SOLAR PANELS AND
CHARGING EQUIPMENT
SOLAR, IT'S ONE OF THE BIGGEST THINGS WE DO
There are many types of solar panels available on the Australian market, unfortunately,
most are sold by companies that have no understanding of what they are actually selling and
they have no hesitation in selling the cheapest "D" grade panels to the unsuspecting public customer making out that they are doing you a super cheap deal of a lifetime.
Solar is a case of you truly get what you pay for, cheap panels mean cheap performance, this
is something we truly understand, performance requirers quality components,
not cheap and easy to sell underperforming components, this is what
you get from the TV guide, cheap internet sites or your cheap caravan show specials.
We have over 3000 solar systems under our belts that we have either built or rectified
for customers and all these customers are more than happy with the system
and ultimately the performance they provide.
Solar need to be designed to the customer's requirements,
not handed out over the counter like a packet of potato chips.
We sit down to listen to what you require then build a system within your
specifications and budget if need be.
FIXED MOUNTED PANELS
We sell and use several types of solar panels, our "A" Grade Certified ENERDRIVE
DOMETIC and REDARC panels which are some of Australia's best performing
RV, Camper trailer or Motorhome rooftop panels on the market today.
Enerdrive panels come in - 10, 20, 40, 55, 80, 120, 150, 180 and 200watt.
Redarc panels come in - 50watt, 80watt, 120watt,180watt and 200watt.
Dometic panels come in - 160watt.
PORTABLE GROUND PANELS
Campers or Portable panels:
Enerdrive comes in -120watt, 160watt and 240watt.
Redarc comes in - 120watt and 200watt.
Dometic comes in - 120watt and 180watt.
SOLAR BLANKETS
Solar blankets for quick and light area coverage.
Redarc with 115watt, 150watt and 190watt kits.
SOLAR PANELS THEMSELVES
ENERDRIVE AUSTRALIA
Enerdrive has a range of Mono & Poly Crystalline solar panels from 10watts to 200watts.
Each module is typically around 20+vdc open circuit and are well suited to 12v installations (or 24v by series connections of panels).
Enerdrive stocks a full range of spare cables. With a mass of factories developing solar panels around the world, the biggest choice is ‘Where to buy” & even more importantly “What quality and support am I getting”. Enerdrive can become your single point contact for all things relating to solar products, warranty and importantly that same level of support that we have provided for many years with all Enerdrive products.
Enerdrive’s 120W and 240W Canvas folding kit is built with the strength and ingenuity that people have come to expect from Enerdrive Products.
They are designed & built with Heavy Duty canvas, ETFE front cover, inbuilt stabilizer legs, Monocrystalline Cells and an extra thick fibreglass reinforcement panel to reduce flex and potential microfracture of the Cell wafers. also included in the kit is 5 metres of 6mm² Twin core cable kit with Red Anderson Plugs at each end so you don’t accidentally connect solar voltage direct to your battery system.
REDARC ELECTRONICS AUSTRALIA
Looking for a high-capacity solar panel for your RV or camping?
REDARC's monocrystalline flat panels are one of the highest rated and most efficient with an extremely robust design.
A tempered glass coating with a sturdy aluminium frame ensures that our panels will withstand harsh road conditions and extreme weather conditions.
These are designed for a fixed installation, typically on the roof area of caravans, RV’s, motorhomes, as well as some camper trailer and 4x4 vehicle applications.
Featuring an anodised aluminium frame and tempered glass coating they are well suited for outdoor use and employ MC4 connectors for easy installation.
The newest Fixed Solar Panels feature a weight reduction improvement and smaller footprint design for their power output, effectively contributing to a lighter, smaller design with greater cell efficiency.
Each panel is tested at the time of manufactureing to conform to CE standards, so you can be sure that the panel output is exactly as described in its specification.
Go further with portable folding solar panels
Portable solar panels are simple to use, compact, and great for areas where generators are prohibited. Designed to withstand Australia's harsh conditions, these monocrystalline solar panels are supported by a strong, double channel aluminium frame. This means you can have peace of mind that these solar panels won't flex or twist on your off-road travels.
