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
  Camping and Caravanning Equipment
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: solar panel or spare leisure battery? Post Reply Post New Topic
03/7/2019 at 6:49pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View egbert's Profile View Profile   Reply to egbert Reply   Quote egbert Quote  
Joined: 25/7/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   233
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 4
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

We are going off grid in our caravan for 6 days this summer. We guestimate our current leisure battery will last 3 days, so for the next 3 we are trying to decide between buying solar panels to charge the battery, or just getting a spare to swap in.

We would prefer the solar panels as they are useful elsewhere, and obv green - but I know nothing about them so no idea if they would still charge the battery if the weather is crapper - we are in the UK after all.

Is solar worth the risk - and does anyone have any recommendations?


03/7/2019 at 9:34pm
 Location: Aberdeen
 Outfit: Coachman Pastiche 460 VW Tiguan Moti
View bobmel's Profile View Profile   Reply to bobmel Reply   Quote bobmel Quote  
Joined: 26/8/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1593

Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
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: 7
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Google is a wonderful thing

-------------
Robert (BoB)


03/7/2019 at 9:38pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Bramston's Profile View Profile   Reply to Bramston Reply   Quote Bramston Quote  
Joined: 05/8/2013

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   854
Tent Reviews:   2

Site Reviews Total: 3
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

Are you running an electric fridge or is the power for lighting and recharging phone, laptop, tablet and torch batteries?

If the answer is lighting and recharging then solar may work for you.
If you go above 20w (one panel) you will need a regulator to feed and draw power from the battery.

How big is your caravan roof, how many panels can you fit and perhaps eventually screw down permanently?

Monochrystalline panels are better than polycrystalline ones, if it doesn't say mono assume it's poly.

You will still get some power on cloudy wet days.

With solar panels on the roof your caravan will trickle charge it's batteries through the winter making them live longer.




Post last edited on 03/07/2019 21:44:44

-------------
Enjoy the liveliness of the syntax.


03/7/2019 at 9:39pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View egbert's Profile View Profile   Reply to egbert Reply   Quote egbert Quote  
Joined: 25/7/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   233
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 4
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

It is. :)


03/7/2019 at 9:55pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Tripstein Super & VW Camper
View Mischiefsmum's Profile View Profile   Reply to Mischiefsmum Reply   Quote Mischiefsmum Quote  
Joined: 05/6/2015

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   219

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

Slightly different but I had a camper converter add solar to my van and they used these guys for supplying the parts. Great website, lots of info and I’ve been really pleased with the work. I never use hook up and this runs the fridge, eberspacher heater, lighting, charging.
https://www.photonicuniverse.com/en/how-to-choose/12V-solar-panel/


Advertisement



03/7/2019 at 10:43pm
 Location: Swinton manchester
 Outfit: Zephyros 1 Force 10 nitro 200 +
View martinmeatpie's Profile View Profile   Reply to martinmeatpie Reply   Quote martinmeatpie Quote  
Joined: 17/1/2017

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   61
Tent Reviews:   1

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: 1  
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: 1
Site Nights 2018: 2

Hi There

Have you looked at the mini wind turbines as an eco source. more portable than the panels

-------------
Martin
Born again Camper.

Force 10 Nitro 200+
Vango F10 Xenon UL 2 Tent
Wild Country Zephyros 1


via mobile 04/7/2019 at 5:26pm
 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

Quote: Originally posted by martinmeatpie on 03/7/2019
Hi There

Have you looked at the mini wind turbines as an eco source. more portable than the panels



Yes that is true but a problem can be on days when its not windy. It cant be relied on to blow enough when needed. Even when its cloudy solar panels still provide some current


04/7/2019 at 9:13pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Francais's Profile View Profile   Reply to Francais Reply   Quote Francais Quote  
Joined: 29/6/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   12115
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
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: 14
Site Nights 2018: 0

Have a look at the Yeti 3000, OK it may be crazy money at the moment, and Goal Zero do smaller units.

These kind of units have there own BMS so a solar panel can plug in directly, as the units are currently using 18650 cells, they have good energy density and are much lighter than LA equivalent’s.

Lot’s on YouTube about the Yeti 3000, and probably better than getting a 12v Lipo Leasure battery.

I would forget LA, they are heavy and done after about 5 years, so TCO is not as good as Lithium ion cells.

Another option is EFOY another Goal Zero Yeti 3000 type solution but using Hydrogen Fuel Cell instead, folks with motor homes seem to be going for the EFOY units in a big way, as they make a lot of sense for off grid living, but again cost could be an issue.


via mobile 04/7/2019 at 10:12pm
 Location: NE England
 Outfit: Citroen Dispatch Campervan plus tents
View spiritburner's Profile View Profile   Reply to spiritburner Reply   Quote spiritburner Quote  
Joined: 02/8/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1625

Site Reviews Total: 21
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 2
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 2
Site Nights 2019: 6
Site Nights 2018: 0

We tick over pretty well with a 150w hard wired solar panel on roof with fridge on low & little use of led lights or tap in van. Add a bit of USB charging & maybe an hour on the diesel heater if its nippy in the evening. Cranking the fridge to max to chill drinks was a mistake I made one long weekend however but with early sunrise & bright sun soon recouped.

Francais will have you empty your wallet faster than ol'Nick albeit for an excellent system but unless you want a major upgrade for what sounds like an occasional off-grid extended trip your 2 suggested options are pretty viable with solar being best option with suitably powerful panel & controller I reckon. Dunno about the portable ones. Gives the battery trickle charge Bramston mentioned too.


05/7/2019 at 4:32pm
 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

I can go away for a week or 2 (or more) with gas for fridge, heating and hot water and a 50 watt freestanding solar panel for keeping the 110ah battery full for telly and phone charging.


Advertisement



05/7/2019 at 4:40pm
 Location: Lincs
 Outfit: Skoda Yeti and Coach
View sennen26's Profile View Profile   Reply to sennen26 Reply   Quote sennen26 Quote  
Joined: 04/8/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1128

Site Reviews Total: 8
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

You dont need sun to charge a solar panel ours was kept fully charge last time we were out and we didnt have much it just needs daylight.



Sennen


05/7/2019 at 5:29pm
 Location: Teesside
 Outfit: Caravan and XC90
View thechief's Profile View Profile   Reply to thechief Reply   Quote thechief Quote  
Joined: 16/4/2005

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   282

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 3
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 2
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

We do about a week a year off grid.

We have a factory-fit solar panel on the roof (40w I think) and I also have a pair of folding panels I put out when off grid.

These are plenty for lights, water pump and a little phone charging.

To further supplement this solar capability I have also just invested in a "fold up" 24w solar charger specifically for the kids' phones whilst off grid.

TC



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 - Camping and Caravanning Equipment - Top of Page

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


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














10249 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