Largest job and a thanks to Andy. . (1 Viewer)

[andy63]

When I did my self build a few years back I wasn't convinced about solar..
After joining the forum I was gradually persuaded and installed a 100w panel at the expense of my sat dome as there wasn't room for both..
Since then I've followed threads by a number of knowledgeable folk on here and I've just finished putting 280w on my new van..
Thanks Andy @Techno for your input.. I've copied your idea for mounting and think I've used a regulator you pointed to in a number of threads..
That along with two new leisure batteries.... we'll see how it goes...
One concern I have is the panels are wired direct to battery through a controller... There are facilities in the vans power management (or so it says in the instructions ,van is a chausson 620 ) to install a solar but the dealer said max 120w I think...
Does anyone know what if any the likely problems of doing this might be...
All appears to be working but not run engine or been on hook up yet..
Appreciate any feed back if anyone has experience.
Ta Andy. .

 

[Techno]

My God is that 8 brackets per panel

No its not likely to cause an issue direct.

 

[Bart]

My God is that 8 brackets per panel

Its going nowhere

@andy63 looks good

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[andy63]

My God is that 8 brackets per panel

Ha ha..yes it is.. another hang up I have.. A dislike of not bolting things on.. but I've gone with the majority all be it ott I suppose. .

 

[andy63]

Its going nowhere

I do hope so... lol..

 

[Bobby22]

When I did my self build a few years back I wasn't convinced about solar..
After joining the forum I was gradually persuaded and installed a 100w panel at the expense of my sat dome as there wasn't room for both..
Since then I've followed threads by a number of knowledgeable folk on here and I've just finished putting 280w on my new van..
Thanks Andy @Techno for your input.. I've copied your idea for mounting and think I've used a regulator you pointed to in a number of threads..
That along with two new leisure batteries.... we'll see how it goes...
One concern I have is the panels are wired direct to battery through a controller... There are facilities in the vans power management (or so it says in the instructions ,van is a chausson 620 ) to install a solar but the dealer said max 120w I think...
Does anyone know what if any the likely problems of doing this might be...
All appears to be working but not run engine or been on hook up yet..
Appreciate any feed back if anyone has experience.
Ta Andy. .
View attachment 115724
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View attachment 115726

Andy, if i understand your question correctly, you are asking if your 280 watts of solar are ok to wire direct, via your charge controller??

I would imagine it should be ok, the 120watt max will only be if you go through the vans power management system.

One thing to check is the vans charger, will it be ok for your new battery bank?

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[andy63]

Andy, if i understand your question correctly, you are asking if your 280 watts of solar are ok to wire direct, via your charge controller??

Thanks for reply bobby...
What I was trying to get over was the vehicle instructions indicate you could have problems if you do not go through their power management system with the solar,but as I wanted to fit a larger solar array I've just done it the conventional way...direct to batteries...
I was hoping someone might be able to explain the possible problems they mention with out them been specific about what they might be...
I can't see what problems it could cause bypassing their inbuilt charge controller but I'm not sure... (I've done it anyway lol )
Ta andy

 

[Techno]

You don't say what electrical system is fitted?

 

[funflair]

Hi @andy63 if you have a fancy box of electronics that counts the amps in and then counts them out again it will think you are running out of amps as it wont see the ones going in by the back door, if you just have something sensible like ours it couldn't give a monkeys as long as there is power, our 320watts go straight to the batteries (back door).

Martin

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[andy63]

You don't say what electrical system is fitted?

Sorry Andy I didn't. . And cant remember the model its a cb something But if I have a problem I'll get back with that info..

Hi @andy63 if you have a fancy box of electronics that counts the amps in and then counts them out again it will think you are running out of amps as it wont see the ones going in by the back door, if you just have something sensible like ours it couldn't give a monkeys as long as there is power, our 320watts go straight to the batteries (back door).

Martin

Thanks Martin I see what you mean ..don't think mine monitors that information.. certainly doesn't display it anywhere...

Andy.

 

[funflair]

Sorry Andy I didn't. . And cant remember the model its a cb something But if I have a problem I'll get back with that info..


Thanks Martin I see what you mean ..don't think mine monitors that information.. certainly doesn't display it anywhere...

Andy.

If its doesn't display battery capacity remaining it be wont be gathering the information so it should not care where the power comes from.

Martin

 

[DavidG58]

Looks good Andy, we have a much lesser solar panel input, but the installer couldn't wire it through our controller, the only oddity we get, which I think is down to solar, when we start up, sometimes the controller tells me we are still hooked up, even though the little symbol says it isn't. I have presumed this might be due to the unexpected input ?

edit - it does only seem to apply on really sunny days

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[Steve]

nice neat job andy, yes a bit ott with the panel fixings but hay better too much than too little.

 

[mitzimad]

with out the electrics recording your every amp how will you come back to brag how good it is in the real world you will find it just works and flat batteries and dim lights will be a distant memory

 

[Louis]

When I did my self build a few years back I wasn't convinced about solar..
After joining the forum I was gradually persuaded and installed a 100w panel at the expense of my sat dome as there wasn't room for both..
Since then I've followed threads by a number of knowledgeable folk on here and I've just finished putting 280w on my new van..
Thanks Andy @Techno for your input.. I've copied your idea for mounting and think I've used a regulator you pointed to in a number of threads..
That along with two new leisure batteries.... we'll see how it goes...
One concern I have is the panels are wired direct to battery through a controller... There are facilities in the vans power management (or so it says in the instructions ,van is a chausson 620 ) to install a solar but the dealer said max 120w I think...
Does anyone know what if any the likely problems of doing this might be...
All appears to be working but not run engine or been on hook up yet..
Appreciate any feed back if anyone has experience.
Ta Andy. .
View attachment 115724
View attachment 115725
View attachment 115726

Where the hell did you get that white roof from? Very tidy pal

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[andy63]

Where the hell did you get that white roof from? Very tidy pal

Give it time it's new ..
But I also fitted one of these which might help keep it clean