Solar Panels

[FrancesW]

We would really like to buy a solar panel for our caravan, but are totally confused by the number of different types and specifications.

We have trawled through the, "multiply the items you use by the number you first thought of..." information on the net and really can't get our heads around it.

In practical terms all we want to know is:-

1. Are there any caravaners out there who have a modern caravan and who actually use solar power for more than a few days?

2. If so, what panels do you have and what electrical appliances can you use?

If it would just power the lights, our coffee machine (can't be without that) and a hair dryer we would be happy. A 12v TV would be a bonus.

If anyone can help without deluging us with figures and complicated mathematical equations we would be very grateful.

Frances & Dave Wartnaby, Somerset

 

[Damian]

A solar panel will not actually power any items alone.

They are for recharging the battery and the cost of large panels is quite prohibitive.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Francis,

I fear that you are expecting too much from the capabilities of a solar panel. These panels only produce a relatively small amount of 12V DC electricity, and so they are usually used to trickle charge the battery.

Over the day, that will replenish some of the power you have used from the battery, and if you are economical with what you use, the solar panel might be able to achieve a full re-charge.

The panel works best in bright sunlight, so on cloudy days your only get a fraction of the panels full capability.

I am not familiar with your coffee maker, but I suspect that is designed for mains power - which the solar panel does not produce.

An effective solar panel will cost quite a lot, so it might not make economic sense, especially when most caravan sites have pitches with mains hook ups.

 

[FrancesW]

A solar panel will not actually power any items alone.

They are for recharging the battery and the cost of large panels is quite prohibitive.

Thank you for such a clear-cut answer. I had suspected that solar power may not be up to replenishing our battery each day, even though we have seen them up to 100w. Just thought someone might have one that they use that way.

We have an inverter which we can use to run the coffee machine. The coffee machine is 1200w and is only used for the length of time it takes to fill a coffee cup with water or produce the steam for the frothy milk. The rest of the time it is switched off.

I have to say that cost is not really an issue. We are retired and caravaning is something we intend to do more and more often. We just hoped that by using CLs and CSs without electric we would have a quieter time and that the savings against the ever-increasing caravan park fees would go some way towards paying for the panel. Even on campsites with all mod. cons. we more often than not use our own shower etc.

I guess we will have to wait until solar technology moves forward, but thank you very much for taking the time to answer my question.

 

[JeremyClarksson]

Even if you have 12V hair dryer and coffee machine I would avoid using them - any heat producing appliance will run the battery down very quickly.

Lights and TV should be OK if used sensibly {LCD TV and using flourescent lights will help).

A tip from experience - make sure the fan on the heater is off (sometimes you can not hear it!

We take 2 batteries with a total capacity of 195 AH and a 20 watt solar panel and would expect to get a week or more from them - some places/rallies will have battery charging facilities as well.

 

[bailey01]

bought a 13w solar panel from Maplins for 59.99 two weeks ago,used it for the time last week for 9 nights at a ralley site.the battery supplied the normal electrics like water pump and lights and we had the T.V.on for a couple of hours each night.What we took out of our 110w battery was replaced by the solar panel each day. As long as you don't go mad on T.V,s and other high power useages a 13w panel should be efficent

COLIN Harrogate

 

[FrancesW]

bought a 13w solar panel from Maplins for 59.99 two weeks ago,used it for the time last week for 9 nights at a ralley site.the battery supplied the normal electrics like water pump and lights and we had the T.V.on for a couple of hours each night.What we took out of our 110w battery was replaced by the solar panel each day. As long as you don't go mad on T.V,s and other high power useages a 13w panel should be efficent

COLIN Harrogate

Thank you Collin - this is useful information.