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Solar (CO and shady at times)- mono vs. amorphous ie offgridtrek v. redarc

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by cosgringo, Jun 25, 2021.

  1. Jun 25, 2021 at 12:56 AM
    #1
    cosgringo

    cosgringo [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2019
    Member:
    #8688
    Messages:
    5
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    COS
    Vehicle:
    2017 Off Road Premie 4Runner
    meh; pedal commander; some brackets; bullshitty bar, behind grille OPT7 lights, Yakima
    Anyone have experience on a solar blanket to recharge something like a li-ion Ecoflow Delta 1800w? I ask as I am getting different answers when I research it.
    It seems to me monocrystalline is the most efficient and including off/on sun and shade which is important based on my poor experience with things like Rockpals 100W foldable.
    However, I am getting some different feedback from Redarc on their even pricier "amorphous" blankets which doesn't seem to jibe with multiple articles I've read.

    So off grid trek has some impressive videos and I looked into the company that makes the actual panels which comes off pretty strong as well. Pricey as heck but I am looking to start with using what I have battery wise, then rigging some of my own mess in the cabin- basically skipping for now the dual battery concept which I was going to go with. I would need it installed as my spine's shot either way but I can do the smaller stuff I believe and have a background in electronics.

    Redarc is telling me their amorphous blankets are hands down the best and MOST efficient but it seems like I am finding they fit better in the outback under direct sun. I need to be getting real wattage out of my portable cells and not becoming a sundial if you follow. Factor in Redarc is even more $$$ but does have more reviews/rep.

    At around $1k these 120ish W blankets are no joke so I must be sure I get the most efficient yet sturdy blanket that won't cut out when a darn cloud passes, etc.

    I'd love to save the money but I really would rather pay more to get something at least 20% efficiency to recharge the Ecoflow. I am not running a 'frig in the near future but will eventaully build that way. I just think the solar gives me a quick way (sure 6 hours) to get out of the gate and have enough power for lighting and such. Not a winch or a microwave for now. I don't do campgrounds- more so dispersed here in CO. Just need for lighting, recharging a notebook (long story) and worst case my o2 concentrator battery- yeah loving life.

    So what have you? Any experience with solar blankets or foldable that can pull off a real recharge on some various batteries? I do plan to add more likely in my paneling (safely) in time but not up for doing the dual AGM quite yet.

    Thanks for any help here. I miss the outdoors and I can't tent it so blowing a ton of $ on the padding/bedding as is. Can't get a decent "teardrop" in my $ range I trust off road.
    ecoflows.jpg
     
  2. Jun 25, 2021 at 4:26 PM
    #2
    cosgringo

    cosgringo [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2019
    Member:
    #8688
    Messages:
    5
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    COS
    Vehicle:
    2017 Off Road Premie 4Runner
    meh; pedal commander; some brackets; bullshitty bar, behind grille OPT7 lights, Yakima
    FYI- I came to found out that the Redarc "amorphous" offering is actually one of the LOWEST efficiency rated panel system (solar blanket).
    QUITE disappointed. It sounds as though they may be quite tough but low on squeezing out amps/power.
    Amusingly- I even noticed a reference to the "amorphous" panels on a non-affiliated page that said they are best suited in places like the Australian outback as they rarely have a lack of direct sun. The site (I don't recall the name but could find it again) has nothing to gain or lose and was just there to explain solar panels and such.

    So I guess I am stuck looking at the best tough monocrystalline panels.

    I could still use some thoughts from those that have gone down this road before so I don't screw up and spend hundreds if not over $1k on a solution for my rig.
    Thanks!
     
    Hiluxforever likes this.
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