solar panels

[petercoachman]

hi looking for advise on solar panels to charge battery whilst on cl's etc what wattage is required to top up for 4/5 days using lights and pumps no tv also where to go to purchase and not get ripped off cheers and thanks pete

 

[PeterT]

Petercoachman

I bought a 55watt panel from Solar Solutions - they are in Poole, Dorset though I got it at a Show, where they often have a stand. Phone them on 01202 632488 or write (details on YELL). It comes with an easel stand and theft-deterrent cable though I lift mine on to the roof. I caravan 12 months for up to three weeks and only take genny at Christmas/New year.

 

[Chris4]

Depends when in the year you caravan. In principle, I totally agree with Peter T. However, I use a smaller 30W panel. I originally bought it with the intention of buying another (must be identical) one later, but didn't bother as it produced sufficient power for my purposes. In the winter, I carry an 85AH battery in addition to my 110AH elecsol that I carry on the van. The smaller battery powers my tv and as I tell the kids - when it's gone it's gone!! Panels don't produce much power in the winter. In the summer it's back to the elecsol and the panel - mounted on velcro strips on the roof.

Also, you should make sure that you get the right panel. You get what you pay for!! The better panels will start producing power at lower light levels than the cheaper glass types. My panel was purchased from "windandsun.co.uk" Can't remeber the price. It consists of bright blue crystals bonded on to an aluminium sheet. The whole thing is then coated in resin so that it is semi-flexible. It will not break like the glass types. On a good day it will fully charge my battery.

 

[petercoachman]

thanks for your early replys will give it a go cheers pete

 

[petercoachman]

hi chris thanks for your advise wind and sun have a special offer on a 40 watt bp solar at

 

[petercoachman]

Depends when in the year you caravan. In principle, I totally agree with Peter T. However, I use a smaller 30W panel. I originally bought it with the intention of buying another (must be identical) one later, but didn't bother as it produced sufficient power for my purposes. In the winter, I carry an 85AH battery in addition to my 110AH elecsol that I carry on the van. The smaller battery powers my tv and as I tell the kids - when it's gone it's gone!! Panels don't produce much power in the winter. In the summer it's back to the elecsol and the panel - mounted on velcro strips on the roof.

Also, you should make sure that you get the right panel. You get what you pay for!! The better panels will start producing power at lower light levels than the cheaper glass types. My panel was purchased from "windandsun.co.uk" Can't remeber the price. It consists of bright blue crystals bonded on to an aluminium sheet. The whole thing is then coated in resin so that it is semi-flexible. It will not break like the glass types. On a good day it will fully charge my battery.

hi chris re solar o panel i got one 40 watt from windandsun they supplied it with a regulator with 3 set of terminals the first is from the panel the second to the battery the third to a lighying circit it is this which i am not sure of were to connect it also do you leave thevan connected to the battery hope you can help thanks very much petercoachman