Insurance Quotes
Insurance Discount Campsite Offers All offers
UK Sites French Sites European Sites Map Search Text Search Near your Location Popular Searches Leave a Review My Saved Sites Add a New Site
All Sections Caravanning Camping Tent Talk Motorhomes Trailer Tents Backpacking Equipment Statics UK Campsites Camping Abroad General Chat News More Sections Latest Posts
All Adverts Tents for Sale Caravans for Sale Motorhomes for Sale Equipment for Sale Post an Advert Campsite Jobs
All Categories Caravanning Advice Caravan Equipment Tents and Camping Motorhomes Towing and Towcars Equipment Furniture and Cooking Electrical / Gas Shows and Events General More Categories
Join for Free Log In

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register  Log In  Search  Latest Posts
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravans and Caravanning 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email
Subject Topic: Solar panels
Page: 1 2
Post Reply
PersonMrT007
15/11/2015 at 8:15pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View MrT007's Profile View Profile   Reply to MrT007 Reply   Quote MrT007 Quote  
Joined: 01/10/2012

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2081
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
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 ?

-------------
Up there for thinking, down there for dancing. 😎


PersonOpensauce
15/11/2015 at 8:25pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View Opensauce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Opensauce Reply   Quote Opensauce Quote  
Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4530
Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
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
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636 View checkley1973's Profile View Profile   Reply to checkley1973 Reply   Quote checkley1973 Quote  
Joined: 29/8/2012

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1698
Site Reviews Total: 6
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
We take ours home and leave on charge in garage.


PersonMrT007
15/11/2015 at 8:36pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View MrT007's Profile View Profile   Reply to MrT007 Reply   Quote MrT007 Quote  
Joined: 01/10/2012

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2081
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Got a feeling I'm going to have to do that.
Do you use a special charger?

-------------
Up there for thinking, down there for dancing. 😎


PersonGrampian91
15/11/2015 at 8:42pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6898
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
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.


Advertisement

Handiworld


PersonMrT007
15/11/2015 at 8:53pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View MrT007's Profile View Profile   Reply to MrT007 Reply   Quote MrT007 Quote  
Joined: 01/10/2012

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2081
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Thanks mines a maintenance free.

-------------
Up there for thinking, down there for dancing. 😎


Personcheckley1973
16/11/2015 at 8:11am
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636 View checkley1973's Profile View Profile   Reply to checkley1973 Reply   Quote checkley1973 Quote  
Joined: 29/8/2012

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1698
Site Reviews Total: 6
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
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
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View birdman101's Profile View Profile   Reply to birdman101 Reply   Quote birdman101 Quote  
Joined: 30/8/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2817
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
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
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View MrT007's Profile View Profile   Reply to MrT007 Reply   Quote MrT007 Quote  
Joined: 01/10/2012

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2081
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Ah thanks ;) I was switching off at the control panel but will have a look tonight

-------------
Up there for thinking, down there for dancing. 😎


PersonGrampian91
16/11/2015 at 6:07pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6898
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
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.


Advertisement

Wolfbox


PersonGlamcamping
16/11/2015 at 10:33pm
 Location: Surrey
 Outfit: Adria Adora Thames platinum 613 UT View Glamcamping's Profile View Profile   Reply to Glamcamping Reply   Quote Glamcamping Quote  
Joined: 16/6/2013

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   194
Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
I thought maintenance free were sealed units ?

Is this not the case ? Thanks


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


PersonMrT007
17/11/2015 at 10:12am
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View MrT007's Profile View Profile   Reply to MrT007 Reply   Quote MrT007 Quote  
Joined: 01/10/2012

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2081
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Mine looks as if it's sealed

-------------
Up there for thinking, down there for dancing. 😎


PersonPickled Onion
17/11/2015 at 12:09pm
 Location: Near Alton Towers
 Outfit: Bailey+Burgundy+S7+H View Pickled Onion's Profile View Profile   Reply to Pickled Onion Reply   Quote Pickled Onion Quote  
Joined: 23/2/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3108
Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 3 
Site Reviews 2021: 1 
Site Reviews 2020: 2 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 11
Site Nights 2021: 5
Site Nights 2020: 9
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

-------------
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
 Location: TEESSIDE
 Outfit: SWIFT CONQUEROR 565 View ENOCH's Profile View Profile   Reply to ENOCH Reply   Quote ENOCH Quote  
Joined: 23/11/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   261
Site Reviews Total: 29
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
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
 Location: Teesside
 Outfit: Lunar Clubman SI H View david8858's Profile View Profile   Reply to david8858 Reply   Quote david8858 Quote  
Joined: 01/2/2013

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1471
Site Reviews Total: 8
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 2 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 1 
Site Reviews 2021: 1 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 7
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 5
Site Nights 2021: 4
Site Nights 2020: 0
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
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo View navver's Profile View Profile   Reply to navver Reply   Quote navver Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4774
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2026: 0 
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Nights 2026: 0
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
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.



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next

Jump To Page: 12

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

     Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...















    Upcoming Event

UKCS Meet Elvaston Steam Rally 2026 03/07 to 06/07

Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.


5362 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Special Offers]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Tent Reviews] 

[Contact Us] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2026


Advertisement
Advertisement

Advertisement