Recommend solar panel supplier (UK)?

[Jev88]

Hello Funsters.
UK supplier of competitively priced, good quality solar panels, preferably aluminium framed rather than flexible types?
Plenty at £75 from Chinese websites etc.. but already had a laugh at some of their attempts as selling "100watt panel" that turned out to be 10watts and I received a full refund.

 

[Robert Clark]

We've used Photonic Universe a couple of times and found their kit to be very good quality

12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine

12V solar panel solar charging kits for motorhome caravan boat campervan yacht marine off-grid

www.photonicuniverse.com

We used Victron solar controllers which we bought elsewhere

 

[Silver-Fox]

As above Photonic and I used Votronic MPPT controller.

 

[Speve]

These people had a sale on : https://www.sunshinesolar.co.uk/

 

[Raul]

Good supplier for Photovoltaic panels CCL Components is one I use. Mail order sometime next day, depends on stock.
It does almost anything to do with renewables.

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[Crazylegs]

Another vote for P. U. We fitted this to our last van, it kept all batteries charged, we went a week off hook up without issue.

12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine

12V solar panel solar charging kits for motorhome caravan boat campervan yacht marine off-grid

www.photonicuniverse.com

 

[Garratt]

I used Sun Store solar. Good advice over the phone and gave me a discount just for asking. I was very pleased with the kit, including the Victron MPPT controller.

Sunstore Solar. 12v Solar Panel Kits, Chargers, Batteries & More

Buy solar panels and kits with a 5 year warranty from Sunstore Solar. Suitable for vehicles, off grid, residential and commercial uses. Next Day Delivery.

www.sunstore.co.uk

 

[gus-lopez]

I've used High Tec solar in Harlow Essex on 2 occasions. What I'm fitting today, hopefully.

 

[Two on Tour]

Another vote for Photonic Universe.

Jev88 if your a member of CMC then you can get 10% off with Photonic Universe.

 

[Hettie's Crew]

I searched around but settled on Photonic Universe because of the amount of information available from them to make comparisons.
I bought two German mono panels and a Votronic MPP controller.
A very helpful company.
Plus a 10% discount if you are a CCC member.

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[Two on Tour]

Plus a 10% discount if you are a CCC member

CCC have changed their allegiance to Solar Technology International and dropped Photonic Universe for club discount.

 

[Hettie's Crew]

CCC have changed their allegiance to Solar Technology International and dropped Photonic Universe for club discount.

Just had a quick look at STI, not impressed. A 10% discount still makes them expensive. Limited choice and little information.

 

[rod_vw]

I've used Photonic Universe for PV panels on three campers and always been pleased with their products. The first two had PUs basic controller as the vehicles didn't have smart alternators. However the current one has the smart alternator so needed more than a simple 'split-charge' relay. In this case I opted for a RING RSCDC30 Battery to Battery unit which incorporates a MPPT Solar charge controller.
Initially there were problems with the software in the RSCDC30 but RING have sorted this and it now works correctly.

 

[Ninjabob]

I bought here because PU were out of stock of their 100w German Panel.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=263141333620

Specifications were identical and I believe these are one and the same as the PU panels. I bought Votronic 250 mmpt from PU.

 

[Stealaway]

I bought here because PU were out of stock of their 100w German Panel.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=263141333620

Specifications were identical and I believe these are one and the same as the PU panels. I bought Votronic 250 mmpt from PU.

They look good.
I'm looking for some at the moment. How are you going to mount them? Those plastic corners seem very expensive

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[Silver-Fox]

They look good.
I'm looking for some at the moment. How are you going to mount them? Those plastic corners seem very expensive

Personally I’m not keen on the plastic retaining corners.

 

[Ninjabob]

They look good.
I'm looking for some at the moment. How are you going to mount them? Those plastic corners seem very expensive

I ordered the four plastic corners from PU site on Amazon. It does not really need the middle plastic sections. I broke the rules and used Silkaflex 512 and it has not shown signs of parting company with the roof. The panel specs read exactly the same as the PU version. I have gone really silly and added voltmeters from Banggood so I have an idea of what is going on and they look pretty! From the top Panel/Hab/Cab.

 

[Stealaway]

Very nice and blingy. Voltage meters are a must and I've installed two.
My only concern is that the regulator is not dual battery type and you would have fit a battery to battery saver of some kind as well.

 

[Ninjabob]

The Votronic charges the Cab Battery (Blue Voltmeter) at 1 amp when solar power is available which is very useful and not common amongst mppt controllers.

 

[Ash]

Hello Funsters.
UK supplier of competitively priced, good quality solar panels, preferably aluminium framed rather than flexible types?
Plenty at £75 from Chinese websites etc.. but already had a laugh at some of their attempts as selling "100watt panel" that turned out to be 10watts and I received a full refund.

We supply and solar panels give me a call in the new year for a price.
Steve tel 07976167477

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[Off da Grid]

Another vote for photonic universe. I acquired a 255 watt panel from work and they advised me as to what kit I needed to get it to work. Brilliant service.

 

[wfdTamar]

It's worth getting the optional temperature sensor for the Votronic.

 

[Off da Grid]

I have the temperature sensor as may get lithium at some point, don’t really know if it’s actually doing anything.
I suppose I wouldn’t know if it’s doing it’s job as I’ve had no problems with my lead acid battery.
Probably a good idea if you have lithium as it’s not supposed to be charged below 0°.
Although it’s supposed to limit the charging if the battery gets too hot as well.
I don’t think you need the Votronic one as I think it’s just a standard temperature sensor.

 

[wfdTamar]

I'm not sure if they're any different. They do have different models of temperature sensor, but that may just be different holes in the attachment point. Still sensible to use it for any battery type as it boosts in cold, cuts in heat (to prevent gassing). Sounds like you know that

 

[Off da Grid]

The sensor comes with a little two pin plug that the wire is attached to by screws.
My Votronic controller didn’t need the plug just wired it direct didn’t matter which way round either.

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[wfdTamar]

Oh, so you have used one? It's just there isn't one in your photo. That's the only reason I mentioned it

 

[Off da Grid]

I bought the Votronic one to keep everything from the same manufacturer for compatibility.