Solar Panel Wiring

[raycopper]

Hi,
I took delivery of a Sprite Major 4 SB dealer special in July. I requested a solar panel be fitted along with a motor mover. On delivery, the solar panel had been crudely spliced into the loom behind the microwave. The solar panel would only work with the caravan power turned on. When connected to the car, there were occasional over voltage alarms. I have rewired the solar panel controller direct to the battery so that the solar panel is working at all times (in daylight), and have had no alarms since. Do other peoples solar panels work independently of caravan power on/off please?

Ray

www.coppersontour.com

 

[Parksy]

Solar power is meant for the 12 volt systems of your caravan only, definitely not for mains 230v and I strongly advise you to contact the vendor if you bought from a commercial organisation such as a caravan dealership to demand the immediate replacement of your solar panel.
This is because permanent damage may have occurred during the over voltage episodes, so it's better to be safe than sorry in the longer term if your solar panel fails completely.
To answer your point, a 12 volt solar panel is meant to work independently of other systems to allow camping off grid.
The panel should re-charge the leisure battery via the voltage regulator (sometimes called a controller) in daylight hours.
The amount of power available can vary with weather conditions, the condition of the leisure battery and the type of regulator used.

 

[intransient1]

It sounds like your dealer should not be working on caravans.
I have never heard of a solar panel wiring being spliced into the vans wiring loom.
I would suggest you get the affected wiring checked by a competent caravan electrician to ensure it is safe.