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Subject Topic: Solar panels
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PersonMrT007
15/11/2015 at 8:15pm
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I've just put my caravan into storage and had motor movers fitted. Should I bother with solar panels, as don't want the battery drained down so can't use the motor movers. Or do people take their batteries home to charge ?

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Up there for thinking, down there for dancing. 😎


PersonOpensauce
15/11/2015 at 8:25pm
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Unless you are using caravan at least once a month then take battery home & charge it once a month.


Personcheckley1973
15/11/2015 at 8:31pm
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We take ours home and leave on charge in garage.


PersonMrT007
15/11/2015 at 8:36pm
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Got a feeling I'm going to have to do that.
Do you use a special charger?

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Up there for thinking, down there for dancing. 😎


PersonGrampian91
15/11/2015 at 8:42pm
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Any smart charger thats designed to be left on and powered up. usually the smaller capacity chargers.

I switch mine on for a few days each month rather than leaving it on all the time.

Remember to check the fluid levels in the battery as they do drop over time. Top up with distilled water available from your supermarket either in the car section or in the washing section with the irons & water softeners.

Don't use tap water.


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PersonMrT007
15/11/2015 at 8:53pm
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Thanks mines a maintenance free.

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Up there for thinking, down there for dancing. 😎


Personcheckley1973
16/11/2015 at 8:11am
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Quote: Originally posted by MrT007 on 15/11/2015
Got a feeling I'm going to have to do that.
Do you use a special charger?


Yes but from Lidl as it was only about £15. It's a smart charger so I leave it connected 24/7


Personbirdman101
16/11/2015 at 10:14am
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Quote: Originally posted by MrT007 on 15/11/2015Thanks mines a maintenance free.
Whenever you are not using the van if the battery is left on it make sure the Black power button is in the OUT position, or this will run the battery down even if you have switched off at the panel.


PersonMrT007
16/11/2015 at 1:07pm
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Ah thanks ;) I was switching off at the control panel but will have a look tonight

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Up there for thinking, down there for dancing. 😎


PersonGrampian91
16/11/2015 at 6:07pm
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Maintenance free = a shorter life if you dont topup the water levels.

The caps are there to top it up, they maybe under the sticker but they are there.

It will last much longer if you top the levels up.


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PersonGlamcamping
16/11/2015 at 10:33pm
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I thought maintenance free were sealed units ?

Is this not the case ? Thanks


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Bailey Pegasus Ancona 2016
Adria adora Thames platinum 2018 👍
Happy vanning all 😎


PersonMrT007
17/11/2015 at 10:12am
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Mine looks as if it's sealed

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Up there for thinking, down there for dancing. 😎


PersonPickled Onion
17/11/2015 at 12:09pm
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When storing it over winter try to keep it off of a cold concrete floor like in a garage, a piece of wood or polystyrene foam should do the trick.

Dave

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Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.


PersonENOCH
17/11/2015 at 4:10pm
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Last weekend we went over to where our van is stored, switched on the power and was greeted with an alarm sound and a red light on the power display. The battery had become discharged during the past 6 weeks since our last trip. I thought the 40 Watt solar panel on the van roof would have kept it charged over the winter, we had no problems last year, it was left from early January until Easter with no problems. The battery is currently sitting in the garage connected to a smart charger, I'll get it checked at the weekend. The battery is 4 years old and 110Ah.


Persondavid8858
17/11/2015 at 10:29pm
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Watts = volts x amps so 40watts equates to 40/12 or 3.333 amps. My maths is not good as several maths letcherures told me when I was younger

40 watt solar panel will deliver max 3.333 amps.

This may take a long time to charge a 110Ah battery!

It may trickle charge it.

Distinct lack of sun here recently so perhaps expect less amps!

-------------
Best Regards

David


Personnavver
18/11/2015 at 7:27pm
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Solar panels won't do much in winter as there isn't much power in the sun, lots of clouds and a short day.

Add the fact that those on the roof may well be flat but the sun is very low in the sky. It just doesn't reach the panel. The panels need to be tilted towards the sun.

The 40watt rating is only what is achieved under standard conditions and that is not winter sun. It's called 40 watts peak.

I wonder how many put caravan covers on and expect their solar panels to top up the battery.



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