Portable solar panels

[Mark_374455119]

Hey up everyone, new to this forum and looking for some sage like advice on a cheap(ish) portable solar panel, nothing flash just want it to keep the battery topped up.

Any suggestions as to makes/suppliers?

Thanks Mark

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Mark,

This topic has been discussed before but you must have missed it,

In general if you are trying to rely on a solar panel to replace the energy you use, then it seems you will need at least a 55 - 60W panel.

Obviously it depends on how much power you use but if you can keep 4 to 5 Amps (48 to 60W) of charge during the daylight hours it will certainly extend the length of time your battery will last on site.

 

[Di3]

Hi Mark

We purchased ours from Maplins, they fold together and kept our battery topped up for a week no problems, they cost about 50.00

Hope this helps, sorry it's not techy!

Di

 

[Mark_374455119]

Hi Mark

We purchased ours from Maplins, they fold together and kept our battery topped up for a week no problems, they cost about 50.00

Hope this helps, sorry it's not techy!

Di

Di

Thanx for the advice, how do I connect it to my van, sorry to sound a bit thick, but will I need to buy anything else?

Cheers Mark

 

[donb]

Di

Thanx for the advice, how do I connect it to my van, sorry to sound a bit thick, but will I need to buy anything else?

Cheers Mark

Mark

if you get a maplin suitcase one they come complete with a regulater and all the wiring, depends on what you use, if its just over a weekend then one is sufficeient with a big battery, I use two joined together for longer periods, you just conect the lead direct to your battery and then connect the unit each time you want.There is a complete set up of 3 units plus all extras incl stand on ebay at the moment, around

 

[bengibbons]

Maplin Electronics do a portable solar panel to just keep the battery when there is light, even a little light, i have one my grandad has one and there great, mine keeps the battery topped up and keeps the alarm running that while longer. It puts out 17.5 volt, 1.5 Watts, only enough to keep the battery topped up, not to run the lights or water pump. It also comes with cigar plug, crockerdile clips and sucker pads to stick it to the window. It costs

 

[Mikey1]

Im sorry a 1.5watt panel would not keep a battery topped up,you are looking at around a .04 amp an hour charge rate if you are lucky.

A 6w bulb used for 1 hr use 1/2 amp you wouldnt even be able to recoup this loss in day.

 

[Mark_374455119]

Thanx for the advice everyone, I thought this topic might have had a good airing before!

It's off to Maplins then, like this caravaning loads of man gadgets to be had.

Cheers Mark