Advertisement
Message Forums |
|
 Topic: Solar Panel - 2 options, but which one?
|
  |
| Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off! |
|
|
|
09/5/2014 at 9:58am
Location: Hampshire
Outfit: Hymer Nova S
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 01/11/2005 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 |
|
Our solar panel is a free standing 85 Watt Kyrocea unit, charging the van's 90Ah battery and a 60Ah, portable battery for the TV, via a Morningstar "Duo" controller.
The Morningstar controller has the optional meter so I am able to see the Ah yielded by the panel each day, I zero it on going to bed.
The daily yield is typically 13 to 15 Ah, somewhat less than the OPs usage estimate.
Of course the solar panel can only put in AHs where the batteries have "room" before being fully charged, the meter allows me to see when they are full and the controller has switched off the panel.
In summer the 85 Watt panel is a gross over-kill and both batteries are fully charged a few hours into the morning, leaving all the midday afternoon and evening sun untapped.
It is a very different situation in the winter and typically the panel does not cope. The winter yield can be exceptionally high as it is cold and the sub zero temperature leads to crystal clear skies, but that is not typical. More typical is a string of overcast or even wet days when the cell can't replace the usage and the batteries begin to be depleted to too low a value. We can do a week-end but not have unlimited time autonamy.
And even to get the best yield in winter means the panel needs constant "tracking", and tree shadows become more of a nuisance. So winters days have to be invested in panel tracking, not holidaying. In summer I can simply place the panel at 15 to horizontal on a south azimuth bearing and go out enjoying the day, the loss of efficiency being of no relevance in that the 85 Watt panel is way oversize for the room in the batteries.
Post last edited on 09/05/2014 10:04:02
Post last edited on 09/05/2014 10:05:37
|
|
|
7036 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
|
|
|
