Solar pannels

simonjfoley

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Subject:

Solar pannels

· Posted: 12.09.2014 · #1

Hi everybody, I'm thinking of fitting a solar panel or panels, and I'd appreciate any information or advice for anyone who has fitted one, for example , where to buy , the best ones, the ones to avoid, any do's and don'ts ect.. ect . Simon

Ally

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Re: Solar pannels

· Posted: 12.09.2014 · #2

Some questions first

How many leisure batteries do you have?

Do you mainly wildcamp or use campsites?

Do you use your van all year round?

Do you use a lot of power? inverters? hairdryers etc

simonjfoley

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Re: Solar pannels

· Posted: 12.09.2014 · #3

Hi , at the moment I've only one leisure battery, I wild camp a lot and and the tv is used constantly,we use the van about 10 months of the year, and I have an inverter for tv and dvd player. Simon

Ally

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Re: Solar pannels

· Posted: 12.09.2014 · #4

Do you run out of power at present? How do you recharge at present?

Two new 110AHR leisure batteries would make a world of difference.

digger

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Re: Solar pannels

· Posted: 12.09.2014 · #5

Simon, I have 1x110 leisure battery and solar panel.we have been away 10days now and the leisure and drive battery are kept charged with panel. I don't use tv much but run cd multi changer constantly and have ipad Mifi and 2 phones charging all the time

John

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Re: Solar pannels

· Posted: 12.09.2014 · #6

I couldnt imagine not having one tbh. I have 4x 110 leisure battries and a 200w solar panel on the roof. Even in the winter , we have always enough power without ever having to plug in. Go for it Simon, its one of the best accessories to any motohome.

Regards
John

jacktherev

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Re: Solar pannels

· Posted: 12.09.2014 · #7

Wow 4 110 leisure batteries. That enough to run the Christmas tress lights in Belfast.

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Subject:

Re: Solar pannels

· Posted: 12.09.2014 · #8

If you wild camp that much you would benefit from a panel.

We have two 100 amp leisure batteries and a 100 watt panel. No problems so far.
Our last van had a similar set up and was great for over 5 years.

We use the van all year and even winter is fine.

I am sorry I don't know anyone in Co. Kerry who does that type of work.

John

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Re: Solar pannels

· Posted: 13.09.2014 · #9

Quote by jacktherev

Wow 4 110 leisure batteries. That enough to run the Christmas tress lights in Belfast.

lol @ jack .... thats about all we dont have plugged in !!!
I just thought it would be nice not to have to conserve power as i had done over previous years in my last van. So when i bought this one the first thing i done was fit the 60l lpg tank and a 200w panel with the 3 extra 110amp/hr leisures. (no.4 is under the floor in the dinette). I added the 1kw pure sine inverter because i have mobile phones, laptop, mifi, ecigs etc all charging from 240v and it is supposed to be the best for that.
My obsession with self sufficiency dates backa few years to too much time watching "the good life" lol

John

simonjfoley

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Subject:

Re: Solar pannels

· Posted: 13.09.2014 · #10

Thanks for all that information , Much to think about. It looks like I need to fit another leisure battery and at least a 100+wats panel. Any idea how much that would cost, Parts only ???. Simon

the fat controller

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Re: Solar pannels

· Posted: 13.09.2014 · #11

A battery is around £100 and a panel around £400 all fitted, you could do it for a lot less yourself if you're handy with a drill.

Michelinman

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Re: Solar pannels

· Posted: 14.09.2014 · #12

PM me Simon for a good keen price on Platinum Plus 110ah Battery and 100watt solar panel

willie

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Re: Solar pannels

· Posted: 14.09.2014 · #13

The solar panel would help preserve the payload. Batteries are heavy. I had a Bessacar 795 with two batteries and when I took it over the weighbridge it was way over the gvw. Most motorhomes have very little payload and it is very easy to be over.

jacktherev

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Re: Solar pannels

· Posted: 14.09.2014 · #14

Willie is making a very valid point and when one is pulled in and weighed it can come as a great surprise.

libby

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Subject:

quote on solar panel

· Posted: 20.10.2014 · #15

Quote by Michelinman

PM me Simon for a good keen price on Platinum Plus 110ah Battery and 100watt solar panel

would you send me a quote for a 100 watt solar panel and how much to fit it,we want one that is glued down dont want holes drilled in roof,thanks

mad max

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Re: Solar pannels

· Posted: 20.10.2014 · #16

Libby,
Willie won't be able to send you a PM as you are not a subscribed member,

Click on rossdowney leisure's link on top of the forum and you will get willies contact details there

Michelinman

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Re: Solar pannels

· Posted: 20.10.2014 · #17

Libby you can ring me on 07889162964 for the solar panel info you are looking for .Cheers Willie.

LavernSpillane

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Re: Solar pannels

· Posted: 02.11.2014 · #18

Quote by simonjfoley

Hello friend bit old post but can you share some information about these panels? I am really looking to install them pretty soon so are they really worth?

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Subject:

Re: Solar pannels

· Posted: 02.11.2014 · #19

If you read the answers to the first post of this thread you will see that every reply should answer your questions.

bigfoot bair

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Subject:

Diy job

· Posted: 02.11.2014 · #20

I fitted one two years ago myself no prob,anyone can doo it, a 100w panel on ebay 100£
a controllar around 20 wire 5 some alloy bracketts and tube of teck 7 some wire conecters and
your sorted some good videos on utube if you need help but so easy ,forgot you need watter proof box for were wire comes inthrough the roof.

LavernSpillane

Subject:

Re: Solar pannels

· Posted: 03.11.2014 · #21

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