With REDARC's camping solar panels, you can expect to receive 6-8 hours of sunlight on a typical sunny day. This sunlight becomes solar power for your DC to DC battery chargers and appliances, so you can charge everything no matter where you are. Our high quality portable solar panels are even able to maximise the amount of power generated in low light situations, meaning that you can still be self-sufficient on those cloudy days. Not to mention, they also have adjustable legs, so the panels can be angled towards the sun and conveniently moved as required.
REDARC’s 115W, 150W & 190W Solar Blanket SunPower® Cells has been designed for portability and strength and feature no grid lines, a solid copper backing and thick connectors for higher efficiency. The unique design of Sunpower® cells reduces cell failure from corrosion and breakage.
Using an anti-reflective scratch-resistant ETFE coating, the 190W SunPower® blanket features a high melting temperature, is UV resistant and has chemical and self-cleaning non-stick resistance properties, making this blanket highly reliable and efficient.
Designed to charge 12V Automotive, Marine and Recreational Vehicle battery systems, the 190W SunPower® blanket will provide extra battery charge to power 12 volt equipment. This portable solar panel is compact and lightweight, making it easy to store and is about a third of the weight of an equivalent glass solar kit.
What’s more set up is now even easier thanks to genuine industry standard Anderson™ SB™50 connectors. These high quality Anderson™ plugs are simple and fast to connect with no screw terminals and no risk of poor connections from frayed wires or loose terminals – just plug and play!
DOMETIC AUSTRALIA
Harness the power of the sun with the Dometic 160watt RTS160 rooftop solar panel. Perfect for off-grid adventures, this robust solar panel is an efficient and reliable source of energy. Tested to withstand extreme weather and harsh conditions on the road.
RELIABLE POWER, WHEREVER YOU ARE!
Perfect for adventurers away from mains power for long periods of time, the Dometic PSI120A & PS180A portable solar panelS provides a reliable source of power for charging batteries and powering anything else with a 12-volt system.
Utilise the sun as an alternative power source to recharge anywhere with this portable folding solar panel kit. The high performance 120 W & 180 W solar panels have an inbuilt 10 A & 20 A heavy-duty voltage regulator.
SOLAR CHARGERS
ENERDRIVE DC2DC CHARGER
Features
-
Two totally independent DC Inputs for both engine and solar regulation charging one house battery bank output
-
DC M6 screw terminals that will allow for large battery cable connection between all sources
-
A dedicated Maximum Power Point (MPPT) solar regulator
-
The same battery algorithms as included in our AC mains ePOWER battery charger. GEL, AGM, Flooded, Lithium and the ability to create a full custom profile
-
Vehicle input allows for either 12 or 24v and a maximum solar input of 45V/800W
-
40A+ output up to 40+°C with thermo controlled fan cooling
-
Fully programmable LCD display to show which source is charging the battery along with charger status, voltage and amperage
-
Temperature sensor included with charger for more accurate battery charging
The Enerdrive ePOWER DC2DC+ Battery Charger is a fully automatic multistage, multi input battery charger with the ability to charge from either an alternator linked to a battery; or via solar power with the in built Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Solar Controller. With two inputs available, the main/house battery will be charged from either the engine while underway, or via the solar panels when stationary. The process to choose either engine or solar is fully automatic and both functions are controlled from within the unit itself without the need for external relays.
During normal operation the ePOWER DC2DC+ Battery Charger will do a full charge cycle to float stage on the house battery bank with ability to choose either GEL, AGM, Flooded, Custom Programmable or Lithium. Once float stage is reached the charger transitions to a power supply mode to support any on-board DC loads.
TRISTAR PWM and MPPT CHARGERS
Morningstar TriStar MPPT Controller. 30, 45 or 60 amps / 12 to 48 volts.
The Morningstar TriStar MPPT with TrakStar Technology is an advanced maximum power point tracking controller for off-grid solar systems up to 3kWp.
-
Maximizes Energy Harvest – Better peak power tracking than other MPPT controllers.
-
Very High Efficiency – the industry’s highest peak efficiency of 99% for off-grid charge controllers.
-
Extensive Networking & Communications – Enables system monitoring, data logging and adjust ability. On board Ethernet included on the TS-MPPT-60.
Morningstar TriStar Controller. 45 or 60 amps / 12 to 48 volts.
