We have just bought a Sterling searcher twin wheel 7.9m. and want to install a solar panel on the roof so we can go off grid, we haven't got a clue on what to buy, or where to go to have it fitted. What is the best size ( 100w, 150w or 200w? ) to get please?.
Many thanks
What do you propose to run, are you heavy/demanding users and do you propose to run off grid all year?
Aim for the largest panel you can comfortably fit and afford, but I've always found a 120w to be more that suitable. I rally off-grid all year round, but not a heavy user (rarely use TV for example), so my needs are for lighting, radio, charge points, heater fan etc. Remember, solar output is greatly reduced in the winter months too.
I bought my last panel from Voltanic Solar, who produce a decent range of products.
You will need a charge controller, I would advise you get (or instruct your fitter to use) an MTTP type controller as opposed to the more basic PWM type, as the former are more efficient at ensuring peak performance and charging of the battery (I can monitor mine via a bluetooth app too).
As mentioned, of course any panel will add to your weight. Voltanic list each panels weight in their shop, but consider mounting brackets too; my kit comes in at about 8kgs, panel fully bonded to the roof.
i have 2 150 watt flexible panels on the roof and 2 fold up dokio panels 1 200 watt and 1 300 watt.. a total of 800 watts but i think the roof panels are somewhat optimistically rated..
these feed into a couple of 100 amp lithium batteries.. my intension is to avoid the need for mains hook ups completely.. i have a 1000 watt inverter which gives me 240 volts power to the vans mains sockets..
i can run a low power micro wave and 600 watt kettle with no problems..
G7ACU.. & Trog 100.
Thank you both for your help.
We only want to go " non electric " in the summer months, and in general run just the lights, Alde hot water, radio, etc etc , nothing to heavy , so I guess a suitcase one will do to keep the battery topped up.
I am no expert, but we went with suitcase style. We use just in the summer months, in winter more pitches available and at off peak prices! By using a suitcase one, it means that when we don't need it, we leave it at home and don't have it add to our payload. It travels in the car anyway. We just use a bike lock to lock it to the van. It has worked for us. We have a renology 200w. Keeps us topped up, but we don't use much.
Het and Ben.
Thank you for your reply,.
Yes that is the way I think we will go, as you say, if we don't need it we won't use it, and as it will just be basically a top up the battery thing this will do us...
Quote: Originally posted by Welsh Taffy on 18/4/2024
... Yes that is the way I think we will go, as you say, if we don't need it we won't use it ...
I've used a case style too and its a valid consideration. My final thought though, is where do you store van to maintain battery when not in use? Ok if at home and plugged in, but if in remote storage, a roof mounted panel maybe a more viable idea.
No doubt about it roof mounted is the simplest to use. Just fit and forget completely. However, it has to be fixed to the roof (screws???) and you have to get a cable from the panel into the van (hole????).
Quote: Originally posted by Welsh Taffy on 18/4/2024
G7ACU.. & Trog 100.
Thank you both for your help.
We only want to go " non electric " in the summer months, and in general run just the lights, Alde hot water, radio, etc etc , nothing to heavy , so I guess a suitcase one will do to keep the battery topped up.
As far as I know, you can only run the Alde system from mains electric or from gas. A 12 volt supply from the battery, however well it is kept topped up by solar, won’t heat your water.
We have a 100w solar panel on the roof. We have never tried longer than a long weekend (4 nights) off grid, but it has always been more than adequate for lighting and to work the water pump, flush the toilet, and charge our phones. We use gas for heating (if we need it), hot water for the shower, and to run the fridge.
Quote: Originally posted by navver on 20/4/2024
... roof mounted is the simplest ... However, it has to be fixed to the roof (screws???) and you have to get a cable from the panel into the van (hole????).
Correct to a degree, most panels are "glued" to the roof, (those I've fitted have been) and the mounting brackets adhere well with Sikflex for example. You can't avoid a cable entry point though, however with proper fixings, this doesn't pose any more risk than your roof light cut into the roof (less so IMO).
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Topic: Solar panels??
via mobile 14/4/2024 at 11:09pm
