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Subject Topic: Solar Panel Post Reply Post New Topic
Personjessmist
26/5/2013 at 7:42pm
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Hi,
I am looking for some advice.
I am considering getting a solar panel for my caravan as when we go away we are never on a campsite with electric hook ups.
I am unsure if i could connect the solar panel to my leisure battery with the crocodile clips as i have the quick release battery connectors on my caravan.
How do you connect the solar panel?
Also i am considering taking my laptop with us as we have software on it that allows us to watch tv on it. I am thinking of getting a 12v laptop charger to use with my caravan 2 pin adaptor. How much would a laptop battery take out of my leisure battery?
Hope this makes sense.

Thanks


Persontango55
26/5/2013 at 8:23pm
 Location: Lichfield
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A solar panel usually comes with crocodile clips fitted so the idea is to have a spare leisure battery whereby one is in use whilst the other is being charged (during daylight hours of course). Storage for the extra battery can create a problem so if you only have one battery in constant use then you can snip off the +/- crocodile clips and replace ring connectors and solder them if possible to provide a better electrical current. If you look at the quick release battery connectors you will find two screws that hold the bracket together so you need to measure these first (I think they are 5mm.) and then purchase the correct size ring connectors, fit them to the existing cables and then connect the ring connectors/wires accordingly but ensure that you fit the +/- the correct way around as it has been known occassionally for people to damage their solar panel due to an electrical current back feed. I have a 'Lucas' 100ah sealed leisure battery on my caravan that also has +/- threaded poles (as well as the two standard poles) so I could connect a solar panel directly to these studs by means of nuts and washers without having to interfere with the quick release connectors if necessary which could be an option if you are about to change your leisure battery.


Personjessmist
26/5/2013 at 9:15pm
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Thanks for the good advice.


PersonG7ACU
26/5/2013 at 9:58pm
 Location: West Mids
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I made up a short cable that stays permanently bolted to the spare threaded terminals on my battery, and soldered a pair of suitable fittings onto both this short cable and the one that went to the panel; Similar fittings to these. This allowed easy connection of the panel as-and-when required without having to disturb battery terminals, swap out battery etc.
I've only ever carried and charged the single battery and don't bother with a spare.

Latterly, I've recently fitted the panel to the roof of the van and it's permanently wired in via a switch so I can isolate when required.

You would usually get a charge controller to regulate the solar supply to the battery too.

As for the laptop use, the 12v charger will vary depending on it's model, laptop model etc. The charger will state it's wattage on it somewhere are we can better advise if you post this detail, plus approx daily use of equipment too.

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

Every day's a school day!


Personjessmist
26/5/2013 at 10:12pm
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Hi thanks for the advice
I was thinking about this charger
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-Laptop-Car-Charger-DC-Adapter-HP-Toshiba-Lenovo-Sony-Acer-DELL-ASUS-/261016286840?pt=UK_Computing_LaptopAccessories_PowerSupplies&hash=item3cc5c87678
It says it is 80watts.
I have 2 batteries for my laptop and would fully charge them before i go so it would maybe be a case of charging both laptop batteries once from my caravan leisure battery.


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PersonG7ACU
26/5/2013 at 10:27pm
 Location: West Mids
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80 watt is a fair drain and compared to the likes of your average 12v TV, pump, lighting etc., the charger will be your highest demand on the battery. Of course, this also depends on how long the battery takes to charge, if you plan to use the laptop while charging (maximum drain) etc.

Just for info, you might find this link useful to browse.

Have you gone down the LED lighting route too yet?

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

Every day's a school day!


Personjessmist
27/5/2013 at 9:58pm
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Hi,
Thanks for the reply.
I would only be topping the battery up and not using it while charging.
I haven't looked at changing to led lighting yet.


PersonPeridot
27/5/2013 at 11:02pm
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The rating of the laptop power supply is the maximum load it can supply.

If the laptop battery is already charged the power supply only needs to deliver the operating power for the machine which is typically around 20 - 30 watts.


Personjessmist
28/5/2013 at 9:27pm
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Thanks for the reply



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