Help -Solar Panels for awning/van - What to do?

[Yetibeard]

Hi,

I've been reading a LOT of threads about solar panels and I'm still not sure on what would suit me best. If I describe my setup I'd appreciate any advice!

The solar panels will be used for off grid camping. (off grid = no EHU! but probably still on a site)

I have a leisure battery with CTEK under the drivers seat. USBs and 12v sockets off that in rear. I also have led lights and 2kw diesel heater (yet to be installed) and the usual army of devices to charge

80% of time I would take an awning.
Here I would have 2 electric cool boxes in the awning (these ones from Aldi)

20% of time no awning
1 cool box in the van

What solar panel option would work best for me in both situations? I'm leaning towards a a mobile solution but I'm unsure how this would work in both situations.

I'd prefer to have a 1 size fits all, but would is be best to have a smaller fixed one on roof and a mobile for awning?

Like I say, my mind isn't made up so all advice is welcome. Price range isn't unlimited, but I want an easy solution that works in both scenarios.

Also worth mentioning... I'm an electrical novice, so if I ask a stupid question.... let me know its stupid and I can laugh too!

Thanks

 

[czmate1999]

As important is your battery set-up. Remember with normal batteries half you amp hours to give your actual usable amp hours. If you have lithium you do not have to do this as the ‘whole‘ battery is useable.

do a search for ’how I done it’ videos by @Dellmassive he goes into great detail on both installed and portable solar solutions. Also YouTube videos by ‘gadget john’ re his previous solar installs on his vans might help give you some ideas. @travelvolts is a trade member on hear that might be able to offer some ideas...

good luck.

 

[Yetibeard]

As important is your battery set-up. Remember with normal batteries half you amp hours to give your actual usable amp hours. If you have lithium you do not have to do this as the ‘whole‘ battery is useable.

do a search for ’how I done it’ videos by @Dellmassive he goes into great detail on both installed and portable solar solutions. Also YouTube videos by ‘gadget john’ re his previous solar installs on his vans might help give you some ideas. @travelvolts is a trade member on hear that might be able to offer some ideas...

good luck.

Thanks. Its not a lithium battery so that might be an upgrade option I the future. I've had a look through the @Dellmassive thread and that is what leant me towards mobile.

Ideally, I'd like someone to jump in with "I have a similar setup and this works for me...blah blah blah.!"

 

[Dellmassive]

cooler boxes need around 6A each, so or two you need about 12A,

100W panel will generate 6A (ISC with good sun)

so get 2x 100w panels. and run either for 100W or both for 200W. - or just one 200W and run that.

get flexible or foldable depending on your preference.

flexible are 100% waterproof and more durable, but not as easy to store.


either connect to your ctek or get a separate MPPT with quick disconnect MC4 cables and leads.


*****************************

the max the ctek can take is 23v voc and 20A/25A . . . .

so when you run 2x panels you need to connect in parallel.




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i would sugest:


a victron 75/15 mppt controller (with bluetooth monitorin )

Victron Energy MPPT 75|15 Charging Controllers : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

Buy Victron Energy MPPT 75|15 Charging Controllers at Amazon UK. Free delivery on eligible orders.

amzn.to

and

a 200W two panel kit like this:

Lensun® 2PCS 100W(total 200W) 12V ETFE Black Flexible Solar Panel, Made of New Hight Efficiency 158 Solar Cell

Lensun 100W 12V Black Flexible Solar Panel, Top Quality NOT the Cheap PET Flexible Solar Panel

www.lensunsolar.com

or


200w foldable like this . . .

Lensun 200W ( 4 x 50W) 12V ETFE Black Flexible Folding Solar Panel Kit with Brackets, 20A Solar Controller and 5m cable

Lensun 200W Solar Charge Power Kit, 50W Foldable Portable Flexible Solar Panel for Camping Van, Caravan, Motorhomes and RVs

www.lensunsolar.com

or like this:




.

