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: solar charger in storage Post Reply Post New Topic
Persondoit
04/10/2016 at 8:03pm
 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
Hi to all on ukcampsite.co.uk
   I wanted a way to keep my leisure battery fully charged while my caravan is in storage but I have no access to mains electric where my van is stored. I did a bit of internet trawling and copied this idea from another like minded caravanner. I am posting this project in the hope that others will copy this idea and benefit from plentiful free energy to keep leisure batteries topped up wherever the caravan is stored outside - note solar charging is unlikely to work indoors!
   So the solar charging project requires some equipment to be purchased. I bought a solar panel kit from a well known auction site E***. It included a solar panel, some cable, an inline fuse for safety and a charge controller. Its much safer to buy a kit with a charge controller as it stops your battery being over charged and protects against the battery discharging back through the solar panel in the dark when no energy is generated. It also provides some led indicators to show you what is going on with your battery and charger.
   The solar panel needs to be pointing skywards but I didn't want to fit it externally on the roof of my van. The obvious location is in the skylight/sunroof in the lounge as it is the biggest in the van. I measured the size of the skylight and chose the biggest solar panel I could find that would fit in said skylight. It is rated at 25w max output so in reality probably produces half of this. It sits in the aperture on top of the blackout blind and flyscreen frames - see picture.

As the charge controller is designed for permanent installation and I wanted this set up to be for in storage only and therefore to be removable I bought some Tamiya-style model car battery plugs and sockets from E*** to connect solar panel - controller - leisure battery. I made sure the connectors are not able to be accidentally connected in the wrong manner by using the male/female ends to ensure it is impossible to connect solar panel to battery direct or battery to solar panel inputs. This removes the risk of accidental damage or worse!
   At the battery end I connected a cable with inline fuse as close to the terminals as possible. I drilled a hole in the battery box and fed the cable into the locker under the bed/dinette and fitted a Tamiya style connector. This stays permanently attached to the battery. see picture. Cables I fitted are the red and black ones. They are installed into the battery terminals screw thread connectors.

   I then fitted permanent leads with Tamiya style connectors to the charge controller again being careful to make sure the connectors cannot be accidentally connected wrongly by clever use of male/female connectors. So now I have a solar panel that connects to the leisure battery via a charge controller that can be easily installed in storage to charge and maintain battery charge but can easily be removed and packed away for travelling and for actually camping!
Method of connection is battery to controller then controller to solar panel. Disconnection is the reverse of this. Never allow the solar panel and controller to be joined up without the battery being connected as equipment damage will almost certainly be the result!

Picture shows cable run into battery box and charge controller.

Close up of charge controller. It has many more features than I use but it will keep battery safe and sound from discharge and over charge.

Solar panel 25w before placement in skylight.

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


Persondoit
04/10/2016 at 8:12pm
 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
I now use lights and radio in caravan when it is in storage when I need to do odd jobs or cleaning duties in confidence that the solar panel will recharge the battery whilst I am away. Easy retro fit upgrade for the average diy enthusiast that will cost about £50 to fit. And battery is fully charged ready for motor mover to shift it to a position fit to hitch it up to car. Buy one, fit it and enjoy free 12v charging of your leisure battery whilst in storage. And I do not sell this equipment, I just am amazed at how good it is!

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


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

PersonPaul_B
05/10/2016 at 8:25am
 Location: Yorkshire
 Outfit: Car & Caravan View Paul_B's Profile View Profile   Reply to Paul_B Reply   Quote Paul_B Quote  
Joined: 24/9/2004

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   824
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
Be careful with power use as a 25w panel behind two layers of reflective plastic wont give much power to the battery, especially now were in the autumn equinox.

For those considering fitting larger panels is that the controller should be coupled to the battery before the solar panel, the controller then knows whether it should supply at 12v or 24v.
Check the controller instructions to see if applies to your controller


PersonJTQU
05/10/2016 at 1:33pm
 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
Quote: Originally posted by Paul_B on 05/10/2016
Be careful with power use as a 25w panel behind two layers of reflective plastic wont give much power to the battery, especially now were in the autumn equinox.



I also share Paul's view that a 25 Watt rated panel set in a skylight has very little chance of confidently coping if it is hoped to do so through the winter.
Its ability will be devastated by the shadows and diffusion thrown by the very low sun angles we will get in winter. That is, even if the skylight does not get dirty, a blown leave or a bird present left on it.

