Solar Panel Advice needed.

I need some advice on a foldable or flexible solar panel set up to charge an 18ah Lithium battery. (Fusion V-LFP-12-18 12V 18AH Lithium Deep-Cycle LiFePO4) Bonus if it can also charge phone and VHS radio. Looking at longer camping trips, and need the Lowrance Sounder GPS combo each day.
Appreciate any input.

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2021 Dune Hobie Lynx

Hopefully you can access this excellent source of information.
http://www.akff.net/forum/viewtopic.php ... ee#p682993

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

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Mate

I have a setup that is a bit modular so I will try and explain it:
I have 2 flexible solar panels bought off ebay not too expensive one is 75w the other is 40w (don't use them together one or the other depends how long you are out for and how much of the tramp you want taken up.

I got a plastic ammo can and it takes 2x 18amp/hr batteries. I can use both together to make 36 Amp hr or take one out for just 18 amp hr depending on weight etc. The ammo can also has a solar charge regulator with a USB socket for 5v (charging phone etc) I can shut the ammo can up and it has sockets mounted to the lid to allow for output (cigarette lighter plug) and input from the panel. The can gets strapped to the mast step. The can, can be taken out and used during the night or at home to provide 12v or 5v. Also the panel can come off and be left at a campsite with the can to charge batteries if you want to.

I use this to power the Lowrance 7 inch, the VHF (I have a 12v VHF with antenna as well as a handheld again depends where I am going etc) and if I really need it to it can recharge the Torqeedo 403 motor battery, nearly forgot the bilge pump as well.

So bottom line is that the system is very flexible and depending on where I go and what I do I configure the boat likewise.

Hope that helps I am away from the boat so I cant take any pics for now

I bought a foldable solar panel from Amazon. those things are becoming cheap
the problem with our boats is the spash and the possibility of a sudden change of weather.
since in my 2011 AI I have a special wooden seat that substitutes the original seat i can easily put the solar panel in a quite elevated position behind my back. I then connect it to a recharghable battery that always stay inside a bag, in this way, will be always full and ready to charge any other thing that will need power. In order to protect the usb plug of the solar panel (it's the real weak point since the panel itself i think can be also splashed). i attached an usb cable extension and taped it. in this way if i should accidentally splash the panel and the cable I should probably save the usb of the panel and just loose the extension.
I should use this panel only if the sea is calm. honestly i shoudnt put it in any other (low) position in the boat cause there should be a big risk of spash and the salt water is so corrosive that ina few minutes I should have lost the panel and the battery.

Hello Hogman,

Unlike other technologies, PowerFilm’s tactical light-weight, flexible thin-film solar panels are:
• Extremely durable (can sustain bullet holes and still function)
• Able to function after prolonged dark storage (they immediately start producing power when exposed to light and do not require "sun soaking")
• Weather resistant and can be water-proofed
• Shade tolerant (panels still work when partially blocked)
• Very low light functional (they work early in the morning and throughout the evening)
These advantages are characteristic of the Amorphous Silicon and Polymer Substrate materials used in conjunction with the PowerFilm proprietary integration process.