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 Contact Us

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravans and Caravanning
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Connecting solar panel to 12v socket Post Reply Post New Topic
20/11/2007 at 12:38pm
 Location: Yorkshire
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 530 4
View crusty's Profile View Profile   Reply to crusty Reply   Quote crusty Quote  
Joined: 25/3/2004

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   31

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 there,

I have just bought a fairly low power solar panel (13watt) that I want to connect to my caravan battery in order to top it up while it is in storage. There seems to be nowhere to connect it to inside the Caravan. I have noticed on various sites that solar panels for topping up a battery can be plugged into the cigar lighter socket of a car. My question is this:

Is it possible to plug this solar panel into the 12v socket inside the Caravan. I have all of the wiring and adapters to connect it up to this 12 socket but I am reluctant to do it without the benefit of some advice from someone who knows a little more about the 12v supply inside a caravan than I do.

I have tried to get advice from my caravan's manufacturer but they claim to never have heard from a customer who had wanted to use a solar panel in this way, did not know the answer, and were unable to help!

Hope someone out there can help me with this.

Thanks in anticipation.

Peter


20/11/2007 at 1:46pm
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S
View JTQU's Profile View Profile   Reply to JTQU Reply   Quote JTQU Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2189

Site Reviews Total: 6
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: 1  
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: 1

Yes you can plug it into the 12 v socket; I do exactly that.
If its an old van you could also feed it back into the white plug, however on later vans this cant be done successfully.


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

20/11/2007 at 2:39pm
 Location: Yorkshire
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 530 4
View crusty's Profile View Profile   Reply to crusty Reply   Quote crusty Quote  
Joined: 25/3/2004

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   31

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.

What do you mean by the white plug?

Peter



20/11/2007 at 2:44pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
View michael's Profile View Profile   Reply to michael Reply   Quote michael Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   23517

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

may help

http://www.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/12volt/12volta.htm

http://www.electronichealing.co.uk/articles/solar_faq.htm


How difficult is it to install and use? This depends on what you buy! We provide kits to take the guesswork out of what components are required in a system, and with these, we provide easy, tried and tested instructions. Simple kits, particularly the mobile power kit and the small boat or caravan kits require little or no installation as they can be connected to a battery via a cigarette-lighter cable. Other kits require very simple wiring. The lighting kit is perhaps the most complex, but remains simple enough to be suitable for school projects. Individual flexible panels have built-in blocking diodes and fuses, but in the framed panels you will need to wire these yourself. If you are not familiar with electrical equipment you may need the services of an electrician - or consider one of our kits. Once installed correctly, PV is very simple to use - simply plug in your appliance. Some customers use their panels for multiple applications, and in some of these cases they need to unplug one connector and replace it with another.

How I can work out what size panel I need? The type of panel you choose will


Post last edited on 20/11/2007 14:59:41

-------------
the only silly question is the one you do not ask.


20/11/2007 at 2:46pm
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S
View JTQU's Profile View Profile   Reply to JTQU Reply   Quote JTQU Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2189

Site Reviews Total: 6
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: 1  
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: 1

The white [or grey ] plug that connects to the socket on your tow vehicle. Before 19?? these had connections directly to the caravans battery, more recently the caravan has its own relay that isolates feeding back to the plug when its disconnected. You can check if your plug is "live" or not with a meter but I need to find which pins you would need to check. I will do that and come back.


Advertisement



20/11/2007 at 3:19pm
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S
View JTQU's Profile View Profile   Reply to JTQU Reply   Quote JTQU Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2189

Site Reviews Total: 6
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: 1  
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: 1

Acknowledging the data is gleaned from the Caravan Clubs Technical info for members web pages: That might be your best starting point if you are a member, if not I will explain.

If your competent to check for 12 volts using a meter or a bulb on wires here is where to look. If your not competent get somebody who is to check, please!

The date of manufacture when things changed was 31st August 1998.
Now looking into the end of the white or grey 12S plug attached to your caravan, with the little phasing slot at the bottom, i.e. 6 o-clock. You will notice you see 5 pins and 2 tubes.
I will use the term “socket” here for the hollow tubes and “Pin” for the pins with a cross slots in them.

Pre 31st August 1998:
12v+ positive of the battery is on “socket” 2, which is at the 10 o-clock position.
12v – negative of the battery is on “pin” 3, which is at the 8 o-clock position.

Post 31st August 1998:
12v+ positive of the battery is on “pin” 4, which is at the bottom, 6 o-clock position.
12v – negative of the battery is on “pin” 7, which is the very centre of the plug.

As said earlier, with post 1998 vans you could well find some have an isolating relay or diode within the caravans controller will stop you finding 12 volts fed back onto the plug.
That is the case with my van.



Post last edited on 20/11/2007 15:42:12


20/11/2007 at 3:49pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View romany's Profile View Profile   Reply to romany Reply   Quote romany Quote  
Joined: 28/4/2003

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   7379

Site Reviews Total: 7
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: 1  
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: 1

I Plug mine into the ordinary outlet socket inside the van never had any problems


20/11/2007 at 5:14pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View LegsDownKettleOn's Profile View Profile   Reply to LegsDownKettleOn Reply   Quote LegsDownKettleOn Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2782

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: 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

Only downside to connecting it into the van's wiring is that you will need to keep the battery connected. I always use the crocodile clips to connect my solar panel and always disconnect the battery now after having left the fridge on on one occasion and the water heater on on another draining the battery completely. Amazingly, the battery survived both of these attempted murders and came back up after a good charge and holds a charge!


