solar panels

 
 
 
 
 
 
303mccann
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solar panels

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Posted: 07.09.2016  ·  #1
Hi newbe here thinking of installing solar panel onto campervan loooking for advice hoping to get a 200wt panel i have two 115ah leisure batteries can i use one control panel to service the two batteries and do i need fuses and would anyone have any idea what i could charge from this panel thanks


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Re: solar panels

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Posted: 07.09.2016  ·  #2
If you have room for the 200 watt panel go for it.
Over the winter we could do with more than the 100 we have.

One control unit should work fine with both batteries. Just make sure it is suitable for a 200 watt panel.


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Re: solar panels

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Posted: 07.09.2016  ·  #3
Quote by 303mccann

would anyone have any idea what i could charge from this panel thanks


How long is a piece of string I'm afraid. Depends on the sunshine and what you are trying to do with it, how long your batteries will last. Panel is only charging the batteries, so all depending how you use them.

Would deffo recommend 200 watt.


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Re: solar panels

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Posted: 07.09.2016  ·  #4
Quote by 303mccann

Hi newbe here thinking of installing solar panel onto campervan loooking for advice hoping to get a 200wt panel i have two 115ah leisure batteries can i use one control panel to service the two batteries and do i need fuses and would anyone have any idea what i could charge from this panel thanks


When you say you are a Newbie are you new to Motorhoming? Do you really need a Solar Panel?

We had a large Solar panel in our last Motorhome which had a single 100ah Battery and it was continually Discharging the Battery while away. We changed the Motorhome last year and this one have two Batteries (don,t know what size, only opened the battery box once when we got it) and the first thing I intended to do was fit a Solar panel, Anyway I never got around to doing it and we have it a year and a half now, toured France and Ireland and the Batteries have never discharged once. I don't think I will bother fitting one now.


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Re: solar panels

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Posted: 07.09.2016  ·  #5
2 X 100 are a better option than a single 200. A small shadow crossing part of a panel can reduce its power enormously but if you have two you have the chance of one not being effected. [url=

]CLICK HERE[/url] to see effect.

What ever panel(s) you fit a good MPPT charger/controller is a must CLICK HERE to see the one I have.


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Re: solar panels

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Posted: 08.09.2016  ·  #6
Quote by baguette

2 X 100 are a better option than a single 200. A small shadow crossing part of a panel can reduce its power enormously but if you have two you have the chance of one not being effected. [url=

]CLICK HERE[/url] to see effect.




After watching that,a solar panel in this country is totally useless,for the amount of full sun we get. :sick: :sick:


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Re: solar panels

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Posted: 08.09.2016  ·  #7
Quote by TAYLOR.

Quote by baguette

2 X 100 are a better option than a single 200. A small shadow crossing part of a panel can reduce its power enormously but if you have two you have the chance of one not being effected. [url=

]CLICK HERE[/url] to see effect.




After watching that,a solar panel in this country is totally useless,for the amount of full sun we get. :sick: :sick:


Well Ken its like this. If Anna refused to make your dinner and you only had a mars bar in the fridge, would you eat that instead? The wee mars bar wouldn't give you that full up feeling, but it would be slightly better than no spuds.


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Re: solar panels

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Posted: 08.09.2016  ·  #8
Quote by baguette

2 X 100 are a better option than a single 200. A small shadow crossing part of a panel can reduce its power enormously but if you have two you have the chance of one not being effected. [url=

]CLICK HERE[/url] to see effect.

What ever panel(s) you fit a good MPPT charger/controller is a must CLICK HERE to see the one I have.


Wow amazing how little the shadow is and the affect it has. I watched others on Youtube with similar outcomes.
However, despite this, solar gain has to be happening. My solar panels were original factory options on my van in 1994. They are 2 x 65 watt, made by BP and were a 2900.00 option at the time lol. I have been away quite a while over the summer and the van has been parked on site for up to a week with no hook up or engine running and due to me being a poor sleeper, the tv has been on for up to 12 hours per day, usually nights, evenings and early hours of the morning. Voltage has never dropped to too low a level and has recovered quick in daylight. As with the new N and B Smove on another post, my roof has the side spoilers which must cast shadow at times dependant on the suns direction. Another factor may be down to 2 new leisure batteries purchased in June, which came straight of the delivery pallet.


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Re: solar panels

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Posted: 08.09.2016  ·  #9
does anyone have names of good solar panels and is it necessary to fuse from the solar panel to control panel and battery to control panel thanks


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Re: solar panels

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Posted: 09.09.2016  ·  #10
I would say yes in relation to the fuses as it would allow you to isolate the power to the controller and the power to the battery as well as them doing what they are designed to do, in protecting the circuit.


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Re: solar panels

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Posted: 09.09.2016  ·  #11
I have no idea on makes of solar panels, if doing it yourself then buy from a solar panel dealer who specialises in motorhome/boar/caravan systems as there is a difference between the ones for 12/24v systems and those for domestic use which power a house


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