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Topic: Solar Panel on Roof

mattym129

26/4/2019 at 11:53am
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Hi all

I am looking at buying a solar panel for our 2002 Pennine Pathfinder.

Placing it on he roof would be the best place, but I am worried about affecting the canvas waterproofing as you are advised not to touch the canvas when it is raining.

Anyone had any experience of this?

Matt

Kelper

26/4/2019 at 2:15pm
Location: Northern Ireland
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Not sure that that would be a great idea ...

Most panels can sit on a framework, rather like a self supporting photo frame ... then you can face it towards the sun at various times of day ... and it would sit beside your FC.

Also, that would be easier to secure ... a strong gust of wind could blow the panel off the roof and pose a significant risk to others?

Lukeledge

via mobile 27/4/2019 at 12:01am
Location: Scotland
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When we had a Pullman we had a standalone solar panel which we could move to get the best sunlight....worked well!

hardleyse16

via mobile 27/4/2019 at 12:40pm
Location: Kent
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Please excuse my ignorance but could a solar panel be used to replace the 12v system, eg. run the water pump etc?

If so, what kit would be required and how to set up?

Lukeledge

via mobile 27/4/2019 at 12:47pm
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The system needs a battery in place to run the 12v and will power pump and lights , phone chargers etc. if you want to run hearing or the fridge on electric you will need a mains hook up. The solar panel will provide enough power to keep the battery fully charged if you have no hook up.

Lukeledge

via mobile 27/4/2019 at 12:49pm
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You would need a solar panel with voltage controller and a cable with clips to attach to the battery.

hardleyse16

via mobile 27/4/2019 at 1:23pm
Location: Kent
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Thanks Luke, the mains to 12v converter is shot on our unit so am interested in an alternative.

Lukeledge

via mobile 27/4/2019 at 1:31pm
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If you don't want heating or other high power output the solar panel attached to battery would be fine, if you don't need mains power.

gedsjeep

27/4/2019 at 1:52pm
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Quote: Originally posted by hardleyse16 on 27/4/2019
Thanks Luke, the mains to 12v converter is shot on our unit so am interested in an alternative.

try this.....

hardleyse16

via mobile 27/4/2019 at 6:19pm
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Thanks Gedsjeep. At the moment we haven’t invested in a leisure battery so are reliant on hook up. Happy to remain in hook up but would just like the water pump to work!!

tango55

27/4/2019 at 7:35pm
Location: Lichfield
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The water pump is operated via a 12 volt supply therefore you need a battery to power it.

Joe67

27/4/2019 at 7:40pm
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Quote: Originally posted by gedsjeep on 27/4/2019

Quote: Originally posted by hardleyse16 on 27/4/2019
Thanks Luke, the mains to 12v converter is shot on our unit so am interested in an alternative.

try this.....

Aldi and Lidl do the same type of charger at only £13, a third of the Halfords price.

-------------
sent from my brillo pad

Bramidan

27/4/2019 at 9:37pm
Location: Bucks
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Sorry I must be missing something here, if the solar panel will not allow you to have hot water or the fridge, why bother?
The leisure battery charged from your car en route will surely be sufficient.
I always use campsites and always connect to the mains, I don't want to seem ignorant but perhaps somebody could explain the advantages of solar for a FC

Joe67

27/4/2019 at 10:43pm
Location: Maidstone
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Quote: Originally posted by Bramidan on 27/4/2019
Sorry I must be missing something here, if the solar panel will not allow you to have hot water or the fridge, why bother?
The leisure battery charged from your car en route will surely be sufficient.
I always use campsites and always connect to the mains, I don't want to seem ignorant but perhaps somebody could explain the advantages of solar for a FC

The only advantage is if you wild camp but as you say no fridge or hot water unless you use gas. My fridge and boiler both work on gas or electric.

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hardleyse16

via mobile 28/4/2019 at 10:43am
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My 90s Countryman has a unit that is meant to convert mains to 12v without a battery. Unfortunately it doesn’t work!

As we only require 12v simply for the water pump, it seems a bit overkill for the expense and faff of a leisure battery. I was just wondering if there was another way.

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