Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning

Topic: linking solar panel to leisure battery

Page: 1 2

maccaovwillenhall

17/9/2016 at 10:27am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 17/9/2016

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 10

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

hi folks, I have a SuperBatt CLM120 120ah leisure battery and a 10a controller attached to a 50w solar panel. what cable do I need to attach the battery to the controller. any help would be much appreciated. the sellers have bin unable to tell me. thanks.

geoff+emmy

17/9/2016 at 12:50pm
Location: Huddersfield
Outfit: swift conqueror 645+jeep commander

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 10/10/2009

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1088

Site Reviews Total:	5

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

Flexible 2.5mm will be fine 50 watt panel will give a max of around 4 amps..

Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!

UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

chrisn7

18/9/2016 at 1:31am
Location: West Yorkshire
Outfit: Bessacarr Cameo 625 2011

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 10/9/2005

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 948

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 in the process of fitting a solar panel, and the supplied cable is 4mm2. This does not appear to be automotive cable, as it is very fine multi strand core - plenty of choice on a certain auction site

navver

18/9/2016 at 8:41pm
Location: West country
Outfit: Mondeo

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 23/8/2008

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

You need to be careful about volt drop. What is the length between the panel and the battery.

maccaovwillenhall

19/9/2016 at 10:38am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 17/9/2016

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 10

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 for replies. Hey navver, I am living in a tent and will be charging the solar panel with a camping battery lantern so I can get consistent power. thus, the distance between the solar panel and the battery will be about 1 or 2 feet.

Post last edited on 19/09/2016 10:42:17

Post last edited on 19/09/2016 10:44:01

maccaovwillenhall

19/9/2016 at 10:50am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 17/9/2016

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 10

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

hey geoff+emmy, can you confirm that this is the right cable?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PVC-Flexible-Cable-3-core-3183Y-Black-White-0-75-1-1-5-2-5MM-6A-10A-16A-25A-/121995128893?var=&hash=item1c6779f03d:m:mbaiIrSn2N_mG71fInfLkCg

so do I attach crocodile clips to the battery end? if so, are they all the same and how are they attached? much appreciated

Hacksaw Bob

19/9/2016 at 11:26am
Location: West Midlands
Outfit: Various tents

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/7/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6502
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	10

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 about the cable (see above suggestions) but you wouldn't need three-core mains cable though it might well be OK in use. Re battery connections, most convenient might be clip-on connectors, second choice bolt-on ones (both shown here) rather than crocodile clips which can easily be dislodged and hence possibly cause a short circuit.

navver

19/9/2016 at 8:46pm
Location: West country
Outfit: Mondeo

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 23/8/2008

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

Quote: Originally posted by maccaovwillenhall on 19/9/2016
thanks for replies. Hey navver, I am living in a tent and will be charging the solar panel with a camping battery lantern so I can get consistent power. thus, the distance between the solar panel and the battery will be about 1 or 2 feet.

I'm a bit confused. I thought you had a 50W solar panel and a 120Ah leisure battery, Where does the camping lantern come into it.

If the panel is outside and the battery inside it will be more than 1 or 2 feet of cable surely. The panel has to be in an area with a clear view of the sun with no shadow from trees etc.

maccaovwillenhall

20/9/2016 at 9:26am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 17/9/2016

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 10

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 hacksaw bob. I do have a 50w solar panel and 120ah battery navver. Im surrounded by trees and don't hav gud spot for panel plus I want consistent power that I can control and predict so I am going to make a reflfector using cardboard and reflective sheeting and put battery lantern into it. thus converting aa battery power into power that can be used for tv and such.

maccaovwillenhall

20/9/2016 at 9:39am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 17/9/2016

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 10

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

hey hacksaw bob, you say I wouldn't need a 3 core mains cable. what cable would you go for? would you suggest the following;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10m-flexible-strand-2-5mm-H-05-V-K-2-5-COPPER-Cable-Lead-H05V-K-black-/322215782021?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368

Post last edited on 20/09/2016 09:54:24

Post last edited on 20/09/2016 10:58:43

TimCESmith

20/9/2016 at 11:09am
Location: London
Outfit: Karsten 350 + SE CA EA RA FW & ZIG

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 17/9/2014

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1013
Tent Reviews: 3

Site Reviews Total:	77

Site Reviews 2024:	11
Site Reviews 2023:	9
Site Reviews 2022:	8
Site Reviews 2021:	5
Site Reviews 2020:	5
Site Reviews 2019:	10
Site Reviews 2018:	6

Site Nights 2024:	32
Site Nights 2023:	29
Site Nights 2022:	39
Site Nights 2021:	30
Site Nights 2020:	31
Site Nights 2019:	50
Site Nights 2018:	37

You're going to need a couple of thousand battery lanterns for that setup to work.

Troon

20/9/2016 at 12:00pm
Location: Staffordshire
Outfit: Conway Cruiser 2008 (Pullman)

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 16/5/2016

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 117

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

Quote: Im surrounded by trees and don't hav gud spot for panel plus I want consistent power that I can control and predict so I am going to make a reflfector using cardboard and reflective sheeting and put battery lantern into it. thus converting aa battery power into power that can be used for tv and such.

Surely a joke...?

Glamcamping

21/9/2016 at 12:41am
Location: Surrey
Outfit: Adria Adora Thames platinum 613 UT

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 16/6/2013

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 194

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

Hi,

We just purchased a Biard 100w folding solar panel, this came with 2.5mm single core cable. 5m long from the controller (this is attached to the panel.

So for 50w one assumes 2.5mm will be fine, although as mentioned the longer the run you have the more power loss you can get. Also put an inline fuse on the positive as near to the battery as possible is a good plan.

Enjoy and happy vanning 😎

-------------
Bailey Pegasus Ancona 2016
Adria adora Thames platinum 2018 👍
Happy vanning all 😎

maccaovwillenhall

22/9/2016 at 10:17am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 17/9/2016

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 10

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 for replies. if you use reflective sheeting inside a cardboard box and the solar panel is covered with the box and the lantern inside, the light is going to be just as abundant. I would have thought? when I was a teenager I used to grow cannabis plants. you can grow them as good as they would grow in places like Jamaica using a large energy saving bulb. thus it seems to me that a lantern will work. surely it is about the number of light particles that are hitting the panel and I believe you could achieve this with a reflector and lantern. im going to have a go at it anyway/

maccaovwillenhall

22/9/2016 at 10:26am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 17/9/2016

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 10

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

hi Glamcamping, thanks for answer. what is an inline fuse? also, do you or anyone else no how important it is to have a Battery Cut Off Switch?

Troon

22/9/2016 at 3:54pm
Location: Staffordshire
Outfit: Conway Cruiser 2008 (Pullman)

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 16/5/2016

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 117

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

Quote: surely it is about the number of light particles that are hitting the panel and I believe you could achieve this with a reflector and lantern. im going to have a go at it anyway/

This is true, if you have a lantern that provides the same intensity as full sunshine - about 1000W light energy per square meter. LEDs are about 10% efficient and solar panels are about 20% efficient, so you'll have a total efficiency of about 2%, even if you manage to convince every last photon from your lamp onto your panel.

So to generate 100W to run a TV, you'd need to persuade your AA battery to provide about 5kW. As a hint - this plan is not going to work, give up.

You'd be much better skipping the light»solar panel step and buy an inverter to run from a car battery. That solution is about 40 times better than your idea.

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

Prev Next
Jump To Page: 1 2
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

4628 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

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

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

Request a Reminder