My experience is that a near vertical south facing external panel of at least twice that size is needed and has the potential to be better "washed" by rain and snow slides.

It does depend on the parasitic drain on the battery, a new one here will be the solar controller itself. If there is a high drain like with an alarm a better solar system is needed, if the drain is very low, nothing could be better than an inadequate solar charger.


Personbrianconwy
05/10/2016 at 7:37pm
 Location: north wales
 Outfit: Sprite Quattro FB View brianconwy's Profile View Profile   Reply to brianconwy Reply   Quote brianconwy Quote  
Joined: 25/9/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4286
Site Reviews Total: 11
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
Our van is in storage in Spain and we use a 10w panel without a controller just to give a maintenance charge to the battery. The van is disconnected. The controller isn't needed for a low output panel with a large enough battery.


Advertisement



PersonDaveCoaches
06/10/2016 at 12:40pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Coachman Pastiche View DaveCoaches's Profile View Profile   Reply to DaveCoaches Reply   Quote DaveCoaches Quote  
Joined: 30/7/2011

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1247
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
Reality check. Through your sky light, at best that panel can hope to provide is a couple of watts in direct sunlight.

Why wouldn't you want stick it to the roof permanently and run the wiring neatly? Makes the difference between a Heath Robinson mashup and a professional installation for the cost of a tube of sikaflex.


PersonG7ACU
08/10/2016 at 1:13pm
 Location: West Mids
 Outfit: Swift Ace Statesman & X-Trail 2.0 View G7ACU's Profile View Profile   Reply to G7ACU Reply   Quote G7ACU Quote  
Joined: 22/9/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2617
Site Reviews Total: 11
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 have to agree with DaveCoaches. The idea is sound, but the long term practicalities, especially with shorter day light hours will, this setup will have very limited impact. Having previously installed a 120w panel onto the roof, I can assure you that external fitting is far more efficient.

The only concern I would point out too, is that the new cables shown going into the battery locker in the second photograph, should be fitted with a gas safe gland to prevent venting into the van itself. This may be picked up on your van service.

-------------
Paul

Every day's a school day!


Personshaggy2000
08/10/2016 at 3:02pm
 Location: County Durham
 Outfit: Explore 304 View shaggy2000's Profile View Profile   Reply to shaggy2000 Reply   Quote shaggy2000 Quote  
Joined: 27/3/2012

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   514
Tent Reviews:   1
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
Call me crazy, but if the van is in storage and its secure, wouldn't the best & cheapest method for keeping the battery fully charged would be to take the battery away completely and just trickle charge it at home.

just a thought.


PersonRob Johns
09/10/2016 at 12:00am
 Location: Portsmouth
 Outfit: 1991 Elddis Vogue SL View Rob Johns's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob Johns Reply   Quote Rob Johns Quote  
Joined: 11/8/2005

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   290
Site Reviews Total: 15
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 2
Site Nights 2022: 10
Site Nights 2021: 2
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I use a small 10 watt solar panel in the front window (inside) via a voltage regulator. Yes there are two panes of acrylic in the way and it is only 10 watts max, but it should be remembered that you are only trickle charging anyway. I may pop over to the van every other week in the winter for the usual checks and maintenance, but then there are a full two weeks of trickle charging albeit with short days and lower light, but it does work and I get a fully recharged battery every time! By the way, face the panel near to or directly south and almost upright in the window to get the maximum from the low sun.

-------------
The Sun always shines on TV.(and not on my caravan!)


Persondoit
13/10/2016 at 7:21pm
 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
Well, thanks for all your comments and opinions. This simple project has raised some interesting discussion and this is a great thing. If you want a fully fitted external solar array you need to drill holes in the roof for cables - not great for your water ingress warranty! That's why I fitted it internally. Yes its inefficient but 5w of battery charging to keep it fully charged is better than nothing and on sunny days I only guess to reach 10w - 15w of charge but that's plenty more than an all-in-one suitcase type charger can supply. My intention was to share this idea with other like minded diyers who want to spend around £50 on a solar solution to keeping a leisure battery topped up and not a full on off grid solar solution. My concept is simplicity but if you want to fit it permanent then go for it! You want concealed cables with fully fitted plug in points then fit it and post it up here for other members to see and be inspired by. If you feel its important to fit grommets to cables that will be carrying a maximum of 1.25A then fit them! I wanted an easily fitted and removable top up solar system for use in storage only and for that purpose it works brilliantly (so far!!). But why not make this topic more exciting by posting your solar project up with photos and descriptions so everyone can admire them!

