Installed this hood solar panel on my RAV4. Here’s how it looks:
Looks awesome… are you using a power station in the car or just hooking it up to the regular 12v battery?
mary said:
Looks awesome… are you using a power station in the car or just hooking it up to the regular 12v battery?
I’ve got the Bluetti EB3A for now, but I’m thinking of upgrading to something bigger. I’m grabbing this charging cable so I can plug it right into the panel when parked.
@Graydon
I use the PS54 (537Wh) and it’s been solid. Small enough to carry around easily, but still powers my 12v fridge for a full day even without sun. I bring a foldable 120W panel too. How much power does your Starlink take?
@Galen
That’s really helpful. I think my Starlink only draws about 20w, but I’m planning on getting a fridge soon so I’ll need a bigger battery for sure.
Graydon said:
@Galen
That’s really helpful. I think my Starlink only draws about 20w, but I’m planning on getting a fridge soon so I’ll need a bigger battery for sure.
Keep an eye on their eBay store. I got the PS54 new for $199, but now that’s around what they charge for refurbished. I think the EB55 is the newer version of mine. Having a fridge really helps—never noticed how much space ice took up before.
There are some alternator chargers that can power your battery pack while you’re driving… some go up to 500 volts and work with solar too.
Aeron said:
There are some alternator chargers that can power your battery pack while you’re driving… some go up to 500 volts and work with solar too.
Check out the Etaker F1000… works with both solar and alternator charging.
How long does it take to charge the battery with this?
Harlan said:
How long does it take to charge the battery with this?
That’s a good one—I’m not exactly sure yet. But here’s the panel I’m using: Lensun hood panel for RAV4
@Graydon
Cool! Let me know once you try it out!
I’ve got the Cascadia4x4 version. Super useful when I’m out in the backcountry for weeks with all the electronics I’ve got running.
The 5th gen RAV4 looks amazing… I’ve got the 4th gen and love it, but the 5th just looks next level.
Where did you get the decal on your hood? Or is that part of the solar panel setup?
Kit said:
Where did you get the decal on your hood? Or is that part of the solar panel setup?
It came with a decal, but it got a bit damaged so I had a wrap shop put on a new one.
Nice setup!
Why bring Starlink and all this power gear if you’re just camping? Just wondering.
Sparrow said:
Why bring Starlink and all this power gear if you’re just camping? Just wondering.
Fair question. I usually go out to shoot the Milky Way and there’s a lot of waiting around… Starlink helps pass the time.
Sparrow said:
Why bring Starlink and all this power gear if you’re just camping? Just wondering.
Some of us are living in our cars full-time and not just weekend camping. So yeah, power is a must.
@Hollis
Living full time? Fancy!
Edit: Looks like the post I replied to got edited.