New SCS panels for 2026

[Roger Donoghue]

We've been very happy with our DEFTE "knobbly" panels for 5 or so years now but its time for a change and upgrade. (we've kept a handful of the OG panels for people wanting to add a panel and them match visually (only 1 remaining now 24/7/26))

Our new panels, made specifically for us, feature the very latest Anti-shading technology, plus crack resistance cells (the main cause of flexible panel failures over time).

Solar panels are made up of many individual cells that are wired in both parallel, and series, to achieve the required voltage and current (Amps). They work as a "team". A consequence of this is that any cell shading can cause a huge loss in output, sometimes total loss if the right cell combination is shaded.

Our new panels have diodes inserted strategically to divide the panel up into "zones" - making it far more tollerant of shading. When you shade one "zone" it does not take down all the others, which is what happens in traditional panels.

The new panels are now significantly lighter (half the weight) and are taller and thinner, which allows 3 panels to fit far more comfortably on the roof on the T5/T6 (loads of room on the T7).

These are the results of tests I did yesterday, with no shortage of sun !

Some minor shading on the original DEFTE panels - loss is about 1 amp





Same shading, new panel - less loss.




Below, more significant shading of our original panel - a loss of circa 2 amps





...and below, the same shading, new panel, significantly less loss.




And now for some significant shading of one end of our original panel: Total loss of power (and half voltage)





...finally, same shading, new panel: Still a big loss, but still producing a usable 1 Amp.

 

[Zathras]

Which kit type and how does it fit/route for a T6.1 Beach Tour with single leisure battery in passenger seat?

Also, how much height does it add to the cali; would it still qualify for 2m carparks?

 

[Roger Donoghue]

Hi, on our site the T5/6 kit has check boxes for 6.1, and Beach. The kit then comes with a long battery cable that is tucked under the plastic body trim/panels - the MPPT unit lives in the rear jack compartment. The battery cable goes under the front pass seat and connects directly to the battery.

The panel adds 14mm at its heighest point, and still keeps the van under 2m - this is a strict requirement for my EU customers ! I get asked a lot.

 

[Perfectos]

Which kit type and how does it fit/route for a T6.1 Beach Tour with single leisure battery in passenger seat?

Also, how much height does it add to the cali; would it still qualify for 2m carparks?

The kit comes with the panels already fitted to mounting rails and fixings, it is attached to the roof via the existing roof Channels.
I can confirm fitting is a very easy diy, Roger provides very clear colour instructions, to ensure fitting is an easy process.
Ordering via the company website is very easy.

I can recommend the product and services provided by https://www.solarcampersolutions.com/

Edit.@zanthras
The panel can be removed very easily (four attachment points fitted to the existing rails) using normal diy tools.

Maintenance = clean them with normal car washing equipment

IMO I would avoid automatic car wash regardless, Particularly if you have a wind out awning fitted.
I would imagine the panels woukd mot be suitable for auto car wash.
And particularly if you like your paint work shinny and swirl free.

 

[Zathras]

The panel adds 14mm at its heighest point, and still keeps the van under 2m - this is a strict requirement for my EU customers ! I get asked a lot.

That's great news as over 2m would be a deal breaker for sure here.

Is there any reason or situation people come across where they would want/need to remove them, are they okay automatic car wash for example?

Any maintenance or servicing required generally?

Thanks.

 

[Californication69]

That's great news as over 2m would be a deal breaker for sure here.

Is there any reason or situation people come across where they would want/need to remove them, are they okay automatic car wash for example?

Any maintenance or servicing required generally?

Thanks.

You take your Cali with an awning in an automatic car wash
Sacrilege

 

[Gliderbee California 6.1]

I have three of the "old" panels on mine, everything working fine, but my question is for "if .."
Can these panels be mixed with the old ones ? E.g. if one is broke, can I put a new one in place and keep the rest ?

I guess the Victron can stay ?

 

[dspuk]

I have three of the "old" panels on mine, everything working fine, but my question is for "if .."
Can these panels be mixed with the old ones ? E.g. if one is broke, can I put a new one in place and keep the rest ?

I guess the Victron can stay ?

Yes to both.