Swift 20 watt solar panel

[Parksy]

I see that on their new range of vans Swift are offering a 20watt roof mounted solar panel. A step in the right direction, but why just 20watts ( cost?) I do not go on rally's, but I do nevertheless use a couple of remote sites where there is noEHU and we have to rely on 12 volt power. I use 2 solar panels that are freestanding and on a good day they will produce around75 watts So long as I use 12volt items with descretion( including the power hungry van fitted radio/cd) I can keep my 110ah battery topped up. Many other people however now use larger more modern panels tha produce more power so to have peace of mind.20 watt panels are probably only useful for keeping your battery topped up when the van is parked up and not in use. As the Swift panel is fixed flat on the roof, it cannot be turned to follow the sun an d this also makes a big difference to the panels efficiency. On the newer vans the old Truma convector is being replaced by the Combi type unit that will require 12volt power to distribute any heat , so again this is a drawback for those choosing a site with no EHU. I suppose that, asit dawns upon Swift that, in the real world the 20watt panel is a pretty futile device, they may see fit to upgrade to a reasonable panel, that really would be of benefit. If Bailey see sense, they might beat them to it, especially as many rally people seem to use Bailey vans

 

[RodOne1]

Sorry I meant to post this on Technical.

 

[Parksy]

I moved this topic to the Technical message board for you Rod.
I think that Swift have fitted the panel just to top up the leisure battery when the caravan is not in use, a 100 or even a 120 watt panel coupled with Li-ion Batteries would have been better for off ehu use but I should imagine that the cost and weight have been a factor in Swifts thinkng.
I've found that my I-Pod played through the radio via a 12v plug in transmitter uses less power than the cd player and I don't have to cart a load of cd's around with me. One day Herself might respond to my hints and get me a proper I-Pod dock for a birthday or Crimbo pressie, when she finds out what one is

 

[RodOne1]

Thanks for moving that Parkesy. Re the 12volt consumption, I tthink that a lot of people use the inbuilt radio/ CD player believing that they are saving battery power by not using a TV, however many of these van fitted units have greater power requirement than a modern LED flat screen. Not quite sure that I understand the bit about Li- ion batteries, but, if Swift used one of the new generation high output panels I doubt it would weigh much, if any, more than the type shown in their booklet. The only small additional item would be a control box, which could be fitted inside the van and is only around the same size as the status Ariel box. I doubt they would even have to use a regulator on a 20 watt set up they have currently.

 

[Montrose]

Hello RodOne,
I beleive that if you check with Swift group, you may find that the fitting of this low output solar panel to some of their vans
is for no other purpose than to help the battery keep the batteries fitted to alarms and or tracker devices installed. There have been plenty posts on here and other caravan forums about recent difficulties with the new alarm set ups draining the leisure battery when not on EHU - as you say of course a 20 watt wont really supply any other needs of the van - just a thought.
Mike

 

[RodOne1]

Hello Mike,
Yes, I think you and Parksy are correct- it is just for keeping those items running while the van is stored etc.. I'm lucky as I keep the van by the house and just top up the battery, as, and when - or leave it on a 'smart ' charger. Still, I hope that now one of the makers has installed a small panel, one of them will follow up with an option of a good size one, that will still keep the tracker working, and be of use on EHU free sites.