Solar Set Up?
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- fresco3000
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Solar Set Up?
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.
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.
1986 Caravelle GL - Water Cooled - Petrol 2000cc - 5 Speed
- Oldiebut goodie
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Re: Solar Set Up?
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.
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.
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- fresco3000
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Re: Solar Set Up?
Thanks, what batteries are you using?
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- Oldiebut goodie
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Re: Solar Set Up?
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.
1.6D 2019 VW T-Cross
200hp VW T6
1̶Y̶ ̶1̶9̶8̶7̶ ̶H̶i̶-̶t̶o̶p̶ ̶C̶a̶r̶a̶v̶e̶l̶l̶e̶
5̶0̶8̶d̶ ̶M̶e̶r̶c̶
200hp VW T6
1̶Y̶ ̶1̶9̶8̶7̶ ̶H̶i̶-̶t̶o̶p̶ ̶C̶a̶r̶a̶v̶e̶l̶l̶e̶
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- Mocki
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Re: Solar Set Up?
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
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
Steve
tel / txt O7947-137911
________________
1989 2.1LpgWBX HiTop Leisuredrive Camper
1988 2.1 Caravelle TS TinTop Camper
tel / txt O7947-137911
________________
1989 2.1LpgWBX HiTop Leisuredrive Camper
1988 2.1 Caravelle TS TinTop Camper
- fresco3000
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Re: Solar Set Up?
From what I can dig up online, this seems a decent battery option?
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/batte ... 66926.html
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/batte ... 66926.html
1986 Caravelle GL - Water Cooled - Petrol 2000cc - 5 Speed
- fresco3000
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Re: Solar Set Up?
Mocki wrote: ↑15 Jun 2022, 18:45 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?
1986 Caravelle GL - Water Cooled - Petrol 2000cc - 5 Speed
- Mocki
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Re: Solar Set Up?
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
Steve
tel / txt O7947-137911
________________
1989 2.1LpgWBX HiTop Leisuredrive Camper
1988 2.1 Caravelle TS TinTop Camper
tel / txt O7947-137911
________________
1989 2.1LpgWBX HiTop Leisuredrive Camper
1988 2.1 Caravelle TS TinTop Camper
- fresco3000
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Re: Solar Set Up?
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
1986 Caravelle GL - Water Cooled - Petrol 2000cc - 5 Speed
- fresco3000
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Re: Solar Set Up?
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
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07 ... UB0D&psc=1
1986 Caravelle GL - Water Cooled - Petrol 2000cc - 5 Speed
- fresco3000
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Re: Solar Set Up?
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.
https://uk.renogy.com/200w-12v-24v-mono ... ontroller/
Their Inverters are pricey, will look at what else is out there for the rest.
1986 Caravelle GL - Water Cooled - Petrol 2000cc - 5 Speed