Any advise on the use of solar panels to keep battery charged while storing overwinter would be appreciated.
Thanks and regards.
Barry
Thanks and regards.
Barry
Storing Caravan - Solar panel battery charge
- Thread starter vansmudge
- Start date
Hi Vansmudge.
I have used a small solar panel charger for the last 3 years whilst overwintering my van. I can only say that it has worked very well for me. I have a 110amp hr battery feeding an alarm and tracker unit. I ensure that the battery is fully charged (by the vans charger) before I put it into store and link up the solar charger. So far when I have collected the van from storage in spring (5 months storage )everthing has been fine with enough charge in the battery to allow me to use the mover to get out of my overwinter parking place.
I have used a small solar panel charger for the last 3 years whilst overwintering my van. I can only say that it has worked very well for me. I have a 110amp hr battery feeding an alarm and tracker unit. I ensure that the battery is fully charged (by the vans charger) before I put it into store and link up the solar charger. So far when I have collected the van from storage in spring (5 months storage )everthing has been fine with enough charge in the battery to allow me to use the mover to get out of my overwinter parking place.
I have an 85AH battery in the conservatory which was removed from the van some two months ago. It is connected to a 1.5 Watt solar panel and the voltage is a steady 13.1 Volts.
Henry
Henry
Thanks for the advice, especially starting with a fully charged battery.
The advice is much appreciated.
vansmudge
The advice is much appreciated.
vansmudge
Thanks for the advice, especially starting with a fully charged battery.
The advice is much appreciated.
vansmudge
The advice is much appreciated.
vansmudge
Thanks for the advice, especially starting with a fully charged battery.
The advice is much appreciated.
vansmudge
The advice is much appreciated.
vansmudge
I would do as Henry has suggested and take the battery out of the van and put the battery on charge through the solar charger at home.
I used a small solar charger a couple of years ago (£20 from Maplins) and some time during the winter it broke down and as the van was in storage I didn't know that the charger had broken. New battery was the result.
At least if it is at home you can keep a check on whether it is still working or not.
I used a small solar charger a couple of years ago (£20 from Maplins) and some time during the winter it broke down and as the van was in storage I didn't know that the charger had broken. New battery was the result.
At least if it is at home you can keep a check on whether it is still working or not.
Hi Barry,
I have a solar panel. I have an extra battery fitted too.The solar panel charges both batteries. It is important to match the panel with the work it has to do. You dont say whether you want to trickle charge it or have a panel that will do more. I doubt that a little one would do the job. I am talking about the type that you buy in Halfords for about £25. We chose a 135W panel because of the low light conditions in winter and any smaller would have struggled to charge or so we were told and I have to say, it did the job beautifully. The 135W panel is expensive but a serious piece of kit which allows us to caravan anywhere and be hook up free with plenty of power for mover, tele, lighting etc. We are at present reseaching invertors so we can have 240V. I have recently researced the web and you will get good advice from Cleversolar. 0203 2396990 Talk to them, they know their onions! There are 3 different types of Solar Panel. The best and most effecient being a MONOCRYSTALINE. Polycrystaline is ok, cheaper but not so efficient. PLEASE! If you are having it roof mounted, whatever size you choose, use someone who knows what they are doing. There are people out there who appear professional but who are nothing more than idiots! The panel must be BONDED on. Do not pierce the roof! The wire HAS to come in through the roof and it has to be sealed PROPERLY. A bit of mastic or silicone stuffed in the holes just wont hack it. Water WILL find its way in! You need a waterproof gland and a company that understands the importance of correct procedure of resealing a caravan roof after peircing. A reputable caravan repair company should be able to fit in a morning and give you peace of mind that you are not going to get dripped on! This may be far more than you are planning, but, at least you know now. I hope you get it sorted.
I have a solar panel. I have an extra battery fitted too.The solar panel charges both batteries. It is important to match the panel with the work it has to do. You dont say whether you want to trickle charge it or have a panel that will do more. I doubt that a little one would do the job. I am talking about the type that you buy in Halfords for about £25. We chose a 135W panel because of the low light conditions in winter and any smaller would have struggled to charge or so we were told and I have to say, it did the job beautifully. The 135W panel is expensive but a serious piece of kit which allows us to caravan anywhere and be hook up free with plenty of power for mover, tele, lighting etc. We are at present reseaching invertors so we can have 240V. I have recently researced the web and you will get good advice from Cleversolar. 0203 2396990 Talk to them, they know their onions! There are 3 different types of Solar Panel. The best and most effecient being a MONOCRYSTALINE. Polycrystaline is ok, cheaper but not so efficient. PLEASE! If you are having it roof mounted, whatever size you choose, use someone who knows what they are doing. There are people out there who appear professional but who are nothing more than idiots! The panel must be BONDED on. Do not pierce the roof! The wire HAS to come in through the roof and it has to be sealed PROPERLY. A bit of mastic or silicone stuffed in the holes just wont hack it. Water WILL find its way in! You need a waterproof gland and a company that understands the importance of correct procedure of resealing a caravan roof after peircing. A reputable caravan repair company should be able to fit in a morning and give you peace of mind that you are not going to get dripped on! This may be far more than you are planning, but, at least you know now. I hope you get it sorted.
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