50W, 100w, 120W Kit . . . .

BlueFusion Portable Folding Solar Panel Charger 50W, 100W, 120W | eBay
Flex Power 50W, 100W, 120W. Peak Power (Pmax): 50W 100W 120W. Premium Solar Panels and Accessory for Leisure and Marine Applications. Lightweight and Portable. Panel Model: MD1199/50W MD1199/100W MD1199/120W.
rover.ebay.com

 

[Skyliner33]

Won't those cool boxes flatten the battery overnight though?

 

[Dellmassive]

He didn't state what battery/batteries he had as a leisure setup.

yes 2x cooler boxes would run a single battery flat....

But I've had 2x camping gas coolboxes running over a weekend on a single battery and 200w solar.

Once they cooled down and start cycling you can get more run time...... but will need to be fully charged the next day.

Solutions are more leisure batteries, more solar, EHU or compressor fridge =)

 

[Yetibeard]

He didn't state what battery/batteries he had as a leisure setup.

yes 2x cooler boxes would run a single battery flat....

But I've had 2x camping gas coolboxes running over a weekend on a single battery and 200w solar.

Once they cooled down and start cycling you can get more run time...... but will need to be fully charged the next day.

Solutions are more leisure batteries, more solar, EHU or compressor fridge =)

Thanks for fantastic reply.

Leisure bat is 110ah and not lithium, but it is basically brand new.

I want to get away from EHU and compressor fridges look fantastically expensive.
So either more batteries or more solar.

300kw solar should do the trick then with the current battery?

 

[Dellmassive]

Yes.....

During to experience....

I always take 2x 100ah leusure batteries that way if the sun is not out you can always rely on a second battery to run your kit.... and possibly use the van dc-dc to charge the other....

 

[Dellmassive]

an exampple here . . .

didn't take a second battery, didn't have enough solar wattage . . . . the sun wasnt very sunny . . . =[

[Guide] Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -

Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It - There is loads of background to this . . . . . but for now here is a vid for you all. =] . . Just remember W = V*A and as a general rule a good 100W panel will give you up to 6A charge with good sun. 25w = 1.5A 50W = 3A 100w = 6A 200w = 12A...

www.t6forum.com

.

 

[Lord Mfwic]

I know I'm very primitive but I just run my engine for an hour a day to boost my Leisure battery.
Best not to camp behind me.

 

[Dellmassive]

i always use AGM for leisure batteries . . ( Or Lifepo4 )

like this one:

Platinum AGM Plus Leisure Battery 12V 100Ah AGMLB6110L : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

Buy Platinum AGM Plus Leisure Battery 12V 100Ah AGMLB6110L at Amazon UK. Free delivery on eligible orders.

amzn.to

or this one:

Expedition 105 | travelvolts

105 ah AGM deep cycle battery. Fits under single seats.350 x 175 x 200

www.travelvolts.net

...


and put them in these style of battery boxes . . .

Pennine 28573 Caravan Leisure Battery Box, 110Amp, Black : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

Buy Pennine 28573 Caravan Leisure Battery Box, 110Amp, Black at Amazon UK. Free delivery on eligible orders.

amzn.to

or you could makr your own mobiule battery box . . . . like this . .

12v Lithium Leisure Battery Box 138Ah 1766Wh -- How I Done It --

12v Lithium Leisure Battery Box 138Ah 1766Wh -- How I Done It -- It's about time that I got this long-overdue project sorted out. The missing parts are on order and completion is in sight . . . . . . . . ready for the Post Pandemic 2020 Camping Trips (Hopefully) This is where it started. p1...

www.t6forum.com

.




or like this . . .

Temporary Ehu

Has anyone used a Goal Zero type power generator as an off grid EHU? I recently had an instance when the Lead/Acid leisure battery went completely flat, my Ablemail AMS 121230 won't charge below 10.5V so I needed to connect to a power supply to get sufficient voltage for the Ablemail to kick in...

www.t6forum.com

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