Solar panel to trickle charge caravan battery during storage.

[David_374325543]

Does any one know if it's possible to obtain such a panel. I know you can purchase one for a Campervan which plugs into cigarette lighter but can't find one for a caravan.

 

[GrahamPonty]

Hi David,

I purchased one of these from Maplin's. I don't know if I have pluged it in wrong or done something else wrong but it did not keep my battery charged over the last month. It only cost me

 

[rob_jax]

David,

Yes - and all you need do is search this forum for "solar panel"

and you'll find loads of threads. A 20 watt panel will re-charge

and maintain a leisure battery and run a low current draw alarm.

The cheap panels (less than 10 watts) with a cigarette lighter plug) aren't worth considering - they often don't have the necessary "blocking diode" that stops the battery discharging through the panel at night

Robert

 

[GrahamPonty]

Hi David,

This one may be the better one to get hold of @

 

[JeremyClarksson]

Maplin are doing b grade 13W suitcase panels for

 

[John_374325111]

Hi David,

consider the following: I've used it for a while now, with no problems!

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/search/browse.jsp?N=411 500001 1002109&Ntk=gensearch_003&Ntt=solar panel&Ntx=
ICP GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES

SE-135 CHARGER, SOLAR 135MA

Current, output:135mA; Voltage, output:15V; Length / Height, external:68mm; Width, external:166mm; Depth, external:465mm; Power rating:2W; Weight:0.64kg

In Stock

1 1+

 

[GrahamSouthBrum]

Where do you propose to put your solar pannel when you get it?

I sugested beneath the Heki vent but was advised that the purspex would cut the solar energy by at least 50%.

If you leave it out side you run the risk of getting it stolen.

G.

RIP the Warwickshie 4

 

[shaun_374336076]

I'd recommend that for any caravan owner - the entry level trickle chargers perfrom very poorly. Most of the entry level solar panels are manufactured from thin film (plastic) or amporphous silicon which only works for 5 years or so then degrades.

The entry level trickle charger needs to be a 10W rating and above for longevity you should purchase a monocrystalline solar panle these are typically guaranteed for 25 years to produce the rated output less 20% which is great pay a little more get something that lasts and can be moved to your next van.

For weekend and 2 weeks wild camping and caravanning you need to be looking between 30W - 55W for a solar panel that will operate and actually put back up to 3-4 amps per hour - a geally green energy battery charger with enough amps to make the purchase worthwile.

My adviuse for what its worth dont waste your money on entry level plastic solar brief cases and trickle chargers buy a ce, tuv and iso approved panel made of monocrystalline solar cells that will last a lifetime.

We purchased a 51w panel from Free Solar Energy Uk a specialist in Caravan, motorhome, camping and narrowboat 12v battery charging. There web site is here but it looks like a lot of the great products are out of stock till Jan 08 due to the christmas demand http://shop.freesolarenergy.co.uk. I found these people to he honest, value for money and you could call them for fee advise.