Fitting own solar panel,???? (1 Viewer)

Autowbars

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Thinking of fitting my own solar panels.
Looked at many kits for sale, output versus cost for the kits does not seem to me
to be a great deal so was thinking of 150w single panel.

BUT!
Looking for any tips on routing cables,if that is possible.
How do I get the cables to the controller mostly, if not totally hidden?
My batteries are under the near side front hab seating bench seat.

Some of the kits I have seen on t'internet seem TOO CHEAP!

I in some way don't really need it, just want it for our not too often off site overnights.
We can normally go 3 nights with our two 110a batteries as we have LED lighting and Avtex tv, fridge on gas etc.

Am I being stupid AGAIN?
 

funflair

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Once it's up there you don't need to worry if you are parked up without hook up a bit longer than expected.

I would expect to pay about £1 per watt for the panel and then get a decent MPPT controller, you might be able to put cables in a bit of trunking and then hide it down the side of a window frame and behind the curtains if all else fails.

Martin
 
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Autowbars

Autowbars

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One I am looking at says, PWM controller, is that not a good one?

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tonka

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Last few panels my mates (funsters as well) have had were about £80 - £85 for a 120w panel..
Been working fine on all the vans, not heard of any issues..

This kit is from same people..
 
Oct 20, 2010
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How do I get the cables to the controller mostly, if not totally hidden?
My batteries are under the near side front hab seating bench seat.
On my Bessie we ran the cables through the roof straight into one of the top cupboards, where the controller was fitted, then the supply cables to the batteries in a short length of small trunking beside the window but hidden by the curtains to the underside of the seat. It turned out to be a very neat installation with very short cable runs.
Also recommend a MMPT controller.
Cheers
Ed
 
Jul 29, 2013
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I don't know if this is any help but our van came new last year from Germany and has a 90w blackline panel that has 72 cells they are supposed to be more efficient it certainly keeps our two leisure batteries full they are by mobile technology by Buttner-electronics they are not cheap but seem to be very good and you can also get an MPPT regulator as well(y)

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Autowbars

Autowbars

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Last few panels my mates (funsters as well) have had were about £80 - £85 for a 120w panel..
Been working fine on all the vans, not heard of any issues..

This kit is from same people..

To be honest don't like the look of this one, if a seller contradicts instructions, and advises fuse protection, (that is not included) it puts me off a wee bit.
 
Jan 28, 2008
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7 years campers before that
mppt is supposed to work better in low light situations i have the cheap pwm and it works fine
the do claim around 10per cent more power with an mppt but as they are over £80 more to buy your better with an extra panel same money and 100 percent gain

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Techno

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They are not over £80 more to buy.
A quality mppt 20 amp is £75 when in stock and they are 25% more efficient.
 

Techno

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Sold out but will restock eventually. Guess why they sold out?
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R

Robert Clark

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They are not over £80 more to buy.
A quality mppt 20 amp is £75 when in stock and they are 25% more efficient.
How can you identify a 'quality' one Andy

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R

Robert Clark

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Because I've been using them for nearly 6 yrs
I didn't mean you Andy
I meant other people
Is it a specific brand / spec / type
Or do you only suggest this one unit ?
 

Techno

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My 3x100 watt panels are rated at 5.5amp max each but with the mppt they have reached 22.5 but not yet captured it.
Here not quite at max
CA_07051412505728-L.jpg

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R

Robert Clark

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I emailed Victron with a technical question today - got a reply in less than 10 minutes
 

Techno

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I got equally fast responses all the way from Taiwan and in the early days they sent me warranty parts at their cost.
No issues these days as they are third generation and shipped from Germany to avoid import duty and parcel farce
 
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I offered £79 two months ago, it was accepted, at 25A gives capacity for expansion.
Cheers
Ed

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R

Robert Clark

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I got equally fast responses all the way from Taiwan and in the early days they sent me warranty parts at their cost.
No issues these days as they are third generation and shipped from Germany to avoid import duty and parcel farce
Never needed spare parts for my Victrons
They never broke down

Edit: only pulling your leg Andy
Appreciate your recommendations as you're a good guy and you know you're stuff
 

Techno

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Call me biased but I've always regarded Taiwan as ahead of Chinese. I'd love to see inside yours :LOL:
upgrade.jpg

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R

Robert Clark

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Neither have mine but the Mk1 model had a glitch and they sent me three complete new internals with redesigned hardware and software without issue.
Only pulling your leg Andy - see above
 

rupert

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Sold out but will restock eventually. Guess why they sold out?
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cos @Techno keeps recommending them.. i got one a few weeks ago and it seems pretty good thus far.. thanks andy

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