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
  Caravans and Caravanning 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Portable solar panel Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonRainbowsend
10/5/2016 at 11:53pm
 Location: Staffs Cheshire bord
 Outfit: None Entered View Rainbowsend's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rainbowsend Reply   Quote Rainbowsend Quote  
Joined: 02/7/2004

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1080
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: 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
How can I connect a portable solar panel, placed in the front caravan Window, to the battery to maintain charge when on seasonal pitch?

-------------
Jean

Sometimes a little rain must fall before you reach a rainbow.

The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you finish the work.


PersonPed8
11/5/2016 at 6:43pm
 Location: Northumberland
 Outfit: Sprite Major 6TD Insignia ST View Ped8's Profile View Profile   Reply to Ped8 Reply   Quote Ped8 Quote  
Joined: 19/6/2011

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   12
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
Hi, on my Sprite major 6td where the cables from the battery come into the caravan there is an inline 20a fuse on the +ve side & a spade connector on the - ve side so I just piggy backed a harness which runs to an extra cig lighter socket & connect the solar panel into it. As long as the main consumer master switch is off it keeps the battery topped up.
I wanted to connect the solar panel to the dedicated plug on the caravan for the solar panel but I can't find it! So the system outlined above will do for now.
Hope this helps
Paul


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

Persondoit
15/5/2016 at 7:06pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Bailey Orion 560-5 View doit's Profile View Profile   Reply to doit Reply   Quote doit Quote  
Joined: 12/1/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   729
Site Reviews Total: 12
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
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: 2
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 8
Site Nights 2018: 0
You need to connect the solar panel and regulator (where needed) directly to the battery as the vans control panel will almost certainly disconnect all other 12v stuff to stop the battery from discharging in storage. Fairly easy to do but you will need to fuse protect the cabling as close to the battery as possible for safety and fire prevention. I have recently done exactly this with a removable 25w solar panel fitted in the roof heki skylight connected to a regulator and then the battery. Works a treat. Got the idea from here [URL=http://caravandiy.blogspot.co.uk/2013_06_01_archive.html] I bought the biggest solar panel plus regulator and cable kit that would fit in my heki roof from a well known auction site (E***) and it works very well. Hope this helps

-------------
Why am i doing this instead of camping??!!


PersonGrampian91
15/5/2016 at 11:42pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6893
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
Tinted caravan windows will block quite a bit of light, so take that into account when sizing panels.


PersonJTQU
16/5/2016 at 7:19am
 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
They can easily be connected directly to the battery; the controller will have the two wires clearly identified and as already said a fuse in the positive post feed is desirable.

Placing the panel behind a window will significantly reduce its efficiency, the extent depending on a range of things however it might still be adequate for your needs.
By far better performance will be achieved if it can be left outside such as laid on the roof. Keeping it clean however is a requirement so it can't be relied on as a fit and forget solution, it needs occasional checking and wipe off of dust, leaves and droppings etc.
IMO a toy sized panel is a waste of money and very likely far too small.
I assume it is not required for winter use where the challenges increase significantly.



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...

9121 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