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Has everyone who has fitted a solar panel also got two batteries?
We have one 110 amp battery - if going down the solar route would it be necessary to also fit a second battery?
Thanks
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Has everyone who has fitted a solar panel also got two batteries?
We have one 110 amp battery - if going down the solar route would it be necessary to also fit a second battery?
Thanks
It is always preferable to have as much battery storage is is practicable. They 'soak up' all that power and make the system more efficient.
For some people, a second battery can be a cheaper alternative than fitting a solar panel. it depends how you use your motorhome. I know that you wildcamp, so I would definitely fit another battery first.
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A second battery is not essential but has benefits. In summer when the solars are giving a bountiful charge you need somewhere to store it. In winter once charged on hook up you will last longer without mains.
Has everyone who has fitted a solar panel also got two batteries?
We have one 110 amp battery - if going down the solar route would it be necessary to also fit a second battery?
Thanks
depends on what electrical stuff you are using. The solar panel simply charges the battery/batteries. If you going to watch TV all night, have your 12volt powered blow air heating on the battery is going to be drained and of course the solar panel is not going to charge anything over night so you might need two batteries to last. Even during the day the solar panel is not going to keep up with heavy draw.
Then it depends on the level of light during the day as to whether the batteries will charge up in one day. I prefer to view the solar panel as a back up charge after hook up and alternator charging.
If you do not have a solar panel fitter nearby and do not fancy fitting it yourself ask a local auto electrician, they are not that hard to fit.
I love the idea of solar. Myself, I've only a 13w folding panel but we move daily or every other day at the least so use it top up during the day only. We don't rely on it. In fact in summer it only bumps out 5-8Ah a day.
I would say 2 batteries as a minimum, but before everyone jumps on the idea, may I just throw this into the mix?..If you move regularly then a 3rd battery (assuming a 110Ah) will be cheaper than a solar panel with no extra weight than 2 panels would weigh, and they will be recharged by driving.
I bought mine from the company in the link. Excellent german quality, first class delivery, well packed for transit. They speak english and can supply the panel, the mountings, the charge controller, the sikaflex adhesive and the wiring. Took me one hour from start to finish to fit. Since then I have converted it to tilt which makes a big difference with winter sun. See my previous post with photos. Ring them get a total sost transfer the money from your bank to their bank and you will have the panel within a few days. Most of the panels the continentals have seem to come from Koecraf
We have 2 x 110 batteries plus an onboard genny and of course the solar panel and between the 3 we can be reasonably self sufficient. However as Artona says, it is all dependendant on how much power you use as to how efficiently a solar panel works but when used wisely, I'd say they are well worth having fitted.
Just one other thing to think about - the panel sizes (especially when you get up to 135W)can be quite large - make sure you have the room on the roof before you buy! It's quite surprising how vents, sky-light and aerials can cut down on the available space.
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