Hilux 4x4 Forum

Hi Chaps

I am looking for a 12V solar panel for use mostly in emergencies.
This entails recharging of my single standard Hilux battery when the alternator packs up or the tunes are played for too long whilst camped at the bottom of a hill.
If the panel could provide enough current to keep only the ignition system running whilst driving this would be great (in the unlikely event of both the alternator and battery giving up).
Budget is around R500.00
It must be compact to stash behind the back seat (foldable?).
Simple - no fancy inverters etc. just two connector wires with alligator clips.
Good quality, reliable brand.

I have no experience with solar panels so if you guys could point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Tim. Sadly that budget just ain't gonna cut it. Typically the foldable panels are more pricey than the rigid ones and you'd also need a controller unit ..... depending on the light intensity, the voltage from the panel differs from 0V to somewhere around 22 / 23V on the smaller panels. So you can't just connect it directly .... the controller will smooth it out to around 14V and also cut off when the charge voltage gets too low.

Speak to Pieter ... maybe an 80W panel and a basic Phocos controller.

Have a look here what I did to leave my panel permanently and safely secured.

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=24935&p=291003

One of my main aims (and biggest power draw) is to get one that can run the ignition system (coil and dash) whilst driving. This would need to supply about 3 amps (thumb suck) for a simple vehicle like the 22R SFA. So even one of the 4x4Direct 50W panels would cut it - 50/14=3.6amps. I think I am correct?? I understand that a voltage regulator is also required so as to not pop the battery.

Even a 50W fixed panel looks a little too large - I may have to look at building a flexi panel from components.

Not sure I understand your reasoning ... while driving the alternator will be supplying more than enough power .... is it not working?

If not, then how are you going to start the vehicle without enough battery power, besides a run start ...(you might not always be in a position to run-start / push-start like in a parking area etc.).