Thin flexible solar panels

"Eric Greenwell" wrote in message
.. .

Has anyone used these, or know anything about them? Are there any
better units than these? I'm aware of the Strobl units from Germany,
but they are about twice the cost per amp.

No, I don't know anything about those particular panels, I just want to
point out that even with only 200 ma of charge, you will need a charge
controller or you risk cooking your battery. Last time I checked, they were
a $29.00 item. I ruined several batteries before I learned.

Vaughn

Hi,
I have used flexible solar panel fot 14 seasons. Voltage never drop
below 12 volts with one battery 12v 7 amps even after 6-7 hour with
all electrics on.
Specs a Open circuit voltage 18V
Short circuit current 200 m.a, charging 12v 160 m.a., 14v 140 m.a.
Max power 3 watts and diode protected prevent flow-back.
dept is .5 inch ( today they are thinner) and 10X10 inches on top of
my solar panel.
Flex to 60 degrees max.
I run a L-nav, garmin gps and Microair radio and logger.

Regards,
Gilles










"Vaughn" wrote in message ...
"Eric Greenwell" wrote in message
.. .

Has anyone used these, or know anything about them? Are there any
better units than these? I'm aware of the Strobl units from Germany,
but they are about twice the cost per amp.

No, I don't know anything about those particular panels, I just want to
point out that even with only 200 ma of charge, you will need a charge
controller or you risk cooking your battery. Last time I checked, they were
a $29.00 item. I ruined several batteries before I learned.

Vaughn

In article GGosb.241760$0v4.17089702@bgtnsc04-
news.ops.worldnet.att.net, says...

"Eric Greenwell" wrote in message
.. .

No, I don't know anything about those particular panels, I just want to
point out that even with only 200 ma of charge, you will need a charge
controller or you risk cooking your battery. Last time I checked, they were
a $29.00 item. I ruined several batteries before I learned.


Good general advice. I can get away without using one because I have a
36 AH battery in my motorglider, and the battery specs allow even
higher currents for charging without a controller. 200 ma would be too
much for the typical 7 AH battery, however.

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Eric Greenwell
Richland, WA (USA)