Trickle charge solar panel!

[AnnM1]

We have just been to our local caravan accessory shop and saw a new (to us anyway) piece of kit! It is a trickle charge solar panel which attaches to the caravan battery and keeps it topped up whilst not in use (size 12" x 6" x1" approx). It would be ideal for use whilst the caravan is in storage and no electricity available. It only needs to be placed in a window which allows daylight through. Has anyone on forum used one?

 

[cris_408518]

We've used them on my wifes sports cars and my bikes and have used them on the caravan to keep the battery in peak condition.

The battery needs to be fully charged before you connect the charger. I always put the panel on the roof through a vent as that way it gets the most light as a window at time will get little light.

Also checkout the price at Maplin and Ebay.

 

[JeremyClarksson]

Funnily enough seconds before reading this I have just bought a suitcase 13Watt panel from eBay for

 

[rob_jax]

Hello Ann,

Yes - and higher powered ones as well so you can be independent of mains power during the Summer - France for two weeks without hook-up with a 40 watt panel

If you use the forum search facility and look for "solar panel" you'll see lots of good discussion on this subject.

Before buying you need to be aware that:

1. There are different qualities of photovoltaic solar panel available - polycrystalline and amorphous are the two best types (and more expensive) - work best in low light (winter) and are rugged for outdoor use.

If it doesn't say polycrystalline or amorphous on the box, it's a cheaper technology - and will work fine in the summer, but be less efficient in the winter.

If the panel cost less than

 

[cris_408518]

What Rob says is correct. But my first panel cost

 

[AnnM1]

Thanks everyone for your replies. The solar panel I have seen is specifically made for caravans/boats and has a warning ED flashing light. I didn't think it was bad for