This high-efficiency semi-flexible 120W solar panel kit is perfect for permanent outdoor use to provide free electricity for charging 12V batteries to power various applications, such as in a motorhome, caravan, camper, boat, or for solar lighting systems, off-grid and back up solar power systems.
Solar kit includes:
120W reinforced semi-flexible solar panel with a durable ETFE coating (German solar cells)
Advanced 10A solar charge controller with LCD display and powerful 2.4A dual USB output
A pair of 5m 4mm² single core solar extension cables with MC4 connectors
5m of 4mm² dual core battery cable fitted with a 15A fuse, fuse holder and 8mm ring terminals
120W Reinforced semi-flexible solar panel:
This reinforced semi-flexible solar panel has a unique 7-layer construction, featuring an embedded sheet of anodised aluminium fully encapsulated within the solar panel. This additional reinforcement offers greater strength and resilience, making this one of the most robust semi-flexible solar panels available on the market.
In addition to the aluminium reinforcement, the surface of this 120W semi-flexible solar panel is made of strong ETFE material which has a longer service life compared to standard semi-flexible solar panels. As a result, these particular semi-flexible solar panels are extremely hard-wearing and less prone to cracking , delamination and corrosion. The lightly textured coating of this panel creates an anti-reflective surface which allows the panel to absorb a far greater amount of light, thereby increasing efficiency. ETFE material has long been used in applications where durability and high-temperature resistance is required, such as in the Eden Project, Cornwall. You can read more about ETFE and its benefits here.
The high-efficiency monocrystalline German solar cells used in this solar panel have excellent performance in low light conditions (particularly when compared to solar cells of unknown origin) and they produce a good amount of power even in daylight - when direct sunlight is not available. This panel also features innovative 5 busbar solar cells, which are more efficient than the 2, 3 or 4 busbar solar cells used in most other solar panels, and are able to extract more power from the same surface area.
The semi-flexible design of this panel makes it ideal for curved roofs and surfaces where bonding is preferable (though the panel can also be fixed by bolts or screws). The panel is also incredibly light (only 4.35kg) which makes it an ideal option for all vehicle applications. This panel is also highly resistant to salt water environments and it is also possible to walk on the panel, making it the perfect choice for boats and yachts.
The panel is fitted with 2 x 1m of cable with MC4 connectors on the end which simply plug into the 5m extension solar cable supplied with the kit, to join the solar panel and the charge controller.
10A Solar charge controller:
The kit includes a 10A 12V/24V Photonic Universe solar charge controller designed to protect batteries whilst charging them, with automatic cut off to prevent over-charging and deep discharge. The controller uses PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) technology which increases charge acceptance and prolongs the life of your battery. Often PWM technology can recover some lost battery capacity.
This controller stops reverse current at night (from the battery back to the solar panel) so your battery won't lose any charge. It has many other protection functions such as over charge / discharge, over load, short circuit, overheating etc.
The LCD display shows information regarding real time solar panel and battery performance, including: voltage, current, battery state of charge, and battery temperature. An energy statistics counter also displays the accumulated daily and monthly charge values (useful for comparing solar panel performance between different periods).
This solar charge controller also offers the rare and highly sought-after feature of a dual USB charging output. These 5V USB ports have a total combined output of 2.4A, offering fast and powerful charging of USB compatible devices such as mobile phones, tablets, mp3 players etc.
An optional 12V load (e.g. 12V lighting / fans) may also be connected directly to the solar charge controller, with various settings for night time lighting applications. In addition, this controller also offers various charging programs for different battery types, which can be easily selected by the user. In addition to the built-in temperature sensor, the controller has a pair of terminals for connecting a remote temperature sensor, which can be attached directly to the battery to measure the battery temperature more precisely and optimise the charging process.
Additional items:
The kit also includes a pair of 5m positive and negative solar extension leads (4mm² cross section) and 5m of 4mm² dual core battery cable fitted with a fuse, fuse holder and 8mm ring terminals for use between the solar charge controller and your battery, making the total cable length between the solar panel and the battery 1m + 5m + 5m = 11m.
Solar panel specifications:
Peak power: 120W
Maximum power voltage: 20.2V
Maximum power current: 5.94A
Open circuit voltage: 23.9V
Short circuit current: 6.30A
Power allowance range: +/- 5%
Solar Panel Dimensions: 1025 x 665 x 4 mm
Junction Box Dimensions: 90 x 16 x 16 mm
Weight: 4.35 kg
2 x 1m of high quality single core solar cable (4mm cross² section)
Male and female MC4 connectors
Controller specifications:
Fully automated operation and auto 12/24V selection
Rated charge/discharge current: 10A
Maximum solar panel input power: 160W (12V) / 320W (24V)
Maximum solar panel input voltage 50V
Temperature sensor for automatic compensation: -3mV/C/2V (25C)
Working temperature: -25°C to +55°C
Self-consumption: max. ≤9.2mA (12V); ≤11.7mA (24V)
3 pairs of terminals (solar, battery, optional load)
Terminals for wire up to 4mm²
Multiple mounting holes for ease of installation
Size: 14.2 x 8.5 x 4.1 cm
Weight: 220 g
Please note: due to our warehouse arrangements, the solar charge controller and accessories may be shipped from a different warehouse to the solar panels and therefore delivered in a separate package.
The panel and charge controller are covered by a 1 year warranty. In the unlikely event that a defect is found and confirmed during this period, we guarantee that we will repair or replace all defective items. For more information please refer to our Terms and Conditions.
In addition, solar cells are guaranteed to produce at least 90% of nominal power in 10 years after purchase and at least 80% of nominal power in 25 years after purchase. This warranty is provided by the manufacturer of solar cells.
Advantages of Solar
Solar panels are a great addition to caravans, campervans and motorhomes for a number of reasons. Not only do they provide a clean and renewable source of energy, but they also offer a number of practical advantages that make them a worthwhile investment for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road.
One of the biggest advantages of solar panels in caravans and campervans is that they allow you to be more self-sufficient while you're traveling. With a solar panel system, you can generate your own electricity, which means you don't have to rely on hooking up to external power sources. This is especially useful when you're camping in remote areas where there may not be any electrical outlets nearby.
Another advantage of solar panels in caravans, campervans and motorhomes is that they can help you save money on your energy bills. By generating your own electricity, you can reduce your reliance on more expensive sources of power, such as gasoline generators or hooking up to the grid. This can help you save money on fuel and other energy costs, making solar panels a cost-effective investment in the long run.
Solar panels are also easy to install and maintain, which makes them a convenient choice for caravans and campervans. They are relatively lightweight, so they won't add a lot of extra weight to your vehicle, and they can be easily mounted on the roof or other parts of your caravan or campervan.
In addition to the practical advantages, solar panels are also environmentally friendly. They produce clean, renewable energy, which means they don't produce any harmful emissions or contribute to climate change. This makes them a great choice for anyone who is looking to reduce their carbon footprint while they're on the road.
Overall, solar panels are a great addition to caravans, campervans and motorhomes for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. They offer a convenient and cost-effective way to generate your own electricity, and they are easy to install and maintain. Plus, they are environmentally friendly, making them a win-win for both practicality and sustainability.