Club 80-90 Forums

Dear all,

i've got a Maplin 13W Solar Briefcase Solar Unit which is designed to be set up when camping but is not waterproof so they say. I'm thinkng that i could mound the two paralell panels inside the 'suitcase' alongsaide each other on a 5mm plywood base, cover in thin glass and edge with aluminium angle then seal all round with some clear sealtn / adhesive. To be mounted on roof for conveniance. TBH when i've used it recently i've often just put it open on the inside of a window as its a pain not ebign weatherproof if you go away from the van for a while and want to leave it on and it rains. Does my idea sound realistic? Would putting a thin piece of glass over the panels be ok and not get in the way of that rich sunlight?

MAPLIN SAYS

Portable solar generator built into a protective briefcase making it ideal for camping, caravanning or marine use
Powerful 13 watt solar charger
Charges 3V, 6V and 12V appliances
Flashing charge indicator and blocking diode
Dual junction amorphous solar cells lead to less power loss
Includes 4A charge regulator
Integrated adjustable angle support
Easy storage
Complete with all leads needed - suitable for all 12 volt battery systems
The generator comes complete with an adjustable angle support that allows you to position the solar panels in prime sunlight. The solar panel is an amorphous receptor and is ideally suited to the northern European climate to enable the optimum use of daylight hours. It can even operate behind glass. During peak hours of sunshine, a mobile phone can be charged in an hour.

Please note: This kit is not waterproof. The panel is water resistant so suitable for use in light showers but the charge controller unit should always be kept away from moisture as it is not water resistant.

Please note: This kit is not waterproof. The panel is water resistant so suitable for use in light showers but the charge controller unit should always be kept away from moisture as it is not water resistant.

The main problem is the charge regulator not being water proof. Some Solar Panels have glass as standard some don't. If you are happy that fitting glass with a sealant will protect the charge regulator then go ahead. The only other alternatives are:-

a) Waterproof the charge regulator.

b) Remove the charge regulator and either house it separately or remove it and buy a separate one that can be fitted close to the battery.

On another note 13w will hardly put any charge into a battery, its more for keeping them topped up when not in use!

Ok thanks. I've used it before Several times on my joker running two strip and two spot down lighters- all led though. Water pump and DVDs some nights, seems to cope pretty well even over a 10 day period. I can see a 60w set up might be useful someday but this is working ok for me now. Is the charge regulator the box that has plugs in and out for panel- battery etc? If so that's mounted behind my driving seat on the kitchen unit with a removable plug into the leisure battery. I've also fitted a female 12v socked on the B post which charges the LB when the panels outside.

My father uses one of these Maplin 13W 'briefcase' panels on his narrowboat (until I nick it off him to use in my T25!). He just leaves it on the roof of the boat all summer with the regulator inside the boat (think he had to lengthen a couple wires but nothing too complex). Brings it in for the winter months. Ironically that means it's had a very good 'wet test' over the last few weeks. No issues at all with water ingress (of course maybe he got lucky) and he reckons it does a good job of keeping the battery topped up and 'helping out' with extending the life of the lesiure battery.

You don't need a charge regulator using that panel on a 12 volt battery. If wired up direct, it will never overcharge a lead acid battery.

Our (new) 60 Watt panel drops down to less than 200 mAh behind glass on a cloudy day, and that ain't enough to charge anything ! (so not sure what charge you will get from 13 Watts behind glass on a dull day

Hmm, thanks. I think as cash is tight I'll roof mount it but save for a 60/80 watt one when I can afford it. Unless someone wants to swap one for an original westy beige front table set up?