REDARC SMFP1130 130W monocrystalline folding solar panel130W portable folding panel with Anderson SB50 and carry bag

Overview

The SMFP1130 is a 130W portable folding panel with monocrystalline cells under an ETFE coating, an anodised aluminium frame and adjustable legs for angling it towards the sun. It opens to 1,193×635×25mm and folds to 595×635×50mm, weighs 5.6kg and comes with a padded carry bag. At standard test conditions it gives 6.1A at 20.5V (24.0V open-circuit), delivered through an Anderson SB50 plug to a separate solar regulator or a REDARC BCDC charger. Two identical SMFP1130 panels can be paralleled for 260W at the same voltage; series wiring is not allowed.

• 130W or 200W monocrystalline, ±3% power tolerance
• ETFE-coated cells instead of a glass front
• Anodised aluminium frame with adjustable legs
• Anderson SB50 connector on a 300mm lead
• Padded carry bag included, regulator not included
• CE, UKCA and RCM compliance

How it works

These are stand-alone folding panels meant to be set up beside a vehicle or caravan when parked. Each unfolds into two halves on strong hinges, stands on adjustable legs and carries an Anderson SB50 connector on a 300mm lead from a diode-protected junction box. The cells are protected by an ETFE coating rather than glass, which keeps the panel light and less fragile. REDARC recommends a tilt of 20–40° and, in Europe, facing the panel south.

Installation and compatibility

A panel must never be connected straight to a battery: a solar regulator suited to the battery chemistry, or a REDARC BCDC charger with built-in MPPT, has to sit in between, and the regulator should be close to the battery. Keep the cable from panel to regulator within 10m and fuse the battery side. The panels suit lead-acid, gel, calcium, AGM and LiFePO4 batteries through a matching regulator, and the solar negative should go only to the regulator's solar negative terminal where one exists.

Two identical panels can be wired in parallel with REDARC's parallel Anderson cable (SRC0012), doubling current at the same voltage; REDARC states they must not be wired in series. All parts carrying the combined current must be rated for the sum of the short-circuit currents.

Use and care

The folding panels are for stationary use only, and must be disconnected and stowed while the vehicle is moving. REDARC advises against use in rain, wind or salt spray, recommends unplugging by the connector rather than the cable, and specifies cleaning with a damp cloth only, without pressure washers or chemicals. Let the panel dry before folding it away, and keep all cells evenly lit, as partial shading lowers output and can damage the panel.

Questions and answers