This high efficiency semi-flexible 160W (80W + 80W) 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:
2 x 80W reinforced narrow semi-flexible solar panels with a durable ETFE coating (German solar cells)
20A automatic solar charge controller with advanced connectivity options
A pair of 5m 4mm single core solar extension cables with MC4 connectors
5m of 4.0mm double core battery cable fitted with a 15A fuse, fuse holder and 8mm ring terminals
A pair of T-branch MC4 connectors, for connecting the panels in parallel
2 x 80W Reinforced narrow semi-flexible solar panels:
These reinforced semi-flexible solar panels have a unique 7-layer construction, featuring an embedded sheet of anodised aluminium fully encapsulated within each solar panel. This additional reinforcement offers greater strength and resilience, making them amongst the most robust semi-flexible solar panels available on the market.
In addition to the aluminium reinforcement, the surface of these 80W semi-flexible solar panels 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 these panels creates an anti-reflective surface which allows the panels 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 these solar panels 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. These panels also feature 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 these panels makes them ideal for curved roofs and surfaces where bonding is preferable (though the panels can also be fixed by bolts or screws). The panels are also incredibly light (only 3.05kg each) which makes them an ideal option for all vehicle applications. The unique narrow design also make them ideal for applications where space is restricted, or where there are obstructions on the roof. The panels are also highly resistant to salt water environments and it is also possible to walk on the panels, making them the perfect choice for boats and yachts.
The panels are fitted with 2 x 1m of cable with MC4 connectors on the end.
20A Solar charge controller:
The kit includes a 20A 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. Other features of this controller include LED indicators, temperature sensor, and a load "on/off" button.
This controller can work with sealed, gel and flooded batteries (the default is sealed) or a user-defined battery type (please note battery type can only be changed from default using one of the communication methods listed below). The controller can accept up to 320W (12V battery) / 640W (24V battery) of solar power input, which makes it ideal for future systm expansion.
The solar charge controller also features advanced communication technology, which offers the user the opportunity to monitor and program parameters for the solar charge controller through various methods:
1) The controller can be connected to a remote meter MT50 with an LCD screen, which displays system performance information, and allows the user to manually adjust parameters and load settings
2) The controller can be connected to a Wi-Fi module to create a Wi-Fi network, to which your mobile phone or tablet can connect, in order to monitor or adjust charging parameters and controller settings through a free mobile app - Solar Station Monitor (available for Android and iOS users).
3) An RJ45 to USB cable can be used to connect the controller directly to your PC / laptop, where parameters and settings can be monitored and adjusted via a free computer program - Solar Station Monitor (Windows-based PCs and laptops only).
Using one of these communication methods, the user will gain access to various charging parameters such as voltage, current (separately for solar panel / load), battery state of charge, accumulated charge and discharge energy, min/max voltage and other information. If required the user will also be able to amend the battery type and capacity, set charging volts for different charging stages, specify the duration of each charging stage, create a user-defined battery type with charging parameters specific to their battery (if the pre-existing options are unsuitable), personalise the 'load' settings (e.g. set timers for lighting, fans, pumps) and more.
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 includes 5m positive and negative 4.0mm solar extension leads for connecting the solar panels to the solar charge controller, and a 5m 4.0mm dual core battery cable fitted with a 15A 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 panels and the battery 1m + 5m + 5m = 11m.
A pair of T-branch MC4 connectors is also provided, in order to connect these panels in parallel (Click on the Installation tab for further details).
Specifications (per solar panel):
Peak power: 80W
Maximum power voltage: 20.2V
Maximum power current: 3.96A
Open circuit voltage: 23.9V
Short circuit current: 4.20A
Power allowance range: +/- 5%
Solar Panel Dimensions: 1365 x 350 x 4 mm
Junction Box Dimensions: 90 x 16 x 16 mm
Weight: 3.05 kg
2 x 1m of high quality single core solar cable (4mm² cross section)
Male and female MC4 connectors
Charge controller specifications:
Rated current 20A
Fully automated operation and auto 12/24V selection
Wide solar input voltage range up to 50V
3 pairs of terminals (input, battery, output)
LEDs to indicate charging, battery and load
Temperature sensor for automatic compensation (-3mV/°C/2V)
Over load protection (≥1.05 times the rated discharge current)
Short circuit protection (≥2 times the rated discharge current)
Over charge / discharge, overheating and other protection features
Self-consumption: ≤ 8.4mA (12V) / ≤ 7.8mA (24V)
Working temperature: -35C to +50C
Terminals for wire up to 10mm2
Size: 15.9 x 8.1 x 4.8 cm
Weight: 300 g
Multiple mounting holes for ease of installation
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 panels are covered by a 1 year repair or replacement warranty provided by Photonic Universe. We will repair or replace defective items at our discretion. The solar controller is covered by a 1 year manufacturer warranty. 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.
Wiring guide for Solar Panel Kits in Series
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.
