Briefcase style solar panels - which ones?

[itchyfeet]

Ah I see - thanks. So if I go ahead and buy this, I just need to use the crocodile clips on the battery? But would that be a leisure battery or the main engine battery?

Either but you would be mad to run anything power thirsty from your engine starter battery because once its flat you can't drive the van and flattening a starter battery also reduces its life.

[CovKid]

You can however (and I did for several years) use another starter battery (if its any good) as a make-shift leisure battery.

[itchyfeet]

You can however (and I did for several years) use another starter battery (if its any good) as a make-shift leisure battery.

Exactly what I have

[Emma&Al]

i DO have another battery! I took it out of the van and changed it a year back because I thought it was too old to cope - but turns out the van needed a new starter motor. So I can use that?
So Id buy the solar kit, put the 2nd battery behind the passenger seat...and just connect the crocodile clips?? And then charge the 12v items from....

[CovKid]

Yup. Simple set up but yes. Mind you, you might want to add a simple relay so the alternator can charge it when you're driving too. Thats all I've got and its worked great for 8 years:

[kevtherev]

yes

[Emma&Al]

Eek...that diagram frightens me slightly. I forgot that I need to earth the other battery. Do I need to buy an earth lead from somewhere? Im so sorry about all the questions - I really appreciate the help!

[itchyfeet]

Ideally you wire this battery into some sort of proper system, crock clips are ok but sooner or later you are going to knock them off or drop something on them which then becomes dangerous.
You have to think of what you are connecting also, where are you going to connect your coolbox.

I have proper battery terminals which connect to some ciggy lighter sockets by fuses, I also have a split charge relay as shown but that means running a thick cable from one battery to the other and there is no easy route.

It all starts to get a big job if you are not familiar with wiring.

[New Kentish Campers]

Or, save time, money and trouble by camping here. (Remember to take an extension lead):

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=h ... mrc&uact=8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Emma&Al]

Thanks itchy feet

Kentish Campers....yes, thats always an option!!

[Emma&Al]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100W-Folding- ... 1583417697" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

100W for 107 pounds...is this too cheap?!

[CovKid]

Seems good to me.

[CJH]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100W-Folding- ... 1583417697

100W for 107 pounds...is this too cheap?!

If I'm interpreting the advert correctly, you'll need to budget extra for a separate controller (to convert the 17.5V output to a suitable charging voltage), and you'll need to wire the two halves of the panel into that controller in parallel (for which they can sell you a Y-cable). The price does not seem to include either of those items. The Y-cable seems to be about a fiver, and you can get a cheapo controller for £10-£15 (e.g. this one).

[Emma&Al]

HI CJH - I did wonder if there were parts that were needed in addition. I think I'll leave it then actually - thanks for identifying that

[lodgey62]

I wish you were around the corner from me and you could come and see how to install everything you need from my van as l haven't a chance of explaining,up Yorkshire any time soon?