Advice About Solar Panels And Fixing

[Skyliner33]

I am thinking about adding a solar panel to my van setup. I already have a leisure battery and Redarc dc-dc charger BCDC1240D I got from @travelvolts

So at the moment I don't have a pop top, but its a possibility in the future. Therefore I would rather mount the panel to OEM roofbars and therefore could be bonded to the pop top in future.

I am looking for advice as to how best to achieve this and how to select the best panel for my setup. (ie I don't want to get too powerful a panel for the Redarc.

Thanks

 

[Deaky]

The maximum input voltage for the redarc is 32v so make sure the panel you get has an open circuit voltage of 32v or less.

 

[Dellmassive]

If you mount on roof bars..... then you would be looking at solid framed panels.

But if you bond it to the roof then thin flexible panels are more desirable....

I'd just get a solid panel for your roof bars....for now.

And if/when you get the roof done, just buy a flexible panel.

Then just sell or keep the solid frame one for mobile use.


Also look at a stand alone solar controller, just because the Redarc has solar controller..... doesn't mean you have to use it.

The Victron bluetooth mppt units are very popular.

 

[Dellmassive]

Have a look over here >



What Solar Panel & Controller ?

Solar Panel Cutting Hole In Roof !!!

.

and here >


Volkswagen VW T4 or T5 Camping vans/bus install flexible solar panels guide. How many ways to install the flexible solar panels on the camper’s or caravan’s roof? | Lensun Solar Panel – Lensunsolar

Lensun Solar Energy Store

12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine

RENOGY - Solar Powered Systems & Equipment

ACOPower Offizielle Website | Solarpanel Kit | Tragbarer Solargenerator | Solarladeregler | Solarwechselrichter - ACOPower.com - ACOPower.com

REDARC Electronics: Automotive Electronics, Accessories & Equipment | REDARC Electronics

Solar Camper Solutions - VW California (T5 & T6) Solar Panel Kit



have a look at these:

Thinking About A Solar Panel? Look At This.....

My Roof Might Be Crap But The Solar Panel Is Ace

Solar Panel Fitting To Front Hinged Roof

How've You Installed Your Solar Panel?

Volkswagen VW T4 or T5 Camping vans/bus install flexible solar panels guide. How many ways to install the flexible solar panels on the camper’s or caravan’s roof? | Lensun Solar Panel – Lensunsolar

Lensun Solar Energy Store

12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine

Renogy Official Site | All-in-one Solar Kit | Portable Solar Generator

ACOPower Official Site | Solar Panel Kits | Portable Solar Generator | Solar Charge Controller | Solar Inverters - ACOPower.com



What Solar Panel & Controller ?

 

[Skyliner33]

Thanks @Dellmassive , looks like plenty of reading for me. I was hoping someone could precis it all

 

[Dellmassive]

Thanks @Dellmassive , looks like plenty of reading for me. I was hoping someone could precis it all

Have a quick look over here for a quick vid >

Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -

.

 

[Skyliner33]

Have a quick look over here for a quick vid >

Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -

.

Just watched that. Thanks, really informative.
On the over discharging of the Leisure AGM battery, I have a voltmeter connected at the moment. What is the pd that is should not drop below?
AS I have the Redarc I don't have that auto load shut off function to protect the battery, but wouldn't need the PWM unit. Would that Battery Monitor II warn me if the leisure battery's state of charge was getting close to damaging the cells?
Thanks

 

[Dellmassive]

Just watched that. Thanks, really informative.
On the over discharging of the Leisure AGM battery, I have a voltmeter connected at the moment. What is the pd that is should not drop below?
AS I have the Redarc I don't have that auto load shut off function to protect the battery, but wouldn't need the PWM unit. Would that Battery Monitor II warn me if the leisure battery's state of charge was getting close to damaging the cells?
Thanks

PD for AGM battery is 12.2vdc@50% and 12.0vdc@25%, so keep it above 12.2v . . .

ref: Battery Charging Tutorial | ChargingChargers.com

Yes the BM2 will warn you of a low battery state via the APP on a smart phone . . .

amazone example : https://www.amazon.co.uk/QUICKLYNKS-Battery-Monitor-Bluetooth-Device/dp/B01MT4583U

but they can be found cheaper on ebay . . . . bm2 monitor | eBay


BM2 monitor vid:

you can also buy stand-alone low voltage shut offs (battery guard) - like this > : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ett-M148A-...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=S1ZGN4Q6K7F95S1ZRJR6

and here >

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Victron-Ba...y+disconnect&qid=1560278566&s=gateway&sr=8-15

.


.

 

[xswind]

I have a framed 150w panel mounted to my original vw roof rail cross bars.

I had to make up some custom brackets but real easy and works a treat and its easily removable.

The panel sits between the cross bars and adds no additional height

 

[Skyliner33]

@Dellmassive thank you so much. That is such a great help.

 

[Skyliner33]

I have a framed 150w panel mounted to my original vw roof rail cross bars.

I had to make up some custom brackets but real easy and works a treat and its easily removable.

The panel sits between the cross bars and adds no additional height

Thanks, was the panel rigid or semi rigid?

 

[xswind]

Its rigid, 35mm depth

 

[xswind]

Would some pics help ?

 

[Skyliner33]

Would some pics help ?

Pics always help

 

[xswind]

 

[xswind]

 

[Skyliner33]

Thanks. I was thinking about something like that.

 

[Skyliner33]

Thanks everyone so far.

I have been looking at Solar panels. Some have the connection block on the front, some have it on the back.
I would prefer to have the connections on the back for a 'cleaner' install. However is the connector black low enough to allow the panel to fit flush on the roof on the raised parts with the connector in the 'gullies' on the roof?
Thanks again.

 

[Deaky]

Thanks everyone so far.

I have been looking at Solar panels. Some have the connection block on the front, some have it on the back.
I would prefer to have the connections on the back for a 'cleaner' install. However is the connector black low enough to allow the panel to fit flush on the roof on the raised parts with the connector in the 'gullies' on the roof?
Thanks again.

No. You will end up with a slight bump at the back of the panel

 

[Skyliner33]

No. You will end up with a slight bump at the back of the panel

Thanks, I think that might be preferable than the wires flapping around.