Hi. I met two lovely people last year (pixie and her husband but I've forgotten his name). They had a tent with a bank of solar panels from which they powered all their electric without the need for an electrical hook up. I was so impressed I bought a panel of solar batteries. Not quite sure now how to finish the job. I need a battery charger and clips. I think!!! So any advice appreciated. X
Quote: Originally posted by gepocock on 05/12/2013
I was so impressed I bought a panel of solar batteries.
I'm not sure what you mean by solar batteries If you have actually bought solar panels, it depends on what you have bought. If they do not have a controller built in, you will need to buy a controller - you will also need a leisure battery to connect the panels, via the controller, to.
If you can give more details of what you have bought, it will be possible to give you a fuller answer
Hi,
Trying to simplify things you need a 12v leisure battery to store the power, solar panels to produce the power and a charge controller to regulate the power being put into the battery.
I use a 20w panel to keep the battery on my landrover topped up as it doesn't get used very much.
There is loads of info on the internet, even some good videos on you tube.
Remember all your consumers need to be 12v or you would have to run it through an inverter to give you 240v.
Hope this helps!!!
Mark
------------- Remember, You can never have "too many" tents!!!!
i also have a 20w solar panel plugged into a regulator which as 2 cables going to my van battery which keeps it topped up as the van doesnt get used very often this time of the year. its very effective and works even on cludy days. in summer the panel has the ability to overcharge the battery so the regulator takes care of that and lets me know when the battery is fully charged using some lights on it.
------------- Facebook:- Tent Camping group
Living the Dutch Dream - Karsten 300 pod + extns in Sea Green and Pure Cotton
My set up seems to work well so far!!!
I've incorporated a digital voltmeter in my setup so as I walk past I can look through the window and check on the voltage.
On a bright winters day it regularly shows over 13v but this obviously falls when the sun goes.
So far, even after not being used for over 2 weeks it started straight away......
------------- Remember, You can never have "too many" tents!!!!