What size panel (watts)?

 

As above, would depend on the wattage - anything under 80W not really worth considering. £700 seems quite steep - again price also depends on what wattage of panel you were quoted on.

 

I had a large panel fitted on the roof when I purchased my MH, can't remember the size or wattage, but what I do know is that I would not be without it, batteries always topped up, no need for electric unless I want or need it for other items, so it really gives us a sense of freedom to go anywhere and park anywhere.

 

Sorry new to Motorhoming will find out from the dealer about wattage .........

 

Hi Smiddy...it all depends very much on what kind of use you are going to make of your motorhome.

If you are going to stay mainly on campsites or travel from aire to aire daily when in Europe then, IMHO, an expensive solar panel would be unneccessary.

If you are going to do the bulk of your camping off hook up - aires and wild camping- but do not use vast amounts of energy ie little TV, no family using games and hairdryers, few energy-expensive gadgets and so on then I'd still consider a solar panel unneccessary.

If however you are going to camp without hook up a lot and do use a lot of energy consuming gadgets then it becomes more of a useful buy.

There is, in the FAQ/ Beginner's Guides section of MHF, a useful guide to efficientcy of solar panels and their cost :-

HERE

G

 

Hi Smiddy...it all depends very much on what kind of use you are going to make of your motorhome.

If you are going to stay mainly on campsites or travel from aire to aire daily when in Europe then, IMHO, an expensive solar panel would be unneccessary.

If you are going to do the bulk of your camping off hook up - aires and wild camping- but do not use vast amounts of energy ie little TV, no family using games and hairdryers, few energy-expensive gadgets and so on then I'd still consider a solar panel unneccessary.

If however you are going to camp without hook up a lot and do use a lot of energy consuming gadgets then it becomes more of a useful buy.

There is, in the FAQ/ Beginner's Guides section of MHF, a useful guide to efficientcy of solar panels and their cost.

HERE

G

It's here >click<

 

Hi Smiddy

I bought and fitted a 100W for £260.00, I would not be having one fitted at £700.00.

Best Regards
Broom

 

Go for it
we have never suffered from flat batteries with an 80W panel fitted to our Rapido and we do spend time away from hook ups
The only thing SPs wont do is replace gas for cooking/heating
We go away with 2 full 9Kg Calor gas bottles for a month at a time. We always bring one back at the least 1/2 empty
We do stay for longer periods (4 to 5 days) on a camp site with hook ups
I guess that the combination of an SP and hook ups is the best practice
Happy wheels
MGB

 

Have just found out it is for a 70w solar panel ..........

 

£700 for a 70w panel is very expensive.

I wouldn't bother, just get one fitted yourself afterwards, you'd probably get a 70w for half that price fully fitted.

Paul.

 

That sounds a bit expensive. If you are prepared to travel to Northumberland, you might try Aire & Sun in Hexham. And if your'e prepared to fit it yourself, a 135W Kyocera panel with installation kit will cost you £575.

Philip

Aire & Sun Kits

 

Far too expensive for a 70W

We fitted 2 x 40W (80W total) ourselves with all the required "bits" for just under £350 - price also included volt/ammeter and a wind deflector

 

Same thoughts

I was thinking of an 80 W solar, and enquired of Brownhills, where my habitation is being done to conform with warranty, and the quote was for £1000 +. !!

It'll have to wait and I can still use my genny.

 

I had an 80w solar panel with "battery mate" etc fitted for around £500 at the southern motorhome event at Newbury by Solar Solutions of Poole a couple of years ago....

 

80w self fitted, all the bits £230 !!
Working a treat,

More info here..