Message Forums

I don't know what wattage I would need. I have seen one in maplins for £60 the briefcase sort with 13w.  Is it worth it or not

How long is a piece of string?

Seriously, it really depends what you need*. If you're thinking of running a telly or laptop for long periods, then no it isn't worth it. Equally if you don't use a lot of electric your battery may last OK without.

If you're just looking for something to keep the battery topped up from using pumps and lights then it probably will help - and isn't a bad price.

*If you search the forums you'll find info on calculating your needs, and relating that to the battery and solar panels.

Quote: Originally posted by reedrider on 22/2/2009

---

Yes its worth it the 13 watt one will keep an 85 amp battery going for over a week in he so called summer with good sunshine as well as being prudent with using lights etc inside the van

---

I'm going to say hmm maybe,, as i have two of those 13 watt briefcases from Maplins that i used to use to keep my 110Ah leisure battery topped up.(still got them) Was used for driving my led lighting, tv/dvd radio and waeco fridge/freezer (coolfreeze 25) Compressor cooler. The solar briefcases  do help to top  up the 110Ah leisure battery but it's not enough really as it's only an amp or so per hour they give on the brightest of days and on dull days you get nowt. I now use a 100 watt 6Ah 4ft x 2ft solar panel topping up six Enersys Genesis Batteries at 12v 16ah each one total Ah is 96 amps Not as much as my 110Ah leisure battery but there much better. There in my converted jumbo transit van (camper now) and the solar panel is on the roof. I have a Outwell vermont L and run all the power from my van now via a link cable, the van is used for short camping breaks. The Halfords 110Ah leisure battery is my back up now.

\i have a 110 battery,  I only use the lights and water pump.  As i try not to take my tv! 

Any help is most welcome

thanks Jan

I think I will get one, as they seem a good price.  Its just basically to help out with the kids leaving the lights on!  And heating the water and water pump.

Go for it.. I've had my ones about two years too, what Jan says about not being waterproof is true. I took mine apart (just a few screws) and used waterproof tape to seal the edges of the panels and wires then drilled two small hole at the bottom of the plastic on each side to let any water drain away, there working as new still. As for tv's etc you don't always get a good signal even with a good aerial, booster and mast, but my kids love to watch dvd's when it's raining or when settling down for the night. We never use EHU never have and we like to do wild camping as well as site camping. We even go in winter too, we just come back from a wild camp in the van. We used to go up the mountains in Wales and Scotland too and go green laning up until last week but i've just sold my Jeep..

Heres a picture of my briefcase solar panels from about a two summers ago. We don't use the Vango equinox 6 or the kyham screenhouse anymore as we have the Vermont L. The panels are in the gararge at the mo, i will have to get them out and use them or sell them on cheap..

Post last edited on 22/02/2009 21:56:17

Just found this picture from 2007 using the panels with the Outwell Vermont L.

thanks Delta I think you have convinced me.  I have 2 batteries for the van but you know what kids are like they have to have every light on when they go to find something.  I have only used electric hook up before so never bothered.  But with campsite prices going up I have decided to use a few rallies for the C &CC.

Hi Delta if you are interested in selling them drop me line on

j_pitt at btinternet.com

Thanks

Di