Solar Set Up?

[fresco3000]

I've been thinking of adding solar panels to the roof of my van for a while, not knowing a huge amount about the kit I'd appreciate a bit of advice.

On the panels, I was looking at getting two 100w - Possibly these.

I've read that if I'm running 200w of solar panels I will need a 500Wh 12 Volts 40Ah leisure battery? Should I go lithium?

I know I'll need a few other bits of kit such as a controller, but any advice on decent quality products is welcomed.

As far as what I'll be running, it will be charging devices, laptop (know I'll need an inverter), etc.

I want to use the van as an alternative workspace where I can get out of the house to nicer surroundings, so if I'm going to do this I want to do it well.

[Oldiebut goodie]

I don't know who is advising a 40Ah battery for 200w of solar - I have 220Ah of batteries with 100w of solar, running compressor fridge and odds and sods.This gives me 110Ah of usable power.
A 40Ah battery will only give you 20Ah of power before being flat if lead acid.

For gadgets use step or step down converters - they are more efficient than inverters.

[fresco3000]

Thanks, what batteries are you using?

[Oldiebut goodie]

Can't remember the make, they are AGM ones. AGM batteries can be discharged down to 20% unlike standard lead acid batteries although I still work on 50% which gives me leeway with spare capacity.

[Mocki]

Two 100w panels will work very much better in the uk if they are wired in series, with a mppt controller , giving you 100w @ 40v rather than parallel (200w @20v)

I have two 120w panels , giving me 120w @42v which feed my mppt controller to charge my 225ah traction batteries which run my Cr80 compressor fridge, eberspacher , lights and charge ports and everything with plenty of spare capacity

[fresco3000]

From what I can dig up online, this seems a decent battery option?

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/batte ... 66926.html

[fresco3000]

Two 100w panels will work very much better in the uk if they are wired in series, with a mppt controller , giving you 100w @ 40v rather than parallel (200w @20v)

I have two 120w panels , giving me 120w @42v which feed my mppt controller to charge my 225ah traction batteries which run my Cr80 compressor fridge, eberspacher , lights and charge ports and everything with plenty of spare capacity

So the one's in my initial link would tick that box?

[Mocki]

Yes, although i would say you get what you pay for, cheaper semiflexible panels dont have the best reputation , although that said , i bough cheap ones for my temp are set up and they are standing up well to the conditions

[fresco3000]

Yes, although i would say you get what you pay for, cheaper semiflexible panels dont have the best reputation , although that said , i bough cheap ones for my temp are set up and they are standing up well to the conditions

Which brand did you opt for?

To be fair, I don't need flexible panels as I can easily bolt solid ones to my roof rack. Just thought they'd be less likely to get nicked if they were glued down 

[fresco3000]

The rigid 2X 100W set from Renogy, who are apparently good spec are actually cheaper.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07 ... UB0D&psc=1

[fresco3000]

As there's a sale on at Renogy I went for one of their kits.

https://uk.renogy.com/200w-12v-24v-mono ... ontroller/

Their Inverters are pricey, will look at what else is out there for the rest.