REDARC SMRP1080 80W monocrystalline fixed solar panel80W rigid monocrystalline panel, MC4-style connectors

Overview

The SMRP1080 is a 80W rigid monocrystalline panel from REDARC's SMRP range, built with tempered glass and a diode-protected junction box. At standard test conditions it gives 4.26A at 18.8V, with 22.56V open-circuit voltage and 4.47A short-circuit current. It measures 740×590×35mm, weighs 4.8kg and connects through MC4-style plugs on 900mm leads to a solar regulator or a REDARC BCDC charger. For roof mounting without drilling, REDARC lists the SMI9003 ABS spoiler mounts for this size, alongside its SPMB rack brackets.

• 60W, 80W, 120W and 180W models
• Silver or black anodised aluminium frame (B versions)
• Tempered glass front, diode-protected junction box
• MC4-style connectors on 900mm leads
• Series or parallel wiring of identical panels
• CE, UKCA and RCM compliance

Range and construction

The SMRP series covers 60W, 80W and 120W, with open-circuit voltages of 21.84–22.56V; the SPRP1180 adds a 180W panel with 27.6V open-circuit voltage. Models ending in B have a black anodised frame and the same electrical data as the standard version. All use monocrystalline cells under tempered glass, a 35mm-deep aluminium frame and a diode-protected junction box, with ±3% power tolerance at standard test conditions.

Choosing a panel

Power ranges from 60W in an 805×395mm format of 3.7kg to 180W in 1,430×670mm and 10.4kg, so the choice usually depends on the free roof area. For example, the 1,070×590mm SMRP1120 delivers 6.39A at its 18.8V maximum power point, while the SPRP1180 delivers 7.7A at 23.4V. Two identical 80W panels in parallel make a 160W array at the same voltage, as REDARC shows in its manual.

Mounting

Vehicle-mounted panels face strong wind and vibration, so they must be secured to local and national standards and checked regularly, as fixings can loosen on corrugated roads. REDARC offers SPMB0001–SPMB0004 brackets for crossbars, platforms and channel systems, and ABS corner (SMI9001), side (SMI9002) and spoiler mounts that avoid drilling into a caravan or RV roof: SMI9003 for the 60W and 80W panels, SMI9007 for the 120W and 180W. Cover the panel with opaque material while installing and avoid shading from roof accessories.

Wiring and compatibility

A solar regulator matched to the battery chemistry, or a REDARC BCDC charger with built-in MPPT, must sit between panel and battery; the cable run from panel to regulator should not exceed 10m. Identical panels can go in series, provided the regulator accepts the summed open-circuit voltage, or in parallel with the SRC0006 Y-adaptor, provided all parts are rated for the summed short-circuit current. MC4 connections must be crimped with the proper tool and roof entries sealed, for example with the SMC0001 cable gland.

Questions and answers