The thin light weight panels are great for jobs where the weight is an issue, but they are more expensive and more labour intensive to fit. The end result is well worth the effort though, this rig could not have had 980w of normal solar fitted, the weight would have been far too much, so the $$ spent were an investment to e repaid in the future use pattern. Solar powered air con when free camping was the primary reason behind the idea, but many other benefits have come to light as well. The hot water and central heating can now be at least partially solar powered if not entirely, reducing the gas consumption and costs, the same with the 3 way fridge. Add the saving on gas purchase and caravan park fees and the system pays its way fairly quickly
Believe it or not, there is still room for more solar to be fitted there yet, plus there are 200w plus of portable panels already plus the scope to increase this if required. The whole solar/battery power scene has changed enormously with the introduction of lithium batteries to RV use.
