180W Solar Panel to be used for a variety of functions

The 180W solar panel has a controller and is ready to charge a battery or to be  used as a solar generator.

Zamp Solar in the U.S. manufactures the Monocrystalline foldable solar panel. It comes with two 90 watt solar modules. This is a suitcase with own handle for carrying, portable, easy to set up and takes little space when transporting.

This 180W solar panel kit contains 2 x 90 Watt solar modules and removable MC4 connector cables.

It also comes with alligator clamps, cables, as well as a 10 Ampere charge controller.

You can use the solar panels for many years without faults, defects or operating failures.

It has a warranty of up to twenty five years.

On a clear day and 7 hours sunlight in high-summer, you can generate about 1.2 Kilowatt.

This is 7 x 180 watt = 1,26KiloWatt.

Allow for a 15% loss and you get 1, 26 X 85/100 = 1,071 Kilowatt

Ignore the 0,071 and you have 1 Kilowatt.

You can click here to go to the solar panel.

The 180W solar panel kit includes:

• A waterproof, weatherproof charge Controller.


• IP Rated Junction Box.


• A nylon carrying case which you unzip to open the 180W solar module.

• An easy to grip handles for easy transportation of this convenient solar panel.


• A precision-machined butterfly clamp to open the solar suitcase


• Removable alligator clips for battery connection. Also SAE cabling for direct connection to RV solar plug.


• 16 Foot UV Protected Cable.

• Adjustable tilt legs.

180W Solar Panel Specifications

Electric

Max Watt:                                                                                              180Watt.

Open-Circuit Volts (Voc):                                                                       21.6V

Optimum Operating Volts (Vmp):                                                      17.8V

Optimum Operating Current (Imp):                                                    4.5A

Short-Circuit Current (Isc):                                                                    4.95A

Mechanical

Weight:                                                                                            34.35 lbs.

Dimensions: 

 Open;                                                                       40” x 39.5“x 1.5” inches.

Folded;                                                    20” x 39.5“x 3" inches.

Warranty

The 180W solar panel comes with a 25-year output warranty.

Applications

The 180W solar module is multi-functional. It runs interior lights, charge laptops and handheld devices. It also runs fridges and fans.

It works for RVs, trucks, campers, and boats.

The 180W solar panel charge controller comes with:

• 6 Battery Type Settings - LiFeP04, LTO, AGM, GEL, Calcium, and conventional lead-acid.


• Overcharge protection.


• Auto Start and Stop depending on battery levels.


• Digital Display that shows Amps, Volts & Amp Hours.

• LED Indicator to show the condition of the battery that is busy charging. - 25, 50, 75 & 100% full.

The Charge Controller

This solar panel module comes with an integrated 5 Stage 15 Amp solar charge controller.

This is a PWM charge controller.

The mounting of the controller is on an EZ-View bracket. You can take the bracket swing it out and take the reading. When you let go the controller will swing back into position.

It can plug into a solar panel port on a camper if provided. It can also connect directly to the battery terminals by making use of the alligator clips.

The solar charge controller protects the battery from overcharging. It turns on and off depending on the status of the battery.

It will also ensure safe operation during surges and overcharge.

It has a digital display and LED indicator. The lights provide charging information w.r.t. the battery.

Use it for charging 12V batteries.

How to operate the 180W Solar Panel

Set up takes less than 5 minutes.

You take the 180w solar panel out of the box. Then you unzip the bag. Now you unfold the panel.

Then it is a matter of adjusting the tilt legs and directing the module to the sun.  Connect the wire to batteries, and you are receiving free energy from the sun.

To make the  panel fully operational you will need  a charge controller and  battery.

Also  an inverter  if we want to run ac appliances.

To size the battery you divide the total watts by volts.

This is 180 watt x 6 hours of sunlight(Determined by  the area you live.) X .85 for loss/ 12 volt x 2 for depth of discharge.

This is 180 x 6 x .85 / 12 x 2 =  153 Ampere Hours .

A 160 Ah battery will be good.

Size the inverter; Decide the maximum watts to utilize at once.

The maximum output is 125 watts. 

By rule of thumb you use an inverter 1.25 to 1.5 times more than highest watt.

Here work with 180 X 1.5 =  270 watt.  A 300 watt inverter will work well.

Each solar kit includes a 16-foot wire with detachable alligator clamps on the end.

You can connect the solar kit to the battery with the alligator clips.

Many RV's come prewired for solar with an integrated solar port. If this is the case you detach the alligator clips.  It reveals a plug that fits into the integrated solar port.

Now you can connect without using the alligator clips.

  Things to bear in mind

• Adjust the solar panels for maximum sunlight for as long as possible during the day to ensure the most output.


• First you connect the battery to the controller. Then the  load and last the solar panel.


• When disconnecting  you disconnect panel, the load and  battery.


• Connect the positive and negative leads as prescribed. 


• Remember to read all the safety precautions before you put the panel into operation.


• Remember sharp objects that can damage the surface of the 180w solar panel.


• Proper connections help to prevent short circuits.

• Any obstacles covering the surface of the solar panel can reduce the output power.

Maintaining the solar module

Make sure the cables are not damaged to maintain a good working condition. 

It is important to clean the surface of the solar panel

Use a damp cloth to do so. 

Dirty panels lead to a drop in efficiency. 

Professional persons have to  perform other maintenance functions. 

Advantages associated with the 180W Solar Panel

• The panels have specialized AR coated glass.  It has anti-reflective properties for the largest light absorption during extreme sun angles.


• You can get get this solar system up and in operation within five minutes.


• The module is resistant to salt corrosion and humidity.


• It withstands high winds and snow loads.


• The manufacturer uses reinforced safety and anti-reflection coated glass.


• The panels can last for decades in harsh weather conditions.


• The panels come with a built-in to easy to set up and face the sun. Adjusting is easy to get largest sunlight during the day.


• It is a pleasure to mention that Zamp Solar delivers superior customer service.

  Disadvantages:

• Some people complain that they do not get maximum watts. Remember though that ideal condition is high-summer. Also you get peak wattage only when the sun is shining perpendicular to the panel.

• The real output varies depending on the place you stay and season of the year. Utilize the attached EZ-Slide legs. This will increase the electricity you can generate on a daily basis.

Positive facts to mention

This 180W solar panel is light and easy to carry and set up. It gives high output and operation of the charge controller makes it convenient to use.

The alligator clips and MC4 connectors are handy to use.

Design is neat and clean and the modules are well built and sturdy.