Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Repairs, Servicing and Maintenance 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Solar Panels Post Reply Post New Topic
Personrustyfrog
22/8/2018 at 2:41pm
 Location: Chorley
 Outfit:  Sterling 480 Continental - VolvoV90 View rustyfrog's Profile View Profile   Reply to rustyfrog Reply   Quote rustyfrog Quote  
Joined: 21/4/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1266
Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Can anyone tell me in general, what the expected life of a factory fitted (Swift) solar panel should be?
Mine dosent seem to be doing a great deal to say the least.

Also is there any easy way of checking the charge rate if there is one?

-------------
I started out with nothing and I've still got most of it left - Seasick Steve 2008


Personpnefan
22/8/2018 at 3:44pm
 Location: Preston
 Outfit: None View pnefan's Profile View Profile   Reply to pnefan Reply   Quote pnefan Quote  
Joined: 25/2/2013

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   923
Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 2  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 7
Site Nights 2019: 2
Site Nights 2018: 2
How long is it since you cleaned it? Dirt on the service can make a difference.


PersonDaveMiller
22/8/2018 at 7:05pm
 Location: Northamptonshire
 Outfit: Lunar SB + Volvo XC70 View DaveMiller's Profile View Profile   Reply to DaveMiller Reply   Quote DaveMiller Quote  
Joined: 06/3/2017

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   99
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1
You don't say why you feel it's not working properly. Is the battery not being charged? What do the indicator lights on the controller show you?

Certainly clean it before testing it with a multimeter but before testing you have to know what figures to expect.


Personnavver
22/8/2018 at 8:33pm
 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:   4664
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Is any part of the panel in shade from the house or a tree etc or have you got a caravan cover. Just a small part will stop the panel generating.

A dirty panel will have reduced output.

Cloudy overcast weather will reduce output.

Normal life for panels is 25 years but controller could be less.

Not easy to check the output current. You need an inline ammeter or if you have some spare cash a DC clip on ammeter. AA men tend to carry them.


PersonGrampian91
22/8/2018 at 8:33pm
 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:   6893
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Clamp meter around the cable, or an ammeter inline in the cable will tell you how well the panel is doing.

Not as sunny at the moment and the daylight hours are a little less compared to the heatwave a few weeks back.

Also if running on battery alone you need to work out how much power your using.

Its easy to use a whole days worth of solar charge in a couple of hours.


Advertisement



Personrustyfrog
23/8/2018 at 2:36pm
 Location: Chorley
 Outfit:  Sterling 480 Continental - VolvoV90 View rustyfrog's Profile View Profile   Reply to rustyfrog Reply   Quote rustyfrog Quote  
Joined: 21/4/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1266
Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Thanks for your replies.

The caravan is just over 3 years old.
It is kept beside the bungalow. Is not shaded or covered.
It is clean.
No electrics run off it while its not used except the standard factory fit alarm.

We last used the van two weeks ago, brought it home and didnt bother to hook up to the mains as I thought the solar panel would have kept things topped up.
We have only had the van about 3 months so it is still somewhat new to us.
We have the Alde central heating to sort out yet!

Spanners and hammers are ok but I'm not into electrics so please be kind to me.


-------------
I started out with nothing and I've still got most of it left - Seasick Steve 2008


PersonOldeldiss
23/8/2018 at 3:14pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Topaz View Oldeldiss's Profile View Profile   Reply to Oldeldiss Reply   Quote Oldeldiss Quote  
Joined: 16/2/2015

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   91
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Our solar panel is about 2 years old, the caravan sits on the drive next to our bungalow in the sun most of the day much like yours does, we don’t bother plugging it in because at any time if I check the voltage it will read 13.2.
I would say that’s what yours should be doing too.


PersonRay Clayton
23/8/2018 at 6:26pm
 Location: Ilkeston. Derbyshire
 Outfit: Disco 4 Unicorn Barcelona 4 View Ray Clayton's Profile View Profile   Reply to Ray Clayton Reply   Quote Ray Clayton Quote  
Joined: 06/10/2014

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1532
Site Reviews Total: 36
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 6  
Site Reviews 2020: 10 
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 5  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 8
Site Nights 2021: 18
Site Nights 2020: 30
Site Nights 2019: 8
Site Nights 2018: 23
Hi

Some say they last on a caravan for 10 yrs, and some say 20yrs.

I expect the older ones would be 10. And the newer versions as things have moved forward last up to 20yrs.
Maybe we should have a poll on solar panel age?



-------------
Cheers
Ray

Discovery 4 & Bailey Barcelona 4







Personrustyfrog
23/8/2018 at 7:01pm
 Location: Chorley
 Outfit:  Sterling 480 Continental - VolvoV90 View rustyfrog's Profile View Profile   Reply to rustyfrog Reply   Quote rustyfrog Quote  
Joined: 21/4/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1266
Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I wonder?

I had a check around the van and discovered that I had left the mover (also new to us) switched on in the battery box.
Would that drain the battery?

