re-portable solar panels,and regulators

[hotspur]

Hello.

I saw a thread a while ago,a member was asking about these portable solar panels,I am looking at purchasing one like this http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/260894389171?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX: IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_5727wt _1271

From my limited knowledge on them,it appears one needs to go and buy a regulator and fit it,as the ones they come with are not much good-can cook batteries.

So,wondering how IIS members have found these ebay offerings-$230 ish dollars for a 120 Watt portable solar panel is rather tempting-when these first came out they were nothing like those prices.

Also any ebay regulators worth buying?.

Thanks for any advice.

[Larryp]

Hi Chris-from reading the ad, the panels don't seem to have a regulator. I would definitely use one, and you will probably find ads for "Kemo" brand regulators on Ebay-they are german made and very good quality. Get one that can handle 12-15 amps to be safe.

[hotspur]

Thanks Larrie.

I plan to buy a regulator at the same time as panels,will check out the brand you mention,I did find this one

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/251103747400?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX: IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_3043wt _1139

The specs look reasonable.

[Larryp]

Maybe ok Chris, but I think a Kemo would be better. Kemos are much more solid

[xstream]

Don't be a penny wise and a pound foolish when dealing with solar regulators Morningstar (http://www.energymatters.com.au/regulators-12v-regulators-c-150_183.html?zenid=1ihom84518sckkpm 1blu66ph77) would be close to the best on the market.

I have one in my setup (caravan) which is our home on the road, and our batteries would be close to as good as the day they were installed 4 years ago, and they're constantly used every day.

[Larryp]

I agree with John-don't buy a cheap charge controller. I bought one of the cheap chinese ones on Ebay and did not use it-it looked cheap and nasty. As I said, I bought a Kemo and never had a problem with it, but any good brand should be ok.