Solar Briefcase

Rightz

I can't afford an all singing all dancing solar panel but have considered a solar briefcase.

For specs see here:

bhewart

dbh1961

Rightz

As the only thing we would really be using electric for was lights and pump I thought it would help with that.

I don't really understand how long it takes to put back power.

I know it takes about 100 hours to charge a battery. Even if it helps save 7 days a year on a campsite that will pay the money back for buying it.

Am I kidding myself?

bhewart

Omala

Hi I got one from Maplins for £59 and used it last year on TH sites that are run by caravan and camping club.Using low watt led TV just lights for reading etc,I plug in a small invertor which runs an 11 watt energy saving bulb equiv to a 60w ordinary lightbulb, then there is the water pump of course .
I have a 110 amp battery fitted but last time we stayed for 10days with solar panel connected and no problems we don't watch TV all day of course just reasonable say 2 hrs daily.
Solar panel of this size I think won't quickly recharge a flat battery but it certainly helps with putting something back in that you have used the night before don't forget as it gets light at 6am it will be charging away.

solentviews

I bought one a couple of years ago and I found it did help to put a little power back into the battery. When off hookup I use it regularly and until I can afford or justify a roof top model then I am quite happy.
Hope this helps.
Ian

eddied

Buon giorno,
I bought one at Lincoln show a couple of years ago. Even in our sunnier clime it gives a bit of juice,but not a lot. On a long sunny day will top up what little you have used the previous light sunny evening, with minimumm use of lights/pump/maybe a little TV. Other than that not a lot of use. In the winter I now top up with an engine run.
saluti,
eddied

krull

I have had one for 2 years. It will keep me going indefinitely in summer.

However be aware that summer = long days and sun, I don't use inverters or thirsty appliances, and when I remember I will move it to track the sun.

Have used one on a caravan for 2 weeks without the 85AH battery running down.