20/11/2007 at 5:43pm
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S
View JTQU's Profile View Profile   Reply to JTQU Reply   Quote JTQU Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2189

Site Reviews Total: 6
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: 1  
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: 1

But if you ever touch the two crocodile clips together before you even reach the battery is there not every chance of wrecking your panel or regulator? ie shorting the panel.


20/11/2007 at 7:15pm
 Location: Swindon
 Outfit:  CRV 2.2 + Bailey Pegasus
View PeteDeFeet's Profile View Profile   Reply to PeteDeFeet Reply   Quote PeteDeFeet Quote  
Joined: 31/8/2002

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1284

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

I fed the solar panel wires through the grommet used by the main ingoing cable and connect the solar panel directly. The panel lives in the south facing side window when the car's not connected.


Advertisement



20/11/2007 at 7:43pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View LegsDownKettleOn's Profile View Profile   Reply to LegsDownKettleOn Reply   Quote LegsDownKettleOn Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2782

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: 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 JTQU on 20/11/2007
But if you ever touch the two crocodile clips together before you even reach the battery is there not every chance of wrecking your panel or regulator? ie shorting the panel.


Mine says on the specification that it is short circuit protected.


20/11/2007 at 7:44pm
 Location: Derbyshire
 Outfit: Adria Forma-Delica 2.8td-Movelite XL
View rabb_uk's Profile View Profile   Reply to rabb_uk Reply   Quote rabb_uk Quote  
Joined: 11/2/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2940

Site Reviews Total: 22
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
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: 2
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Quote: Originally posted by LegsDownKettleOn on 20/11/2007
Only downside to connecting it into the van's wiring is that you will need to keep the battery connected. I always use the crocodile clips to connect my solar panel and always disconnect the battery now after having left the fridge on on one occasion and the water heater on on another draining the battery completely. Amazingly, the battery survived both of these attempted murders and came back up after a good charge and holds a charge!
Hi, Your fridge shouldn't be working direct from the battery only from the car whilst the engine is running, Are you sure your water heater runs from 12v? these ae normally 240v or gas

-------------
Doing as little as possible for as much as possible...


20/11/2007 at 8:23pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View LegsDownKettleOn's Profile View Profile   Reply to LegsDownKettleOn Reply   Quote LegsDownKettleOn Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2782

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: 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 rabb_uk on 20/11/2007
Quote: Originally posted by LegsDownKettleOn on 20/11/2007
Only downside to connecting it into the van's wiring is that you will need to keep the battery connected. I always use the crocodile clips to connect my solar panel and always disconnect the battery now after having left the fridge on on one occasion and the water heater on on another draining the battery completely. Amazingly, the battery survived both of these attempted murders and came back up after a good charge and holds a charge!
Hi, Your fridge shouldn't be working direct from the battery only from the car whilst the engine is running, Are you sure your water heater runs from 12v? these ae normally 240v or gas



My van is not as new as yours. The water heater is gas, but has 12 volt for the igniter. The fridge is wired straight to the battery. It's a 92 model, so I think that is normal for the year. I have a mover coming later this week, so I'll take the opportunity to rewire the fridge (and water heater as there is a fault on that too) while I am fitting the mover.


20/11/2007 at 8:34pm
 Location: Derbyshire
 Outfit: Adria Forma-Delica 2.8td-Movelite XL
View rabb_uk's Profile View Profile   Reply to rabb_uk Reply   Quote rabb_uk Quote  
Joined: 11/2/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2940

Site Reviews Total: 22
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
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: 2
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi legsdown, Mines not that new '93 but even older vans weren't wired to the battery, Maybe a previous owner has done this as the battery wouldn't last more than a couple of hours at best,

-------------
Doing as little as possible for as much as possible...


21/11/2007 at 1:03am
 Location: Yorkshire
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 530 4
View crusty's Profile View Profile   Reply to crusty Reply   Quote crusty Quote  
Joined: 25/3/2004

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   31

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

Thank you to all of you for your advice. I have plugged my solar panel in.

Peter



21/11/2007 at 6:11pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View LegsDownKettleOn's Profile View Profile   Reply to LegsDownKettleOn Reply   Quote LegsDownKettleOn Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2782

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: 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 think you might be right. The charger does not look original, It is a Gunsons one and is hanging on the wires rather than screwed down. There are only two fuses fitted as well and these are just inline fuses, so I think someone has had a bit of a botch with the wiring. I am fitting a motor mover at the weekend and have ordered some switches and a fuse box so I intend rewiring a good amount of it. I am hoping to pick out the lighting, charger, 12 volt sockets, water pump and water heater wires, run each through a separate fuse. I also want to wire an inverter in. I was thinking of wiring it up to my 240 ring, with a relay to turn it off when the EHU is connected. Alternatively, I hight just fit a separate socket for it.



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 - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

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


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














6631 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



Advertisement