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Topic: Solar Panels

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hurlingfrootmig

04/7/2018 at 7:46am
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Quote: Originally posted by ian d on 03/7/2018
does solar panels only produce power to keep the battery charged or can you run 240 equipment off them

In caravan systems, solar panels typically only charge the 12V battery. You can run 240V from the 12V system with a device called an inverter, but typically only at low power e.g. less than about 300W.

Don’t expect to run high power 240V devices like kettles, toasters and hair dryers from an inverter unless you know what you’re doing. High power inverters do exist, and I’m sure a few people here use them, but the current from the 12V system becomes huge (e.g. 250-300A) so really thick and heavy cables are needed to stop things catching fire, plus ordinary caravan leisure batteries aren’t really designed to provide that kind of current continuously, and it would deplete a typical leisure battery in a few minutes.

Crypto

05/7/2018 at 7:50pm
Location: Sussex
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I think 2x90W is definitely overkill.

I've been running for the last 4 years with a 60W folding panel. Couple of hours TV a night, charging phones tablets etc. Always enough left in the 110Ah battery at the end of a week to use the motor mover.

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silvertopsandra

05/7/2018 at 11:06pm
Location: North Devon
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Thank you for info, certainly will consider 2x60w. Off to Highbridge at the weekend to have another look.
All comments have been very informative. Thanks

-------------
sandra

amyjones329

03/8/2023 at 3:39pm
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Quote: Originally posted by silvertopsandra on 05/7/2018
Thank you for info, certainly will consider 2x60w. Off to Highbridge at the weekend to have another look.
All comments have been very informative. Thanks

I can confirm that we have two 60 watt bulbs in our caravan and they provide plenty of light. They don't generate a lot of heat either, so I would highly recommend them. It's worth noting that some caravans may require different sizes and wattages depending on the make/model, so double check before you purchase anything. Good luck with your search

trog100

03/8/2023 at 5:20pm
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dokio 200w 12v Portable Foldable Solar Panel Kit For Car/Caravan/Power station/Camping.. cost £175 on ebay..

i have 2 x 150 watt flexible panels on the roof plus the one i listed above if i need it..

my van is off grid capable.. 2 x 100 amp lithium batteries.. 500 watts of solar.. 20 amp dc to dc charger.. 1000 watt inverter enough to run a small kettle or low powered micro wave..

mains electricity is handy to have even when a hook up isnt available..

i also have solar on my garden sheds.. enough to manage without grid power in the summer if i had to..

solar provides the power but batteries are needed to store it and inverters are needed to give 240 volts mains power which is pretty much essential..

trog

marg6

03/8/2023 at 6:51pm
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Quote: Originally posted by silvertopsandra on 05/7/2018
Thank you for info, certainly will consider 2x60w. Off to Highbridge at the weekend to have another look.
All comments have been very informative. Thanks

i have just read your first post describing the type of caravanning you do, honestly i would say 1 x 60w solar panel would be more than enough for you both. or even just look to getting a 100w panel but any ore than that is really un neccesary, we are going away with 5 of us, and only have 50 w panel and manage perfectly fine

Rob and Tina

via mobile 03/8/2023 at 9:00pm
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Sandra asked this question five years ago so I expect she has solved her problem by now.

Rob

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