Member Since: 09 Mar 2016
Location: Southampton
Posts: 86
Solar Power
Morning all,
Can anyone give advice on what Watt solar panels I should be looking for to keep the charge topped up in my tintent?
I've read other posts going into how many Amp Hours you would need if you battery dies after so long etc etc, but with SWMBO & 4 girls in the van, I really cannot do with running it to empty as a 'test'.
We've got a 6 berth van, with me, SWHBO and the 4 girls who are growing up rapidly so will be charging phones etc before I know it plus running the usual essentials (pumps lights etc).
I've been looking at 100W - 150W Portable (folding) type panels, but wondered if anyone can guide me in the direction of
a, what size I would need
&
b, any decent makes/websites worth looking into.
I would like to keep it as a portable setup as I can see us swapping vans in the not to distant future for a different layout, as the kids get bigger.
Informed last night we are packing up and going this afternoon, so hopefully I can get something sorted.
Thanks
Ben
11th Apr 2017 6:19 am
Farmer Chalk
Member Since: 06 Mar 2013
Location: Independent Republic of Kentishshire.
Posts: 4197
Try last minute.com.
In all seriousness anyone with any knowledge would be appreciated...I am also looking for a solar panel that could keep our leisure batteries topped up on our horsebox...
11th Apr 2017 6:24 am
Benners66
Member Since: 09 Mar 2016
Location: Southampton
Posts: 86
I sound kind of mad saying I want to get this sorted by this afternoon, but I know I won't.
We're not going to far from home this time as I still have to work each side of the bank holiday so can take delivery if ordered online etc.....
11th Apr 2017 6:28 am
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8244
For your requirements a silent generator is the way to go.It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
11th Apr 2017 6:35 am
pjm-84
Member Since: 04 Oct 2016
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 2608
Something that I have been considering for my Cali
11th Apr 2017 6:42 am
Jarvis
Member Since: 16 Dec 2009
Location: West Berkshire
Posts: 280
So 150W should give you about 10A charge in strong sunshine, so 7.5A in the UK
For a 100AH battery to 50% discharge, 7.5A will top up in about 6.5 hours. Just about get it re-charged when you get back for tea.....
11th Apr 2017 7:11 am
rrhool
Member Since: 28 Aug 2014
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 4540
Try this place. I bought a 10 Watt panel and charge controller for a project. Reasonable prices. Some advice on the web site.
D3 SE 2007. Triumph 2.5Pi 1973. Ferguson TEA20 1948.
Discovery 2 4.0 ES 2001- Gone
Discovery 1 300Tdi ES '95 - Gone
Range Rover Classic '79 - Gone
11th Apr 2017 7:13 am
Benners66
Member Since: 09 Mar 2016
Location: Southampton
Posts: 86
Thinking more about it, with my gang, going as large as practical is the sensible option...
M3DPO - I have got access to a generator, so I think that will be the short term solution for the next couple of days. See how noisy it is in a quiet field.
Daft question of the day - Can I use the electrics in the van whilst it's connected to a solar charger? or does it have to be disconnected whilst charging?
I know a solar store could probably give me answer, but stuck in work it's so much easier to ask for help on here!!!
11th Apr 2017 8:27 am
DrRobH
Member Since: 10 Oct 2015
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 927
Get one of those whisper quiet Honda generators.....fossil over solar Visitor from fullfatrr.com
RR Vogue SE 2011 4.4 TDV8
1974 Lightweight
11th Apr 2017 8:42 am
Snowman
Member Since: 06 Aug 2016
Location: Holmfirth
Posts: 317
twin battery set up on the Disco and an inverter could also be useful additions to your set up.
I keep looking at Solar , but the costs still seem quite high and then there is the drilling of the hole in the roof Andy.
Series 3 SWB Wagon OEC614Y sold
Discovery 1 50th Anniversary Edition S882 BMA sold
Freelander TD4 ES Y615 YEC sold
Freelander TD4 Kalahari NX53 EVH sold
D2 TD5 XS 2003 YF03 WVW sold
D3 TDV6 2008 SE
11th Apr 2017 9:46 am
Jarvis
Member Since: 16 Dec 2009
Location: West Berkshire
Posts: 280
Benners66 wrote:
Thinking more about it, with my gang, going as large as practical is the sensible option...
M3DPO - I have got access to a generator, so I think that will be the short term solution for the next couple of days. See how noisy it is in a quiet field.
Daft question of the day - Can I use the electrics in the van whilst it's connected to a solar charger? or does it have to be disconnected whilst charging?
I know a solar store could probably give me answer, but stuck in work it's so much easier to ask for help on here!!!
When you use a charge controller then yes, you can leave the panel permanently connected.
11th Apr 2017 10:01 am
Benners66
Member Since: 09 Mar 2016
Location: Southampton
Posts: 86
Thanks Jarvis
11th Apr 2017 10:06 am
Andy Foster
Member Since: 27 Dec 2009
Location: Liverpool
Posts: 6551
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
See how noisy it is in a quiet field.
- Can I use the electrics in the van whilst it's connected to a solar charger? or does it have to be disconnected whilst charging?
