Another panel advice thread . . . (1 Viewer)

[chopper602]

Hi,

I've seen this solar panel, which seems to be about right for my requirements (keeping my battery charged off hook up)
http://www.sunstore.co.uk/solar-panel-kits-100w-Vehicle-Kit-Deluxe.html

Is there much to be gained by adding a few extra quid and getting something like this one ?
http://www.sunstore.co.uk/100w-12v-MPPT-Solar-Battery-Charger-Vehicle-Kit.html

I'm fairly new to this and as such, I'm going to buy the kit for my local motorhome service bloke to install

 

[DonA4000]

The extra cost is for the "mppt charge controller" which is worth getting. What size is your battery bank and how much space you got on your roof.

 

[chopper602]

Space on the roof isn't an issue, I'm having trouble actually finding my leisure battery! It's under a panel in the floor somewhere. Keeps us going for about two to three days off grid (fridge on gas all lights LED).

 

[DonA4000]

I would find out what leisure batteries you have as its going to help determine what size of solar panel you should get (im sure 100w should be fine) and if roof space isn't an issue then it maybe fitting 2 but that would depend on if you see yourself going to increase your power usage in the future!

 

[angusboy]

Have a look underneath van you will see a drop section thats where battery will be if youve checked everwhere else regards

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[chopper602]

Well I've ordered one of these, with the MPPT and a remote meter.
http://www.sunstore.co.uk/100w-12v-MPPT-Solar-Battery-Charger-Vehicle-Kit.html
Should get it early next week and then all I have to do is get it fitted!
I might have a go at the actual gluing on the roof myself and leave the wiring in to my local 'specialist' !

 

[chopper602]

Solar panel arrived this morning - just need to find someone to fit and wire it in now!

 

[Badknee]

Solar panel arrived this morning - just need to find someone to fit and wire it in now!

And get some sun on it, good luck with both of those

 

[mitzimad]

if you have the roof space an spending on an extra panel is better than spending on a mppt controller

 

[chopper602]

This one panel will do me for now. There is a satellite dome already fitted and three rooflights, so this one will about fill the roof. We don't do that much wild camping, so this will top us up nicely when we do.

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[Badknee]

A very good comment was made on here in that thousands and thousands of pounds are wastefully spent on solar panels and battery banks that people think they will need but actually don't.
We plan to use this summer to do what we want when we want and if we run out of electrickery doing it we will do,something about it.
People tell us that they wild camp and so need this and that, well so do we but not for more than a couple of days and we move on thus charging the batteries we have, each to their own, if your stopping put for weeks at a time then it's a different matter but try before you buy.

 

[hilldweller]

Seems expensive to me.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_f...n.TRS0&_nkw=solar+caravan&ghostText=&_sacat=0

 

[chopper602]

Well I know for certain I will be in the same place without EHU for at least 4 days in two locations this summer. That's not including the two or three days stops we might take elsewhere.

I don't feel I need to justify my purchase. It's a complete kit from a reputable company, so at the very least I've got some guarantee.

 

[chopper602]

Had a good look, and found a panel on the floor under the table and behind the cab seats (need to remove a small piece of trim, but it's constructed to allow access) and there it was - Banner Running Bull AGM 12v 95Ah 850A. Going to try and get the panel fitted next week, been hectic here to get anything done sooner.

 

[SomeoneElse]

Ask these people to put a kit together for you, at least you will get 4mm cables and the upgrade to 6mm will be minimal.
You are likely to find that tightening the entry glands on to 2.5mm cable is difficult, 6mm cable will give a better seal.

http://www.solarenergyalliance.com
They couldn't have been more help when I bought things from them.

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[chopper602]

I've already got a complete kit from the people at the top of the thread - Sunstore

 

[Judge Mental]

can anyone recommend a complete one panel kit plse..I have two matched leisure batteries. and an idea as to weight would be helpful

Are the Bosch panels any better, as seen on ebay

 

[chopper602]

can anyone recommend a complete one panel kit plse..I have two matched leisure batteries. and an idea as to weight would be helpful

Are the Bosch panels any better, as seen on ebay

Take a look at the link at the top of the thread - they do complete kits, it then depends how much power you want or how much you are prepared to spend!

 

[mitzimad]

Broken Link Removed
cheaper here and thats without searching

 

[funflair]

Broken Link Removed
cheaper here and thats without searching

It is a different kit though, and he would have to go and find the sealant as it's not included.

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[funflair]

Had a good look, and found a panel on the floor under the table and behind the cab seats (need to remove a small piece of trim, but it's constructed to allow access) and there it was - Banner Running Bull AGM 12v 95Ah 850A. Going to try and get the panel fitted next week, been hectic here to get anything done sooner.

Make sure you solar regulator is set to AGM when it fitted.

 

[chopper602]

Just paid for the installation today - very pleased with Teesside Caravans!
3 hours was the book time, no idea how long they actually took but it's very neat. I also mentioned that the hab door was dodgy and they've fixed that too (for another ½ hours labour!). Had a quick look at the display and it's kicking out over 14v at about 2amps. Battery voltage was nearly 13.5v or thereabouts.
Newby Hall, wild camping at the end of the month will tell me how effectively it's working !

 

[chopper602]

First use of the solar panel in anger and it worked very well and am very pleased with it. Not so pleased that in fitting they seem to have introduced a leak !! Noticed a bit of water on the shelf under where the wires enter the hab. So I dropped the keys back off with them and they're going to look at it. It must be getting under the gland as the wire rises up before entering there. There is a lot of sealant up there, so looks like they've just been a bit unlucky . . . .

After it's resealed, there is nothing more I need to do is there?

 

[pappajohn]

's kicking out over 14v at about 2amps. Battery voltage was nearly 13.5v

If it's 14v at the controller and 13.5v at the batteries you have some serious volt drop.

The battery voltage or remote voltmeter should show the same voltage as at the controller.