-
The Morningstar TriStar is a three-function controller that provides reliable solar battery charging, load control or diversion regulation.
-
Highest Reliability – Large heat sink and conservative design enables operating at full ratings to 45°C.
-
More Information – Optional meter displays extensive system and controller information, automatic self-test and reset. Displays in 5 languages.
-
Communications Capability – RS-232 connects to a personal computer for custom settings, data logging and remote monitoring and control.
-
Fully Adjustable – DIP switch provides user with choice of 7 digital presets. Additional custom settings via RS-232.
-
Extensive Electronic Protections – Fully protected against reverse polarity, short circuit, over current, high temperature and over voltage.
REDARC THE MANAGER30
The next generation Manager30 S3 model is the complete battery management system for charging auxiliary batteries used in recreational automotive and marine applications. The dual battery system incorporates AC, DC and solar inputs to achieve the best charge for an auxiliary battery.
Developed with ease of installation in mind, The Manager30 is compatible with all vehicles and alternator systems including variable voltage alternators.
Whether you’re charging Lead Acid, Gel, Calcium, AGM or Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, The Manager30 represents a complete DC to DC charging and maintenance solution. If you’re charging one auxiliary battery or more, The Manager30 will ensure they’re always fully charged, providing peace of mind when battery charge provides the power source for the comforts of home whilst travelling around Australia.
The Manager30 operates like 6 separate products, it charges an auxiliary battery from the vehicle while on the move, it’s a 240 volt charger, a solar regulator, a battery isolator, a load disconnect controller, all with a remote battery monitor, making it market leading.
REDARC DUAL INPUT DC BATTERY CHARGER
The REDARC BCDC12 range of Battery Chargers come in several charging sizes 25amp, 40anp and 50amp.
The REDARC BCDC1250D is the newest addition to the Redarc's long line of DC charging equipment, styled with a red line running down its back tells you there’s something different about this dual battery charger. A 50-amp charging output makes it the most powerful in REDARC’s BCDC range.
The BCDC1250D has been developed to provide higher current output, it features an additional charging stage known as SoftStart which has been engineered to handle more demanding applications.
Featuring a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) solar regulator, the BCDC1250D will charge from both solar and the alternator simultaneously. And, with built-in 'Green Power Priority,' it will select solar charging first, meaning less load on the alternator.
Suitable for 12 or 24-volt vehicle systems, the unit will also work with either standard or variable/smart alternators.
It is compatible with all common types of batteries used in automotive and recreational vehicles such as AGM, Gel, standard lead-acid, Calcium and of course the LiFeP04 batteries.
As a guide, the BCDC1250D is used for battery bank sizes over 200AH. For smaller batteries of 75-200AH REDARC recommends the BCDC1225D.
VICTRON MPPT CHARGERS
A solar charger gathers energy from your solar panels, and stores it in your batteries. Using the latest, fastest technology, SmartSolar maximises this energy-harvest, driving it intelligently to achieve full charge in the shortest possible time. SmartSolar maintains battery health, extending its life.
The SmartSolar charge controller will even recharge a severely depleted battery. It can operate with a battery voltage as low as 0 Volts, provided the cells are not permanently sulphated or otherwise damaged.
The MPPT VE.Can SmartSolar charger uses the latest and fastest technology to convert energy from a solar array into energy that optimally charges a battery banks.
The SmartSolar charge controller will even recharge a severely depleted battery. It can operate with a battery voltage as low as 0 Volts, provided the cells are not permanently sulphated or otherwise damaged.
For reference,
This solar panel below was sold in the Perth some 10 years ago as a refined "A" grade BP solar panel, it
has now become apparent these are not an "A" grade product as "A" grade have a 25year lifespan.
We've removed many of these sub-standard burnt out and failed panels off of caravan which was sold herein
Perth by some of the local companies and the customer was paying huge dollars for them as they wore a name.
These were not actual BP panels, these came out of China wearing a BP logo, they were made for the Australian
market by a particular company here in Perth, this company still exists in Perth but trades under another
name now, but they still supply cheap imported batteries, solar, inverters, generators and satellite
product to the Perth and Australian market.
This is a prime example of a cheap product being sold, these cheap panels have an average lifespan of 5-8 years before failing from sunburn and they don't produce anywhere close to their claimed output current from new.
