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 panel controller Post Reply Post New Topic
04/2/2024 at 11:21am
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: 2014 Pegasus +Vw
View Newtoabbey's Profile View Profile   Reply to Newtoabbey Reply   Quote Newtoabbey Quote  
Joined: 02/9/2011

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   101

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

I am going to fit a 120w Solar panel onto the roof of my Caravan can anyone advise which solar panel controller would be the most suitable to keep the battery topped up for mainly tv and usb top ups usage

Post last edited on 04/02/2024 13:18:06

-------------
Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow


via mobile 04/2/2024 at 1:12pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Dave and Cyn's Profile View Profile   Reply to Dave and Cyn Reply   Quote Dave and Cyn Quote  
Joined: 23/7/2018

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   224

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

A 12 watt panel won't need a controller and in all probability won't do what you want it for.
We use a 50 watt panel to maintain the battery in storage and add a further 100 watts when away off-grid.


04/2/2024 at 1:34pm
 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:   824

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

Victron and Morningstar have a decent reputation, I have a PWM controller but if I was to start again I'd go for a MPPT type.

I would also buy one which would be practical just I case you want to upgrade the 120w one


04/2/2024 at 1:45pm
 Location: West Mids
 Outfit: Swift Ace Statesman & X-Trail 2.0
View G7ACU's Profile View Profile   Reply to G7ACU Reply   Quote G7ACU Quote  
Joined: 22/9/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2617

Site Reviews Total: 11
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 Newtoabbey on 04/2/2024
I am going to fit a 120w Solar panel onto the roof of my Caravan can anyone advise which solar panel controller ...


Greatly depends on your budget, you could opt for a decent PWM type controller, of which Voltanic Solar do a good range, see here.

Personally, I prefer the efficiency of MPPT controllers and currently use a Victron 15a controller, as per this at Amazon. These offer Bluetooth monitoring and you can tweak for best performance too, and even add a remote module to monitor battery temperature. This could be better in the long run, you may find you become more reliant on solar use.
** If you do opt for Victron, aim for their SmartSolar range as opposed to their BlueSolar controllers, the Smart type have bluetooth monitoring built in as standard, but the BlueSolar range require an additional module to allow full monitoring.

Avoid the offerings on FleaBay, I've known of various issues with the budget brands you may find there.

Post last edited on 04/02/2024 13:53:16

-------------
Paul

Every day's a school day!


04/2/2024 at 7:03pm
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: 2014 Pegasus +Vw
View Newtoabbey's Profile View Profile   Reply to Newtoabbey Reply   Quote Newtoabbey Quote  
Joined: 02/9/2011

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   101

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

Thanks
,is the MPPT controller difficult to set up and use I’m getting on a bit and not fully up to scratch with these items

-------------
Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow


Advertisement



04/2/2024 at 7:48pm
 Location: West Mids
 Outfit: Swift Ace Statesman & X-Trail 2.0
View G7ACU's Profile View Profile   Reply to G7ACU Reply   Quote G7ACU Quote  
Joined: 22/9/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2617

Site Reviews Total: 11
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 Newtoabbey on 04/2/2024
... is the MPPT controller difficult to set up and use ...


Not particularly, most are plug-n-play, and the Victron, although you have options to tweak it, they will run pretty well at their default setup once connected, so you could just fit and forget.

-------------
Paul

Every day's a school day!


05/2/2024 at 8:28pm
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: 2014 Pegasus +Vw
View Newtoabbey's Profile View Profile   Reply to Newtoabbey Reply   Quote Newtoabbey Quote  
Joined: 02/9/2011

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   101

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

Ok thanks I’ll see how I get on when I get one, I use my van mainly for Vintage and Steam rallies and they are all off grid so Solar is a must rather than a generator


-------------
Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow


11/2/2024 at 12:38pm
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: 2014 Pegasus +Vw
View Newtoabbey's Profile View Profile   Reply to Newtoabbey Reply   Quote Newtoabbey Quote  
Joined: 02/9/2011

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   101

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


G7ACU
I have got a Panel controller rated at 100A when ordering I didn't specify the A rating will this be suitable for the above usage please advise

Brian

-------------
Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow


17/2/2024 at 4:21pm
 Location: West Mids
 Outfit: Swift Ace Statesman & X-Trail 2.0
View G7ACU's Profile View Profile   Reply to G7ACU Reply   Quote G7ACU Quote  
Joined: 22/9/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2617

Site Reviews Total: 11
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

Sorry Brian, hadnt seen your last query.

That will be more than adequate, a 10a would do at a push but I'd suggest 20a, so you've more than enough capacity.

-------------
Paul

Every day's a school day!


18/2/2024 at 9:48am
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: 2014 Pegasus +Vw
View Newtoabbey's Profile View Profile   Reply to Newtoabbey Reply   Quote Newtoabbey Quote  
Joined: 02/9/2011

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   101

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

Thanks Paul I am just waiting for the weather to become a bit more favorable before attempting the Solar set up

-------------
Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow



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...














11099 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