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Author Topic: P3 vs Powerfilm Foldable Solar Panels  (Read 3162 times)

AA0CM

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P3 vs Powerfilm Foldable Solar Panels
« on: April 25, 2018, 11:51:58 AM »

I'm getting ready to purchase either a P3Solar or Powerfilm foldable 60W solar panel for SOTA and hiking/backpacking use.  The P3 looks cheaper and lighter than the Powerfilm, if I can safely compare the manufacturer's "60W" ratings.  Both products have thorough spec sheets, although the P3 specs looks a little more thoroughly written, which usually increases my confidence in a vendor.

The Powerfilm says to keep it out of the rain, but I don't see any mention of weatherproof capability of the P3 panel.

I plan to use the panel with an MPPT controller, hooked to an LiFePO4 battery.

Does anyone have experience or recommendations?  Reliability? Power? Ruggedness? Ease of use?

(Based other comments on folding solar panels, I expect to realistically get 20-30W out of these in the field, in the middle of the day, here in Colorado).

Thanks
Andy
AA0CM

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N7EKU

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RE: P3 vs Powerfilm Foldable Solar Panels
« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2018, 08:32:03 PM »

Hi,

Aren't MPPT controllers set up for lead-acid batteries and not lithium ones?

73,


Mark.
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Mark -- N7EKU/VE3

AA0CM

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RE: P3 vs Powerfilm Foldable Solar Panels
« Reply #2 on: April 25, 2018, 09:37:48 PM »

MPPT can be used to charge any kind of battery.  MPPT, Maximum Power Point Tracking, refers to how the solar controller extracts the most amount of power from a solar panel.  Solar panels have a voltage-current-curve that varies with sunlight, where the maximum power is available at less current than the short-circuit current, and less voltage than the open-circuit voltage.  This optimum voltage-current point is called the maximum power point.   The charging circuit is a different part of the controller, and is configured differently for lead acid than for LiFePO4.  In the case of the Genasun MPPT controller, there are different versions for 13.5 V Pb, and 3 different versions for LiFePO4 12.5V, 14.2V, and 16.7V batteries.
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AA0CM

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RE: P3 vs Powerfilm Foldable Solar Panels
« Reply #3 on: April 25, 2018, 09:41:47 PM »

I've been exchanging emails with P3Solar, and their panel does tolerate being in the rain.  Their support was very quick and detailed.  I'm impressed.

Like the Powerfilm, there are built in diodes so you can put the panels in parallel.


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N7EKU

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RE: P3 vs Powerfilm Foldable Solar Panels
« Reply #4 on: April 26, 2018, 05:53:01 AM »

In the case of the Genasun MPPT controller, there are different versions for 13.5 V Pb, and 3 different versions for LiFePO4 12.5V, 14.2V, and 16.7V batteries.

Ah,

Those look very nice and made in the USA too.  I've only seen them made for lead acid batteries or they don't say at all what batteries they are for.  I guess that's just on the cheap low end of the range.

73,


Mark.
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Mark -- N7EKU/VE3

KB1GMX

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RE: P3 vs Powerfilm Foldable Solar Panels
« Reply #5 on: April 26, 2018, 08:21:28 PM »

There are MPPT controller that can be programmed for may types of
battery.  Even lead acid they can be tweaked for AGM or Gell types
as they are different when charging.

I went through that for 150ah industrial NiCd and checked for smaller
Lithium types as well.

The bigger issue is switching noise some are good other are noisy.
I had to try a few.

Flexible solar panels durability and water resistance are the big things.
I prefer framed panels in the smaller 5w or 20w size for moving around.
they are weather resistant and I can use them semi-permanent outdoors
in between to augment the bigger system.  However for SOTA I can
understand weight/size issues. but you pay dearly for good foldible
systems.


Allison
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