Portable Solar Panels

[Isuzu_man]

Having just received my Eiger 200w foldable panel today, I have read this thread with interest.

Having no manual to work with, an initial question I have is:

The MPPT is 12/24V. Do you have a setting to let the controller know you are running a 12v system?

Thanks

[kilimanjaro]

Edit: I somehow missed the MPPT part.

I’ll redeem myself with a photo of the MPPT to go with Dogbert’s post.



I’ll also attach the manual I found to go with the MPPT as I didn’t receive one either.
200731 AKSR-MPPT_20A_01 User Manual Final V1.4.pdf

[Dogbert]

Having just received my Eiger 200w foldable panel today, I have read this thread with interest.

Having no manual to work with, an initial question I have is:

The MPPT is 12/24V. Do you have a setting to let the controller know you are running a 12v system?

Thanks

Apologies for your unit not including instructions - will get that adressed. In the meantime, herewith some basic info to get you going:

Yes - the MPPT will automatically detect 12/24V when connected correctly.

THE MPPT CONTROLLER
Please note: not following these instructions may cause damage to the MPPT controller.
Ensure that you attach the positive (+) and negative (-) wires to the appropriate terminals.
1. Connect the positive and negative wires from the battery into the terminals with the battery
icon ensuring polarity is correct.
2. The solar indicator light will turn on.
3. Connect positive and negative solar input into the two terminals with the solar icon, ensuring
polarity is correct.
4. The controller is now ready to use.
5. For additional load circuit, connect positive and negative wires to the terminals with the
lightbulb icon on the controller.
NOTE: Ensure a fuse is used on battery positive wiring to prevent short circuits and potential
damage to the unit or your vehicle

[Dogbert]

Here is the manual for the MPPT Charge Controller fitted to the latest Eiger Ranger & Cruiser Panels (attachment)

[Fluffy]

It’s not complicated
.
Whatever charge controller you use.

Connect the charger controller to the battery first. This allows the controller to detect the battery voltage.

Then connect the PV.

[relec]

It’s not complicated
.
Whatever charge controller you use.

Connect the charger controller to the battery first. This allows the controller to detect the battery voltage.

Then connect the PV.

The problem is people dont read the manuals. (if supplied)

So what do they do. They start connecting from left to right (normal behaviour)
Panel first then battery and then load.

Maybe they should start changing the layout on the controllers.

[Isuzu_man]

It’s not complicated
.
Whatever charge controller you use.

Connect the charger controller to the battery first. This allows the controller to detect the battery voltage.

Then connect the PV.

Thank you Fluffy

That makes sense.

[Isuzu_man]

Here is the manual for the MPPT Charge Controller fitted to the latest Eiger Ranger & Cruiser Panels (attachment)

Thank you Dogbert.

Ordering and delivery of the panel was fast and efficient.

Will have to sort out the XT140's internal cabling first and remove the current charge controller before testing the new panel.

Trailer is booked on Monday for that.

Regards

[SP1971]

It’s not complicated
.
Whatever charge controller you use.

Connect the charger controller to the battery first. This allows the controller to detect the battery voltage.

Then connect the PV.

100% spot on Fluffy. With the Eiger from C&C its all "solid wires" so you cannot follow this correct procedure as per your fewdback. I fitted 2 BH plugs to solve this issue. Maybe Dogbert can speak to his supplier to look into this?

[Isuzu_man]

What about removing the controller from the panel, mounting it in the trailer connected to the batteries.
That'll solve the issue of picking the batteries up first?

[280iNyati]

100% spot on Fluffy. With the Eiger from C&C its all "solid wires" so you cannot follow this correct procedure as per your fewdback. I fitted 2 BH plugs to solve this issue. Maybe Dogbert can speak to his supplier to look into this?

I agree with this.

If the foldable panel was supplied/wired as per the blanket, it would solve a lot of issues and potential comebacks

[kmcoetzer]

Any update on when the Cruiser 200 W will be back in stock?

https://campandclimb.co.za/product/e...ng-solar-panel

[Dogbert]

Any update on when the Cruiser 200 W will be back in stock?

https://campandclimb.co.za/product/e...ng-solar-panel

Thanks for asking, the Cruiser with the new MPPT Charge Controller is back in stock

https://campandclimb.co.za/product/e...ng-solar-panel

[AndreZA]

Got myself a 125 watt Snowmaster solar kit today, on special al Chamberlains. See it can only charge AMG, GEL, Calcium and Wet, what size battery would the boffins recommend please...... It's only for lights and a 65lit fridge. Will charge the battery while driving as well.

[AndreZA]

duplicate post

[Luka]

Got myself a 125 watt Snowmaster solar kit today, on special al Chamberlains. See it can only charge AMG, GEL, Calcium and Wet, what size battery would the boffins recommend please...... It's only for lights and a 65lit fridge. Will charge the battery while driving as well.

This looks like a good price.

https://leroymerlin.co.za/agm-gel-ba...kle-100ah-20hr

Sent from my SM-A336E using SA 4x4 Community Forum mobile app

[AndreZA]

Thank you appreciate. I'll go for the 100ah

[kilimanjaro]

FOMO averted!

Order just placed for the Eiger 200W Folding Solar Panel.

Edit: collected in-store at the Bellville branch.

Attachment 714586

I’m very happy with this panel. I’ve since changed my setup to a NL DC25 and the panel works extremely well feeding into the DC25.

I’ve also changed the cable to a 10m lead which provides that magic arrangement of having your vehicle in some shade and the panel out in full sun. I saw this in one of Peter Betts’ posts and vowed to follow suite one day.

Yes, the panel is heavy but stores easily at the front of the load bin, propped in place by some (heavy) ammo boxes.

The folding ability and the leg supports are faultless.

[Byron]

Sitting on the Zambezi and the Eigar has failed in the African sun on the 1st trip. You get what you pay for and this seems to be rubbish.

[Serious?]

Sitting on the Zambezi and the Eigar has failed in the African sun on the 1st trip. You get what you pay for and this seems to be rubbish.

Can't see was it from heat or impact?

Is the panel dead now?