New to solar panels, need help 😊

[Janeyc]

Hi all, we have a solar panel already fitted on the roof of Autotrail when we bought it.
Should there be a controller box somewhere for it as we can’t find one. Also the leisure battery doesn’t seem to be connected to anything! We don’t understand solar panels so sorry if this all sounds very vague!
Any advice will be appreciated, thanks

 

[Lenny HB]

Autotrail often use Sargent control panels & distribution units if so the solar controller will be inside of the distribution unit.

If your 12v electrics are workings, lights etc., the leisure battery must be connected.

 

[pappajohn]

Can you trace the wires from the solar panel?
It could be anywhere but usually close to the battery.
It will have the wires from the solar panel and the battery connected.
It MUST have a control panel or your battery will be getting 20v plus and will be cooked in days.
The leisure battery should have a minimum of two wires, one to each battery post.

 

[Jev88]

Good advice above but add some controller and battery photos if you can to help us to help you.

 

[autorouter]

You need a way to tell if the batteries are being charged by the solar. Measuring the battery voltage with a multimeter will tell you this - any cheap multimeter from a DIY store will be OK. Measure when the sun is shining and there is little or no load on the batteries, and the mains charger is off.

If the voltage is 12.8 or less, the battery is not being charged. If it is 13.0V or higher, up to 14.8V, then it is being charged. If it's 15.0V or higher then there's a problem, it's too high and will damage the batteries.

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[Cush]

What year is your van? do you know when the solar was fitted? mine is 2003 and the panels have a separate controller as the system is just too archaic.
all great advice above.

 

[tonka]

As mentioned many of the Sargent units have built in solar regulators so it may be connected straight into there.
Use the multimeter test as described above or depending on on your panel above the door it may be shown on there.

 

[Janeyc]

 

[Janeyc]

Thanks for all your replies, really helpful. We are just off to buy a multi meter so we can check the voltage. I’ve posted the pics above, be grateful for any comments you have.
Thanks everyone, Jane

 

[Cush]

your control panel is more recent version than my autotrail so will probably accept a solar feed Although not sure if it will be as efficient as an mppt style solar controller. If you are getting a charge to the batteries of half an amp, that might be expected for this time of year. I would say that given your panel reading, things are connected. What year is your van?
this may be a useful reference for future

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[Janeyc]

Hi Cush, thanks for your reply. Ours is 2011, I’ll have a look at the schematics and see if we can go from there.

 

[Cush]

They confirm your solar goes directly to you Sargent power unit and with your panel showing a small charge you should be ok.
I was in a simillar situation a few years back and wouldn’t have had a clue if it hadn’t been for some of the members being so willing to support and be patient. This forum is such a resource.
Enjoy your journey, in and with the van

 

[RM_Marine]

View attachment 585053View attachment 585054View attachment 585055

The empty plug in your battery box is for a second battery, the wiring kit is from Sargent direct as I used it for my second battery

Auto Trail Additional Battery Harness 2011-onwards | Shop | Sargent Electrical

 

[Al n Val]

Just for info

we had the Sargent EC700 in our Comanche which came with a 100Watt panel as standard when we purchased it new in 2018, the Sargent solar controller was ok but certainly nowhere near as efficient as the Victron controller I fitted and i’m talking approx 25/30% down in output compared to the Victron.

i did however leave it connected as is so both leisure and hab batteries were topped up automatically.

The new Rapido will be all Victron with a battery master fitted

 

[Janeyc]

Thanks so much for all your advice everyone, so glad we joined this group so helpful.
Think we are sorted now we know what we have! Thanks again, happy travels everyone

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