So where are you guys getting Solar panels fitted and how much are they? (1 Viewer)

[davidathomas42]

forward thinking for the summer I am looking to get some Solar panels fitted as we spec out the Swift 696 ready for the European run.

I have seen a few examples of kits online but really I just want to drop it at somewhere. Go for lunch then come back and pick it up.

How much would I expect to pay for a reasonable system? We have a Leisure battery fitted so want a system that will do more than just run an iPhone charger. Not sure what performance I can expect verses money spent etc?

We live in Sheffield so fitter she close to there that people can recommend if you know.

Thanks

 

[tonka]

Adding extra battery is always first and best option as it gives you instant double capacity and cheapest option. Solar I have always used eBay sellers and never any issues, lots of friends also bought off same suppliers. Diy is not hard and lots of info and advise on here ref installation.

 

[jnn]

Mine were from Amazon - same kit and price as most of the Ebay sellers too though. Now I'd self fit, but as the van was in the garage having its windows put in and at that point I'd not drilled a hole in it, the mechanic fitted them to the roof with me doing the wiring.

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[Stealaway]

This could be the answer - Link Removed

It will depend on whether you feel confident to fit it yourself.

I'm in Coal Aston if you want ant local help.

 

[jockaneezer]

It's not just the panel, the controller is almost as important. For ease, a couple of the traders on here offer Funster discounts.

 

[peterc10]

You really need a lot more understanding of what your energy needs are before we can offer any sensible advice. How often are you planning to be without EHU. What electrical appliances do you want? What time of year will you be using the motorhome is also important. Winter requires higher power to run more lighting and TV and electric pumps/fans for heating, whilst at the same time is worse for solar.

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[GeriatricWanderer]

I'm World Champion Auto-Electrics Numpty............ 5 years running but I'm doing a DIY and it's going well (apart from being supplied the wrong controller)............ and it's a brave man who drills 5 holes in the roof of his van

 

[jnn]

This is the kit I fitted (links worked a few weeks ago suspect they still will, amazno links for anyone with adblocker on)


Solar panels
Amazon product ASIN B00HTSVDAM
Solar controller (30amp to be safe, max output of 2 * 100w panels is ~17 amp)
Amazon product ASIN B013UDSDIO
Connectors
Twin panel to one connector (connect in parallel to keep at 12v and minimise effect of one panel being in shade)
Amazon product ASIN B0171FERLEAmazon product ASIN B00SLBJ2JU
Brackets
Amazon product ASIN B018442ZKQ

plus 2 * 120 ah batteries, and a fiamma spoiler in front of the panels

 

[Lenny HB]

I'm World Champion Auto-Electrics Numpty............ 5 years running but I'm doing a DIY and it's going well (apart from being supplied the wrong controller)............ and it's a brave man who drills 5 holes in the roof of his van

5 Holes in the roof! Why? Only need one hole for the cables.

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[adonisito]

We're looking at 1 x 120 or 150 w panel for the van to charge 2 x 85ah gel batteries. First quote fully fitted came in at about £400, the second from a Hymer specialist was £650, they said I needed a special plug in for the Elektroblok, the first outfit said I didn't. I'm confused and it's not something I want to do myself. Anybody near Bognor want to quote - cash ?

 

[GeriatricWanderer]

5 Holes in the roof! Why? Only need one hole for the cables.

I need 5 holes. 1 for the cable and 4 for the mounting brackets.

I know most people just stick the brackets on but I drive a sunrise pop-top so when parked up the roof sits at 45 degrees and and though modern glues might be good, I'll be happier with 4 bolts.

I have a very simple DIY philosophy, Why use 2 X 1 inch nails when you can get away with 6 X 2 inch screws? None of my DIY projects have ever fallen apart.

 

[jnn]

Mine are bolted on too, didn't fancy driving aroudn with two sheets of glass and metal stuck to the roof unless I was doubly sure they weren't going anywhere the van didn't

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[Kool Kroozer]

Fit yourself and save some wonga, its not hard to do, just plan ahead with routing the cables.. It really is that easy, i had a quote for 120w panel fitted = £500 x2 120w panels £700, decided to to get the bits myself x2 140w panels a good regulator and all the cable for around £300

 

[Bognor Saint]

We're looking at 1 x 120 or 150 w panel for the van to charge 2 x 85ah gel batteries. First quote fully fitted came in at about £400, the second from a Hymer specialist was £650, they said I needed a special plug in for the Elektroblok, the first outfit said I didn't. I'm confused and it's not something I want to do myself. Anybody near Bognor want to quote - cash ?

I'm from Bognor too.
There is a fairly new company located at Chalcroft Nurseries, Motorhome and Caravan Services. I've not used them but they may be able to help.

 

[Lenny HB]

We're looking at 1 x 120 or 150 w panel for the van to charge 2 x 85ah gel batteries. First quote fully fitted came in at about £400, the second from a Hymer specialist was £650, they said I needed a special plug in for the Elektroblok, the first outfit said I didn't. I'm confused and it's not something I want to do myself. Anybody near Bognor want to quote - cash ?

There is a good guy near you who prices are very reasonable, he will supply either a cheap or a good regulator depending on your budget. I have had alarms fitted to the last two vans by him does a very good job.
His name is Matt, contact details here.

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[davidathomas42]

Thanks for the info so far.

What's not touched on and why I prefer a professional fit is running the wires and to where? Into the Leisure battery? Into the engine bay to the main? Into the main power splitter on the chargers?

Where do I route the cables from the roof? All internally or in and out and round to ??

Do I remove internal van trimming to get it down from the roof?

Never thought about sticking them on. I assumed sqrewed on but I suppose as they sit flat a decent glue would be ok and save holes. Also means they could be removed mark free should we swap vehicles in a few years.

Guess I really need to see one someone else has done themselfs.

Anyone sheffield area fancy giving me a look at there set up?

 

[Ivory55]

Do just get fixated on solar , a b 2 b charger will give you power on a dull day or winter etc when a solar panel will not. Just a another idea.

 

[davidathomas42]

Do just get fixated on solar , a b 2 b charger will give you power on a dull day or winter etc when a solar panel will not. Just a another idea.

a b 2 b charger?

Not fixated. Happy to add all options eventually.

I am not working towards specific goals of this or that use. I like the ability for all uses. Think end of the world planning.

We have dooms day boxs at home for when the zombies come. I kid not.

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[tonka]

Guess I really need to see one someone else has done themselfs.

Anyone sheffield area fancy giving me a look at there set up?

Search the old youtube.. Few vids on there that will give you ideas

 

[Ivory55]

B 2 B charger uses your engine alternator, but very efficient. Someone like techno will explain it properly, but you could use it to run a hairdryer or microwave etc. Means electric available day or night not just when the sun shines.

 

[MillieMoocher]

We're in West Yorkshire and got Phil from Rhino installs to supply and fit solar to our MH. http://www.rhinoinstalls.co.uk/about.htm

Don't know if he goes as far as Sheffield, but equally you might be able to take the MH to them for fitment.

We've been delighted with the installation, I'm not a techie so although loads of people will say it's straightforward, I know my limits! Many other Funsters have used his services too, and as far as I know, everyone's very happy.

He has a good range of solar panels of different type and output, may be worth getting in touch with.

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[DanielFord]

@davidathomas42 hi, you are in exactly the same position I found myself in last year. Yes I could have done the job myself, but I wanted the guarantee that a good job would be done, and moreover it would be done correctly. I chose Mr VanBitz, @eddievanbitz, with him you get a fixed price and and discount for being a member on here. I had so much work done, that I can't remember the solar price, but I know it paled into insignificance against all the other jobs.
The solar installation there will include, the panel, controller and optionally a battery master B2B charger.
He does very good work, so expect long delays before you can get an appointment to fit!

 

[Wildbill]

Try eddevan bits or techno
Bill

 

[PORKSTER]

@Techno Has a solar diy fitting guide on here somewhere

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[Robert Clark]

Another vote for Vanbitz
@eddievanbitz only fits the best quality, high performance components.

Edit: before getting solar fitted I'd take a look at how much battery capacity you have, as well as how much time you will spend in any one place.
If touring a B2B charger (also fitted by Vanbitz) may give more power than solar.

 

[wizzer59]

I need 5 holes. 1 for the cable and 4 for the mounting brackets.

I know most people just stick the brackets on but I drive a sunrise pop-top so when parked up the roof sits at 45 degrees and and though modern glues might be good, I'll be happier with 4 bolts.

I have a very simple DIY philosophy, Why use 2 X 1 inch nails when you can get away with 6 X 2 inch screws? None of my DIY projects have ever fallen apart.

Mine are bolted on too, didn't fancy driving aroudn with two sheets of glass and metal stuck to the roof unless I was doubly sure they weren't going anywhere the van didn't

I was a bit sceptical about sticking Solar to my roof as well but I've recently tried to take a L shaped bracket stuck to my roof with Silkaflex, I gave up and just cut off the bit sticking up, believe me, you really do not have to drill holes all over your roof guys, even professionals do it this way, it will never ever come unstuck if done correctly

 

[GeriatricWanderer]

...................................... do it this way, it will never ever come unstuck if done correctly

Mine won't and I can guarantee that!

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[davidathomas42]

Thanks for the flurry of info.

I think the rhino install guys will be getting a call. Liking the look of the electric sun searching one but cost puts me off and the chance of it breaking. The more moving parts the higher the risk of things not functioning. The 150watt option looks good at £595 fully fitted.

Going to look at the b 2 b unit as well.

Also the Satalite seeking dishs look awesome. Just fitted a TV/DVD combo with built in Sky receiver so would be nice to tag a dish on at a later date to get full use of its options.
The £1600 might delay that until more essential jobs are done though.

Right off to the van to check what size leasure battery we have fitted currently.

O final question. Someone said to fit a 2nd battery to instantly double your available power. Where would that normally be fitted? The area the leasure battery currently fitted is full with the current battery. Do others just sling one in where you can?

 

[Robert Clark]

You could fit an extra battery next to your existing one if there's room
Or re site them both somewhere else where there is more space

 

[peterc10]

The second battery is about getting the best out of your solar. No point in producing power during the day if you don't have enough storage for it for the evening/night. That what the batteries are for.