Solar on a tintop

[kevtherev]

For me?..old habits I guess Steve.
In the summer it's one leisure, and that has an 11 amp water heater attached to it!

[CovKid]

I keep the extra one onboard and topped up as a backup and since it still works there doesn't seem much sense in it sitting at home and eventually going flat. Its been borrowed off me quite a few times at events.

[ghost123uk]

I keep a little 17Ahr motorbike style battery on board (it's mostly there for firing up my model aircraft engines with a hand held 12V starter), but it could be pressed into service for other duties should the need ever arise.

[CovKid]

Somewhat relieved I had solar today. Discovered when I got to work that ignition light was on and 'no chargy'. Blast. Fortunately I was able to steal some volts from the sun at work (topped up the battery to full actually) and I was able to drive home with the solar doing its best to slow down the dwindling battery power before I pulled into my yard.

The culprit? The uprated 14.5v alternator regulator which I've only had for two months and has already decided to retire itself. Good job I kept the old one.

General summary of panel? Well its using a PWM charger which whilst cheap is not quite as efficient as a Mppt one and according to my watt meter has produced 2.9amps peak and about 50watts peak on the sunnier days. That would seem about right given that we're not seeing that much sunlight yet and as mine is flat on top, lacks the exposure other than from say 11am to 2pm. By 3.30pm it drops to about 10 watts and below. Doing the job though and topping battery up nicely - enough to fire the Propex up on demand which is all I want of it As the days lengthen things will change. I expect I'll see around 70watts peak.

Now I know, the watt meter can go. I've got enough dials and whatnot to look at as it is.

[Ruralman]

Somewhat relieved I had solar today. Discovered when I got to work that ignition light was on and 'no chargy'. Blast. Fortunately I was able to steal some volts from the sun at work (topped up the battery to full actually) and I was able to drive home with the solar doing its best to slow down the dwindling battery power before I pulled into my yard.

The culprit? The uprated 14.5v alternator regulator which I've only had for two months and has already decided to retire itself. Good job I kept the old one.

General summary of panel? Well its using a PWM charger which whilst cheap is not quite as efficient as a Mppt one and according to my watt meter has produced 2.9amps peak and about 50watts peak on the sunnier days. That would seem about right given that we're not seeing that much sunlight yet and as mine is flat on top, lacks the exposure other than from say 11am to 2pm. By 3.30pm it drops to about 10 watts and below. Doing the job though and topping battery up nicely - enough to fire the Propex up on demand which is all I want of it

Now I know, the watt meter can go. I've got enough dials and whatnot to look at as it is.

That's great to know, if Sergy ever makes it out of the mot garage I was thinking of adding solar.

Regards
Keith

[CovKid]

Nice and sunny this afternoon. Sat in camper playing the classical version of Quadrophenia (wow is THAT awesome) very loud and the panel was not only keeping up with stereo, it still continued to raise battery voltage. 55 watts and 4 amps from panel despite not being overhead. Propex on at same time proved a little too much which would seem right given the total amps consumed.

On the downside, the charge light (ignition) was on first thing yet again. Drove to work on a prayer. Removed regulator (yet again), cleaned brushes and the slip rings and gave the regulator contact a good ping to ensure a good connection and hey presto, not only charging again but the best its even been. Just shows how much carbon dust can reduce the efficiency of an alternator. Might pay to remove alternator, strip it down and give it a good clean or at least get a compressed airline on it.

[Mocki]

I routinely point the air line in the alternator when I'm faffing with the lid off, after the last time I replaced my brush pack it was covered in black dust ....

As a side note, do you have anyone your way on that refurbs alternators, I have two sitting here needing bearings , but can't find anyone who does them any more ......

[CJH]

As a side note, do you have anyone your way on that refurbs alternators, I have two sitting here needing bearings , but can't find anyone who does them any more ......

If you're ever down Nottingham way there's a place in Netherfield where I've had a couple of refurbs done - pretty good value IMO.

Auto Supplies.

[Mocki]

Cheers, I'm only in Mansfield, so can't understand why my search couldn't find them when I was looking for somewhere to do the job.... I will investigate, because I'm not happy about scrapping a otherwise good alternator !!

Many thanks ...again!

[kevtherev]

here too in Wolves..
http://dandrstarterswolverhampton.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

again cheap as chips, for any one looking at this post, in the midlands.

[keith]

Good place in Stoke too...starters and alternators

https://www.yell.com/biz/mark-s-auto-el ... t-1559653/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Same day service

[Mocki]

Good stuff folks .....

[IndigoSteve]

As a complete novice to solar I'd like to get some advice on how and what sort of kit to start with. For a high top. I saw the eBay link to the 100w flexi panel but the thread suggests go for 150w. Other than the panel. What do I need ? Apologies for the rather open question

[kevtherev]

Read this.. it's all you need

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... in+a+westy" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There are some high tops in there as well (mine for one!)

[IndigoSteve]

Thx Kev