Solar panel installation in the south east?
- Thread starter DannyDT
- Start date
Take a look over here..
Solar Sheds & Other Non-T6 Solar Projects - How We Done It -
@Pete C requested it, so here it is . . . . .
Lets Post here any NON - T6 related ECO Power or Solar setups etc....
***************************************
SHED:
Solar Panel: 1x 160w RENOGY flexible (stuck on roof ) 2x 160W semi-flexible, photonic universe (stuck on roof )
charge controller: Victron smartsolar 100/20 (75/15, 100/30 options + various PWM`s)
DC-DC charger...
@Pete C requested it, so here it is . . . . .
Dell,
What do the batteries in your shed power ?
I too have a solar powered shed - perhaps we should have a separate thread for sheds
Pete
Lets Post here any NON - T6 related ECO Power or Solar setups etc....
***************************************
SHED:
Solar Panel: 1x 160w RENOGY flexible (stuck on roof ) 2x 160W semi-flexible, photonic universe (stuck on roof )
charge controller: Victron smartsolar 100/20 (75/15, 100/30 options + various PWM`s)
DC-DC charger...
Hi,Take a look over here..
Solar Sheds & Other Non-T6 Solar Projects - How We Done It -
@Pete C requested it, so here it is . . . . .
Dell,
What do the batteries in your shed power ?
I too have a solar powered shed - perhaps we should have a separate thread for sheds
Pete
Lets Post here any NON - T6 related ECO Power or Solar setups etc....
***************************************
SHED:
Solar Panel: 1x 160w RENOGY flexible (stuck on roof ) 2x 160W semi-flexible, photonic universe (stuck on roof )
charge controller: Victron smartsolar 100/20 (75/15, 100/30 options + various PWM`s)
DC-DC charger...
Thanks for your reply. I’m looking for a solar panel to replace the one on my T6, apologies if I should have been more specific!
I have a pop-up top on my T6, the converter company CamperKing (Banbury area) suggested that it was best to replace my dead solar panel with another flexible solar panel glued directly onto the top of the old panel. Taking the old panel off is difficult and likely to damage the roof.
Just need to check out the old panel connections to see how they pass through the roof waterproof gland. Not sure the MC4 connectors will fit through the gland.
I will follow their advice as all that is required is to key the old dead panel to allow the adhesive (Sikaflex 252) to attach the new panel and then make the new connection from new panel to the MPPT Pro Controller.
Just need to check out the old panel connections to see how they pass through the roof waterproof gland. Not sure the MC4 connectors will fit through the gland.
I will follow their advice as all that is required is to key the old dead panel to allow the adhesive (Sikaflex 252) to attach the new panel and then make the new connection from new panel to the MPPT Pro Controller.
Interesting advice from the supplier. I spoke to someone who converts vans and he said in his experience the flexi panels fail when there’s no air flow underneath as they overheat. He also said it happens more with black pop tops, as they absorb more heat.
Mine is black so I’ve decided to go for a rigid panel this time and remove the old one.
The rigid panel has a 5 year warranty whereas the flexi has 3, and the rigid is half the price.
Mine is black so I’ve decided to go for a rigid panel this time and remove the old one.
The rigid panel has a 5 year warranty whereas the flexi has 3, and the rigid is half the price.
That is interesting as my van has a black fibreglass pop-top so like you I would expect a lot of heat absorption as well.
The new panel is shorter but wider so there will be some cooling via the under channel. I wish I could have found a direct replacement panel (146x31cms).
Mine looks like this.. Old panel.
I am wondering....
Is it OK to cut off the MC4 connectors as I dont think they will fit through the gland.
I am thinking that maybe I take off the black dome on the old panel and use the existing wiring to some new MC4 connectors then join the new panel via MC4 joints. The MC4 are meant to be IP67/68 so waterproof.
Any recommendations on the connectors and how to join in?
I've just had my flexi panel replaced due to it failing after about 3 years. I was also told it was probably due to lack of air flow underneath and it over heating. They couldn't get the old one off without damaging the roof, so have installed the new one over the top. The place I had it done did a really good job. I did think about a rigid one that would last longer but didn't want to add the extra height, even though I know this one might need replacing again in a few years. 