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


Advertisement



Personmarg6
13/10/2016 at 8:52pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View marg6's Profile View Profile   Reply to marg6 Reply   Quote marg6 Quote  
Joined: 11/8/2016

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3126
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: 3  
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: 15
Site Nights 2018: 0
walk along the rows of any storage yard, and you will see solar panels being used up at the windows of the caravans, this has been going on for at least the last 10 yrs and in that case its nothing new that you have "invented"


Personchrisn7
13/10/2016 at 11:56pm
 Location: West Yorkshire
 Outfit: Bessacarr Cameo 625 2011 View chrisn7's Profile View Profile   Reply to chrisn7 Reply   Quote chrisn7 Quote  
Joined: 10/9/2005

Platinum Member
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 too have recently gone through the solar panel fitting process. I opted to have the panel(100w as this is what is being fitted to new vans) fitted on the roof by my local (approved) workshop. I was going to this myself, but decided that a professional fit would potentially be safer, given that the device is bonded, rather than bolted to the roof. I'm glad I did-the surface cleaner and adhesive kit is a specialist product and surprisingly expensive, and no, its not standard caravan sealant.

I fixed the panel to the brackets before mounting, and I used UK made nylon bolts into aluminium rivnuts fitted in the panel frame, as this allows easy removal of the panel if ever required. The bonus is this is all a no corrosion set up, which would occur if metal screws are used. I supplied this assembly to the workshop, so they only had to do the bonding which keeps the cost down.

Solar panels today have their own 4mm2 cabling which is a multi strand very fine wires to reduce voltage drop (i.e.its NOT automotive cabling). There are proper keyed connector now, to avoid polarity issues, which are significantly larger than Tamya type. With some ingenuity, it is not always necessary to puncture the roof for the cables. Mine run under the edge of a Heki skylight, through its frame, so the cables are hidden, then through the roof insulation (between the inner and outer skins) to the controller. Takes more time to achieve, but no leaks possible and all cables hidden.


PersonG7ACU
16/10/2016 at 11:28am
 Location: West Mids
 Outfit: Swift Ace Statesman & X-Trail 2.0 View G7ACU's Profile View Profile   Reply to G7ACU Reply   Quote G7ACU Quote  
Joined: 22/9/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2617
Site Reviews Total: 11
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 doit on 13/10/2016
...If you feel its important to fit grommets to cables that will be carrying a maximum of 1.25A then fit them!

I assume that as mine was the only comment that mentioned glands, this response was for my benefit.
Irrespective of the current, if you read my comment I make mention of "gas safe glands" and the gland/grommet has nothing to do with current in this particular instance, but making sure the battery box remains sealed from the area of occupation to prevent gas venting into the van during charging of the battery.

Quote: Originally posted by doit on 13/10/2016
... But why not make this topic more exciting by posting your solar project up with photos and descriptions so everyone can admire them!

Already done that too, will share again if I find the post from some years ago, although fairly irrelevant as installed for a much heavier demand than your requirement. I fitted a 100w panel onto the roof, bonded and fully sealed cable entry point, running via an MTTP controller and remote display.


-------------
Paul

Every day's a school day!


PersonPaul_B
16/10/2016 at 4:15pm
 Location: Yorkshire
 Outfit: Car & Caravan View Paul_B's Profile View Profile   Reply to Paul_B Reply   Quote Paul_B Quote  
Joined: 24/9/2004

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   824
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
After seeing a selection of professionally fitted solar panels and where they fitted the controllers I thought it best to fit my own.


Personrobin52
17/10/2016 at 5:44pm
 Location: Nottingham
 Outfit:  Swift Freestyle S2 View robin52's Profile View Profile   Reply to robin52 Reply   Quote robin52 Quote  
Joined: 10/9/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1632
Site Reviews Total: 4
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 don't think the OP claims to have invented anything. He's just showing his way of doing it.

-------------
Regards Robin



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...

9927 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