukwessul It shows weighing about 1.5lbs. Does that seem right?

 

[bukwessul]

@bukwessul It shows weighing about 1.5lbs. Does that seem right?

Yes, seemed heavier. Maybe I'm getting weaker.

 

[Austin125]

I went with this…

Upgraded FlexSolar 40W Portable Solar Panels Chargers with PD2.0 USB-C,QC3.0 USB-A and DC Outputs Foldable IP67 Waterproof Power Emergency Camping for Small Power Station,Phones, Power Banks

It’s not tiny, but flexible and fairly rugged. Had enough output to charge a car/bike battery, if needed.