I had a good look at the battery 110ah so its a decent size. I didnt take it out so I couldnt see any date on it but assume this also is just over 3 years old. It should be ok shouldnt it?



-------------
I started out with nothing and I've still got most of it left - Seasick Steve 2008


Personnavver
23/8/2018 at 8:05pm
 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:   4664
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Not sure on the mover. I've always found if I leave the isolator on it switches itself off after a while. I have to switch the isolator off and then on again to get it working.

What size panel have you got and what controller. I have a 100watt panel on my Bailey. The controller shows a continuous green LED when the battery is fully charged and a flashing green LED when it is charging.

I use the mover a fair bit to get the van on the drive but it's charged by the following morning.

If you have a smaller panel such as a 10 watt that will not be the case.


Advertisement



Personrustyfrog
23/8/2018 at 9:36pm
 Location: Chorley
 Outfit:  Sterling 480 Continental - VolvoV90 View rustyfrog's Profile View Profile   Reply to rustyfrog Reply   Quote rustyfrog Quote  
Joined: 21/4/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1266
Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Navver -

The size of our panel is 80w. (Not being clever. I had to look it up)
From what you say about your 100w, I would expect 80w to also be value.

This is the newest van we have had, and we are still trying to get to grips with it.
Its the first time for a mover. (I still try to back it on to pitches) but the mover is fun.

My van is a Sterling (Swift) so probably a little different from a Bailey regarding charging lights, but I will look a little closer tomorrow.

Alternatively, find a friendly vanner on a site, who, without difficulty will know more than me!

-------------
I started out with nothing and I've still got most of it left - Seasick Steve 2008


Personnavver
24/8/2018 at 9:00pm
 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:   4664
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Page 89 of this seems to describe what may be your system.

http://assets.swiftgroup.co.uk/swift-group/handbooks/2014%20Owners%20Handbooks/201........

There seems to be various options.
1 a connection point for a 40watt after market panel with it's own regulator.
2 A fixed 40watt panel and regulator.

Maybe both can be used.


Personrustyfrog
24/8/2018 at 10:42pm
 Location: Chorley
 Outfit:  Sterling 480 Continental - VolvoV90 View rustyfrog's Profile View Profile   Reply to rustyfrog Reply   Quote rustyfrog Quote  
Joined: 21/4/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1266
Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Thanks Navver.

Interesting reading.
I dont pretend to understand everything, but interesting reading never the less.

I have recharged the battery and propose to monitor any voltage loss if any over the next few days.

I didnt know you had to go to night school to go vanning these days!
I will get there.
I will just have to spend more time getting a handle on everything.
The weather over the weekend is not so great so I can see myself sitting in the van with the handbook and try and understand everything a little better.


-------------
I started out with nothing and I've still got most of it left - Seasick Steve 2008


PersonDaveS1
25/8/2018 at 11:46am
 Location: Hatfield Peverel Essex
 Outfit: Ace Supreme Twinstar Disco 3 View DaveS1's Profile View Profile   Reply to DaveS1 Reply   Quote DaveS1 Quote  
Joined: 16/3/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1509
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Assuming the battery is of an un-sealed type, I suppose you have got the battery topped up with distilled water ?
DaveS1


PersonPaul_B
26/8/2018 at 4:23pm
 Location: Yorkshire
 Outfit: Car & Caravan View Paul_B's Profile View Profile   Reply to Paul_B Reply   Quote Paul_B Quote  
Joined: 24/9/2004

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   830
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
The rigid panels will last about 20 years before you notice much power lose, flexible type at around 5 year but usually earlier.
Controllers, some good ones have a warranty of 5 years, cheap ones about 5 minutes.
The usual power lose will be from the solar panel to the battery, if the controller is near the battery and you have proper solar cable from the panels (I use 6mm˛) you could lose a volt or two, but as its solar panel voltage of around 20 volts it'll not make much difference. Why the controller should be reasonable close to the battery.
If the controller is fitted away from the battery area, in the top of a wardrobe or cupboard etc, even if you use quality cable and a quality controller don't expect the controllers full charge potential to reach the battery, and don't expect the controller to reach full potential if its not fitted somewhere that has a good airflow to keep it cool.


Personrustyfrog
26/8/2018 at 9:39pm
 Location: Chorley
 Outfit:  Sterling 480 Continental - VolvoV90 View rustyfrog's Profile View Profile   Reply to rustyfrog Reply   Quote rustyfrog Quote  
Joined: 21/4/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1266
Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by DaveS1 on 25/8/2018
Assuming the battery is of an un-sealed type, I suppose you have got the battery topped up with distilled water ?
DaveS1


It is a Numax 110ah battery.
As far as I am aware they are sealed and maintenance free.
.....................
Paul,
I will have to get someone who knows more than me to check it out.
I'm an ex spanner and hammer man and not into anything that can spark or blow a fuse!


Post last edited on 26/08/2018 21:43:12

-------------
I started out with nothing and I've still got most of it left - Seasick Steve 2008



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

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Repairs, Servicing and Maintenance - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

5400 Visitors online !

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

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



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 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder