Thoughts on this panel please (1 Viewer)

Emmenay

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Its from Spain as thats where I am for a while but not using the MH, meanwhile the batteries are suffering, I'm unable to get near a hook-up and its just not practical to take the batteries out for stand alone charging.:cry:
Would really appreciate your comments as I'm at the end of my wits trying to find a suitable kit!
You would think panels would be plentiful to your average Joe in such a sunny place but ooooooh noooo..:Doh:

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Techno

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Looks good. Are there no Spanish markets about? often sold over there by this method cheaply.
 

Techno

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From the listing spec it looks like the 100 watt panel is supplied without connecting leads

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Emmenay

Emmenay

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Looks good. Are there no Spanish markets about? often sold over there by this method cheaply.

The cheapest I have seen so far on my brief in-person search was 270 euros for a 75 watt panel.
I can honestly say I havn't noticed any for sale in any Spanish market.
Would I or could I assume the panel in the link would be Mc4 connections or are ther many variations?
 
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Emmenay

Emmenay

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unless the van is alarmed via the hab battery you could simply disconnect the battery.
Should last for many weeks with no load

Very good point and I should have thought of that three weeks ago, :Blush: (will do it first thing in the morning). My problem now is they are down to 12.1v and I want them tip top for my next trip through Italy :thumb:

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Techno

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The cheapest I have seen so far on my brief in-person search was 270 euros for a 75 watt panel.
I can honestly say I havn't noticed any for sale in any Spanish market.
Would I or could I assume the panel in the link would be Mc4 connections or are ther many variations?

No according to the listing the 100 watt panel only has a junction box, no cable.
 
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Emmenay

Emmenay

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No according to the listing the 100 watt panel only has a junction box, no cable.

Thanks for pointing that out, I think I might have a look at this kit in that case, at least it will get me charging straight away :thumb:

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Techno

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Thats not bad at all! 160 watt and 4 metres of cable to 20 amp regulator :thumb:

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Techno

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Cheeky but worth a go :thumb:

Will get on it tomorrow with a clear head!

It only feels cheeky :roflmto: It's not really it flags interest with the seller who will then either decline or counter offer BUT gauranteed to be less that buy it now :thumb:
If declined it is normal to have a total of three offers allowed.

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In the process of fitting something similar and I'm sure instructions state batteries must be fully charged before fitting.Someone with more knowledge then me may post different.
 

Terry

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Can't remember ;)
In the process of fitting something similar and I'm sure instructions state batteries must be fully charged before fitting.Someone with more knowledge then me may post different.

I am no expert on so;ar or anything leccy but I cannot see why --Perhaps they say that so that you put it onto a good battery to start with -ie no use trying to charge a duff battery then thinking the panels duff :Smile:
terry
 
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Apologies for hijacking the thread but how do you work out what system you need and are they simple enough to install?
I've thought about getting one but every time I start looking at them I get totally confused by the myriad of choice and just give up.:Doh:

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Techno

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You are governed by the available space on your roof and the payload you will reduce
Otherwise I would suggest 80 watt per battery as a base line

Edit
Batteries do not need to be fully charged before connecting ( never heard or read that one )
It is no different to running your battery down over night and the sun coming up in the morning
 
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Emmenay

Emmenay

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Tis done. One 160w Panel, one controller (not a brilliant one but should get me going), and cables. Should be delivered on Friday....:ROFLMAO: (this is Spain!)
Couldn't get the price any lower than 190 euros (158GBP) so not the end of the world.
Took Pappajohns advice and disconnected the hab batteries for now but in doing so I found a large heavy duty plug under the drivers seat.....it has a large permanent live, a large earth, and a small switched live.
My question is, every few weeks while parked idle, could I divert the charge from the hab batteries to the engine battery via this plug somehow?:thumb:
 
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