Solar / off grid installers

[Strettyp]

I have zero skills with electricity/mechanics and want to add a couple of solar panels to my T6 lwb roof so that I can keep a fridge running in the summer especially, and generally not need a hookup for off grid camping

Can anyone recommend a company that can supply and fit all the kit - based in northwest but happy to travel if price / quality good?

 

[Dellmassive]

Have you looked at the DIY mobile options to start with?

[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 300w = 18A...

www.t6forum.com

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[Skyliner33]

I have zero skills with electricity/mechanics and want to add a couple of solar panels to my T6 lwb roof so that I can keep a fridge running in the summer especially, and generally not need a hookup for off grid camping

Can anyone recommend a company that can supply and fit all the kit - based in northwest but happy to travel if price / quality good?

If you want some help to fit these yourself I am not far away.

 

[Strettyp]

Thanks for the offers guys - tell me if this use case makes sense

I'd like to

bond two panels to the roof to keep the profile low
Run the cable through the existing hole for the electrics from the tailgate
Charge a battery capable of running a fridge plus maybe some other meaty consumption off an Inverter with mains plugs, for appliances such as a kettle so that I don't have to use gas in the van when stealth camping

A kit list would be handy - I have a factory fitted leisure battery but it's only weedy 85ah do would want to swap that out realistically (I think)

Any idea what the kit alone would cost?

 

[Dellmassive]

Start with your maximum load requirements.... (Which will be your kettle)

Look at a getting low wattage kettle ...

https://amzn.to/3RfRHyz

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...

To run that you will need a 1000w inverter..

The Renogy 1000w is good and reasonable price...

https://amzn.to/3q6Z4wm

...


To run that you will need a 100ah lithium battery.

Again Renogy do a good option..

https://amzn.to/3KMCxyv

..


To charge that you will need a dc-dc charger.

https://amzn.to/3wRk3a8

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..


Then get your two flex solar panels....

https://amzn.to/3eot7wT

Then you will need a solar controller.... Victron is highly recommended.

https://amzn.to/3Rhj6jH

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.

 

[Dellmassive]

There are some pre done kits available...

Example....

https://amzn.to/3q6tWgx

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.

 

[Dellmassive]

Another option is a mobile battery pack..

@Mick runs the above kettle on a Jackory 1000w

More info on portable power packs here.....

Portable Power Packs - LifePo4 Battery Boxes -- How I done It --

SOLAR GENERATOR -- How I done It -- OFF The back of these two threads i thought i was time do a dedicated thread. https://www.t6forum.com/threads/awesome-3-in-1-battery-bank-how-i-done-it.18674/ . https://www.t6forum.com/threads/jackery-power-stations.27586/ . The Lithium battery...

www.t6forum.com

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I've run the wife's 2200w hair dryer for 20 odd mins as a test on the Bluetti Ac200max.

The Anker 1500 box is brilliant. (My current favourite)

 

[Mick]

Another option is a mobile battery pack..

@Mick runs the above kettle on a Jackory 1000w

More info on portable power packs here.....

Portable Power Packs - LifePo4 Battery Boxes -- How I done It --

SOLAR GENERATOR -- How I done It -- OFF The back of these two threads i thought i was time do a dedicated thread. https://www.t6forum.com/threads/awesome-3-in-1-battery-bank-how-i-done-it.18674/ . https://www.t6forum.com/threads/jackery-power-stations.27586/ . The Lithium battery...

www.t6forum.com

.






I've run the wife's 2200w hair dryer for 20 odd mins as a test on the Bluetti Ac200max.

The Anker 1500 box is brilliant. (My current favourite)

Kettle, toaster, fridge, percolator, slow cooker, Air fryer & and discovered I can charge via the EHU as well. But not all at once

 

[Strettyp]

I've gone for the Anker 757 as the best solution in the short term as it's not going to need any technical skills and will do me for my upcoming trips off a mains charge - thanks for the advice

Will pop the solar panels on next year when I've saved up a bit more

Is it possible to route the cables from the panels through the grommet that the tailgate cabling goes through?