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Topic: Solar trickle charger

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henry morgan

22/12/2014 at 1:35pm
Location: Rhosllanerchrugog
Outfit: Fiat Ducato Campervan

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Hi folks,
Can anyone recommend a good solar trickle charger for my campervan starter battery while she's standing ??

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To err is human, to arrrr is Pirate

JTQU

22/12/2014 at 2:22pm
Location: Hampshire
Outfit: Hymer Nova S

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During winter it needs to be larger than you might think, because the sun angle is low, so comes through more atmosphere, is much more affected by tree etc shadows, the skies are more frequently overcast, the duration of light is short and in many cases the panel is left horizontal.

I have helped somebody who keeps his undercover with solar kit to charge it from outside the building. He had an alarm and there were a few trees on the boundary. I concluded 40 Watts would be enough, mounted at 50 deg to the horizontal, facing south. After pricing it out he spent a bit more and went over the top at 100 Watts, but it has performed well.

I feel nowadays buying less than 40 watts is not cost effective with the panels being so cheap. You must fit a good controller.

fleck2

22/12/2014 at 9:07pm
Location: Derbyshire
Outfit: Elddis accordo Motor

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In the summer our 40w Bosch one is enough for all our needs.
I can recommend 'Optimate' chargers for maintaining batteries if you're near a socket

spartan3956

23/12/2014 at 11:25am
Location: staffs
Outfit: Bentley Donington

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Yes

I have just fitted one to my MH its a Sterling unit when the leisure reaches 12.3 volts it diverts charge to engine battery.

Three wires, 2 in line fuses bit of extension lead to fit

I currently have 13.4 volts showing on the leisure battery and 12.9 volts on the engine battery
All supplied by 120 watt panel and a cheap 10 amp regulator.

wish i had done it years ago no battery charging and boiling batteries.

cheapest of this quality

http://www.mdsbattery.co.uk/shop/productprofile.asp?ProductGroupID=8808

Just reduced them to £53.99 inc vat and delivery

You can get cheaper units made in Italy but this was recommended regarding quality the old saying buy cheap buy twice.

Peter

spartan3956

23/12/2014 at 6:45pm
Location: staffs
Outfit: Bentley Donington

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If you haven't fitted a solar panel i recommend a motorcycle trickle charger they keep the battery topped up without using a high charge
You will need power nearby cost about £13.00

I wouldnt bother with these small dash board size solars they are only good in the summer for carparks while people jet off on holiday.
As others say winter light will just produce milliamps which wont be enough if you have an alarm fitted.

henry morgan

02/1/2015 at 3:06pm
Location: Rhosllanerchrugog
Outfit: Fiat Ducato Campervan

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Thanks for the advice, it has to be a solar charger as I've no electric socket near to where I park my van.
I'll look at the unit that you've fitted, sounds ideal.

-------------
To err is human, to arrrr is Pirate

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