Folding solar panels

[PeteandMarg]

Am thinking of having solar panels fitted (next years project) to the motorhome so have bought a 40w folding panel for over the winter to try it out ... It comes with a 12v hella plug so am I right in thinking it will keep main and leisure batteries charged , it has a lighting system on the back 4 lights I take it that's 25 50 75 100% charge rate which I take it is in place of a regulator

 

[gjh]

I can't help with the lights on the back (manufacturer should be able to tell you) but whether it will keep the starter battery charged as well as the leisure battery depends on how the vehicle is wired.

Portable panels that I have seen have connected to the leisure battery using crocodile clips or permanent ring connectors on a fly lead with a plug/socket to connect to the panel lead. I assume you will be plugging into a Hella socket which is connected to the leisure battery.

If your starter battery is not charged when you are on EHU then the panel will not charge it either. If it is charged when you are on EHU then it depends (once again) on how that is achieved. Only testing will tell you. You may need to install a battery to battery box something like the CAK Tanks Battery Charge Manager which will enable both batteries to be topped up using either the panel or EHU.

Note that the starter battery is only charged once the leisure battery is full so, depending how much light the panel receives in winter, you may need to use EHU from time to time as well.

Also, if you are unsure about wiring in a BCM or any other wiring changes it would be best to have the job done by a qualified person. You should also mention any modifications to your insurance company to ensure that your cover isn't invalidated.

Graham