Newby wants to get solar panel/s (1 Viewer)

[Hils and Glenns]

We want to put one or more solar panels on our van. We are not sure how many. If we put one on and decided we needed two is it possible to add another one later?
The previous owner of our van had obviously had a panel but took it off. The bracket is still up there and I can see a wire but not sure where it goes to. Mr Hils does not feel confident to fit a solar panel and I don't either. Following the post about The Friendly Green Giant solar panels they look affordable. Would it be more cost effective to buy a panel on the net and then get someone to fit it or would it be better to just go to a place where they fit them and get the whole package from one place? We are a bit short of cash at the moment. Owning a Moho is proving to be a bit of a money pit.

 

[Ivory55]

If your not flush at the moment are you going to be using sites. If so if using EHU there is no need for a solar panel for now, just use the van and get a feel for it for now.

 

[Hils and Glenns]

Well we have had the van for a year but only used it in the uk on sites so it hasn't been an issue. But now we are planning a longish trip abroad which will be our first, so want to be ready for every eventuality.

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[Ivory55]

You could try in this country how long your battery lasts. If using Aires in France and moving regularly you will be putting some charge back in your battery, obviously not as good as a B to B charger but some charge all the same. Also if in the summer time you will use your lights etc less then winter.

 

[DBK]

You can buy the bits for say a 100W panel and a suitable controller for about £200 but it might cost about the same to have it fitted, depending on who you get to fit it.

If you choose the right controller it should be possible to add a second panel later without difficulty

As you already seem to have the wires in place fitting should be easier and cheaper if the wires are suitable. There may even be a controller fitted but the chances are it was removed with the panel.

However, I would suggest just having two good leisure batteries if you don't have two already, change the lights to led and then see how you get on

 

[Hils and Glenns]

Thanks for your ideas. We already have 2 leisure batteries and have fitted nearly all LED lights. We bought an LED replacement for the strip lights but ran into a problem and haven't been able to fit the strips.

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[busby]

Well we have had the van for a year but only used it in the uk on sites so it hasn't been an issue. But now we are planning a longish trip abroad which will be our first, so want to be ready for every eventuality.

Toured abroad for 10 years without a solar panel...all depends how many nights you wild camp without moving.BUSBY.