Solar Panel on Indiana

[DeliDave_]

Am thinking of fitting an 80 watt panel on roof of our S6 Indiana has anyone else permanently fitted one.How did you get the cable through and where did you fit the charge regulatoror any other suggestion where to fit one. Any suggestions where to get one from?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Martin24]

Depends what you want to do with it but best performance is not gained by fitting to the roof. Ideally you want the panel at a 45 degree angle to the sun, therefore freestanding is more efficient and you can use a smaller one. My 50 watt panel has done us proud for the past 3 years with no EHU for any holidays. Sometimes let the little darlings watch a dvd at bed time and all lights in van are LED but at least one bunk light stays on all night!
Can't remember who I got mine from but it was ordered at NEC having done a lot of price research before going. The service was second to none with delivery prior to the promised two weeks quoted at the show. All I have to do on arrival is remove from bag, plug in to the socket and position. Regulator is on the back of the panel, and plug socket fits to battery terminals, came fully ready to go including padlock and chain. At bed time I turn for the morning sun and then move once more later in the day. Works well in all weather conditions even kept me going in the fog!

 

[Parksy]

Hi Dave
To get the cables through the caravan roof check that there is n wiring where your hole will be and then use one of These

An Adjustable Mounting Bracket will allow you to erect your panel to 45º if you wish and the controller needs to be as close to the battery box as possible.
Sargent do a connector for direct connection of between the charge controller and the caravan charging circuit wiring loom, I'm not sure if Bailey have a similar connection.

 

[SirRogerFFS]

Deli Dave ... why dont you plug into somebody elses electric then you wont have to worry about a solar panel or drill hole or falling through the roof of your van( Suppose you could send Linda up)
Have Nice day Dave

 

[DeliDave_]

Thanks all for the comments I ordered an 80watt suitcase set with bag for just over £200 which arrived today.I already have a long wire leash and lock from my windsurfing days so intend to use that to stop it disappearing.The reason I wanted it on the roof was just security really although catching any early sun would be good.On a flat battry it has charged it up in 7 houirs and when the sun was strong I was getting 4 amps,when it was dull one amp.So it likes like if we talk a little and dont watch too much TV we shall be fine.If it looks good then I might fix it to the roof with brackets as Steves suggestion.Appreciate all the advice.I'll mention your suggestions Sir Roger I'm sure she will like the idea lol