Solar Roof Box?

[gmaster]

I've been pondering the idea of fitting slimline solar panels to a roof box. My thinking was if I need to be away for longer than a day or two (thus the need for solar), it is also likely that I will need to carry more kit (hence the need for a roof box).

This set-up would mean I can keep the roof box / solar for any future vans and justify a bigger spend on better panels. The roof box design would also mean that it could be opened if necessary, helping to point the panels towards the sun.

The wires could then be fed out of the roof box, down through the tailgate and into a "connection" point in the back of the van.

What are peoples thoughts?

 

[T6 Dave]

Mind any water leaks when feeding cables in past the door/hatch seal.. Might be better off going down rear hatch shut and in through a lighting grommet? Then you could leave the connector at an accessible point on the shut area?

 

[tram]

I have some experience of this because i have a boat. I am suggesting that perhaps you would be better with a small lightweight silent generator.

I have solar panels. They do work very well in summer, but in winter I need to run the generator for an hour a day.

I use a Sterling charger. It is all automatic/intelligent, so it does it all for you. Does a damn good job.

The generator is always there for me. A quick hour and you know where you are. That is to run a tv for about 12 hours a day, say, and other little bits and bobs.

But the gen is so good as it will give me a 240v supply. I can use a low watt electric kettle, even a toaster, just by running it a few mins. I can boil water to wash, etc. Of course there is being able to use power tools, etc. I wouldn't be without it.

If you filled the gen's tank with fuel before you went away it would probably last you, so you wouldn't need to take a petrol can.

I you do go solar then I would think you would need about a 100watt panel with its own controller. Mono crystal type is best. This will work in ambient and overcast conditions better. I bought folding ones which have a case to store. You just clip it on the battery and forget about it.

But really I would urge you to get a generator.

 

[gmaster]

Good points raised in both replies, thank you.

I'd never really considered a generator before, but it may be worth looking into. The only thing is the roof box would come in handy for adding more storage, whereas the generator would actually end up taking away some of my storage space.

I will re-think the set-up and look into generators. What generators are worth considering?

 

[T6 Dave]

Generators with fuel in them will wiff in a warm van during a trip.. Might make kids fell ill in the back, especially if stuck in traffic..

 

[tram]

I only know the Honda EU 10i. this is the 1000 watt. they also do a 2000 watt. 1000 is lighter and smaller, and should do all you need. the Honda is very quiet. It cost about £700.

A mate got a cheaper one, a Clarks or something. This was half the money and seem to do just the same, but I don't have any experience of anything other than the Honda.

It is like a suitcase, nothing poking out or anything.

As to fumes, well maybe. The tank seems to seal air tight as the breather hole can be closed. But I suppose there is residue in the carb, not that I have noticed any leak. They are a good well-built thing, no doubt, and not too heavy. My gut feeling is that it would be fine to carry in the van. They are designed to travel about.

With the solar panel there is the hasstle of the wires, and they are out and so could be stolen or damaged, and like i say, you'd need a 100 watt panel and these are a fair size and weight.

the generator also has a 12 volt output, but you have to buy a lead as an extra. But this then can easily clip to the leisure battery to charge it, so you wouldn't need a charger to make space for. It knocks out 8 amps at 12 volts, if I remember right. I think the lead is about £20.

I bought mine online and it was sold with a service kit, which is basically just oil and a spark plug. but it helps. It is very reliable and easy to start. It is economical. It has a rabbit setting for high steady power, or a tortoise setting which just takes as much as it needs, so uses less fuel and is even quieter. It could be left in the rain.