Solar panels

gasman2001

Hi all. Can anyone advise me as to what size solar panel I should get for my average motor home with average electric stuff. I know I should be clever enough to work this out using the solar power calculator - but I looked, I saw and I didn't have a clue! A colleague has suggested around 70 watts - does that sound about right?
Thanks for looking.

Colpops

Hi, I've been hoping someone would reply to this one because I am also thinking of going solar.
If you have a look at the info available on www.solarsolutions.org.uk as I did, then an answer to your original question is dependent upon your needs.
The advice I have recieved is :-
1. expect about half the maximum rated current.
2. use the solar to charge two leasure batteries, in addition to engine battery.
3. use a split charge regulator,(to charge engines battery first).

Perhaps someone who is currently (no pun intended) using solar power could enlighten us both?
please Wink

regards, Colin.

theboadacea

We are currenty using solar .... well,we are when its not raining, and we live in the van. I think the panel is about 60watts (not actually read the gumph or been on the roof yet) and it was originally charging 3 leisure batteries, we are now down to 2. Actually, even when its peeing it down a small charge is coming through!

The solar panel tops the batteries up every day and we have had no issues with lack of power ... well not during the summer anyway. I have not had the van through a winter yet.

Daily we use a mixture of

[list:109a679e5c]lights
water heater (for showers daily)
water pump (for showers daily)
tv, dvd, satellite (via inverter)
laptop (charges via inverter)
hair clippers
food processer (hand held)
charging digi camera
hair straighteners (new addition!)[/list:u:109a679e5c]
and some other odds and sods that i can't think of right now.

Usually we have a mixture of solar, driving and electric hookup and between the 3, we have never actually managed to drain the batteries which i find is a bit of a bonus as we have done our best to give em hell. We have only had the van a couple of months and we are trying to push it to its limits.

Don't know if this helps at all?

Leigh Very Happy

Colpops

Thanks, Yes it does help.

erm! Gasman.

I've just found the search button and "solar" brings up quite alot of info. Embarassed

gasman2001

Thanks all for that. Settled on 80 watts - probably more than I need but rather have too much ....

Noomo

November's "Practical Motorhome" is informative on this topic.

BillD

Hi,
Just a reminder, when you have your solar panel fitted make sure you have a decent regulator fitted as well.
It should ensure that you do not overcharge your batteries and it can regulate so that it preferentially charges your leisure battery(s) and after adds surplus charge to your engine battery. (This is the reverse of your engine charging system and relay). Don't forget there can be times when your vehicle is left in bright sun and no usage.
BillD

nukeadmin · Site Admin

and dont forget we have a discount deal with sunshinesolar see the discounts section of the forums for details