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: 80W Solar Panel - good enough? Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonSamP
08/3/2018 at 9:38pm
 Location: S Wales The Badland
 Outfit: Swift Challenger 530 View SamP's Profile View Profile   Reply to SamP Reply   Quote SamP Quote  
Joined: 17/5/2005

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   229
Site Reviews Total: 6
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
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: 13
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 hope someone here has some practical experience with this question.

We're in the process of buying a new van* which comes with an 80W solar panel on the roof.
Other fitted items include an alarm & a tracker.

Given our splendid UK weather & distance from the equator, is an 80W panel feeding energy into the battery, likely to come anywhere close to replacing the energy drained out of that battery over the winter months?

Let's assume we start with a fully charged 100AH battery in (say) late November & hope to survive 'til March without damaging the battery.

The van is not kept at home & there's no mains electricity available there.

* Swift Challenger

-------------
SamP


Personboff
08/3/2018 at 10:25pm
 Location: N Wales
 Outfit: Hymer Nova 590GL View boff's Profile View Profile   Reply to boff Reply   Quote boff Quote  
Joined: 13/2/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   528
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
Yes


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

PersonWebmaster
08/3/2018 at 10:42pm
 Location: Buckinghamshire
 Outfit: VW Campers and Tents View Webmaster's Profile View Profile   Reply to Webmaster Reply   Quote Webmaster Quote  
Joined: 09/6/1999

Forum Admin
Forum Moderator

Forum Posts:   7662
Tent Reviews:   3
Site Reviews Total: 84
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 18 
Site Reviews 2020: 13 
Site Reviews 2019: 21 
Site Reviews 2018: 6  
Site Nights 2024: 6
Site Nights 2023: 1
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 33
Site Nights 2020: 24
Site Nights 2019: 44
Site Nights 2018: 9
Yes , it should easily keep up with the alarm and tracker I'd say , drain from those won't be much.

-------------


PersonProspector
09/3/2018 at 9:12am
 Location: Hedon East Yorkshire
 Outfit:  Rollerteam T-Line T740 View Prospector's Profile View Profile   Reply to Prospector Reply   Quote Prospector Quote  
Joined: 18/5/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   979
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
Yes, no problem.

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


Personchrisn7
09/3/2018 at 1:55pm
 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
This is one of those persistent tales that solar doesn't work in the winter - it does.

I put a datalogger in to monitor the battery voltage,and there is a very slight drop off in the hours of darkness. Top up is soon restored however. Big plus is not having to remove the battery and charge it every few weeks.


Advertisement



Personboff
09/3/2018 at 2:44pm
 Location: N Wales
 Outfit: Hymer Nova 590GL View boff's Profile View Profile   Reply to boff Reply   Quote boff Quote  
Joined: 13/2/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   528
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
Yes: You don’t get that much output from a roof mounted panel in winter. I know when I checked ours over a New year. The voltage didn’t start to lift until after nine and by about 2:30pm the sun had dropped so low that it was striking the panel. But an alarm, and tracker requires very little and even under those conditions it should still keep the battery topped up.

In winter if we go for a weekend non ehu, the panel won’t keep the battery fully charged, but the battery won’t be completely flat. By the next week if we go out on consecutive the battery is fully charged.


PersonGrampian91
09/3/2018 at 8:01pm
 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
As long as you have a good battery that doesn't have a high self discharge rate.


PersonSamP
10/3/2018 at 1:51am
 Location: S Wales The Badland
 Outfit: Swift Challenger 530 View SamP's Profile View Profile   Reply to SamP Reply   Quote SamP Quote  
Joined: 17/5/2005

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   229
Site Reviews Total: 6
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
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: 13
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 chrisn7 on 09/3/2018
This is one of those persistent tales that solar doesn't work in the winter - it does.


No it isn't. I spelt out the basis for my question.

The solar panel is putting energy into the battery, whilst the alarm & tracker are taking energy out.

My question related to the balance of those two processes over a UK winter.

Thanks to all for your help with this.


-------------
SamP


PersonPaul_B
10/3/2018 at 9:27am
 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:   825
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
Sam it should do,
provided the caravan is in a position where it can get sun, mine isn't as its in the shade from nearby houses and the winter clouds exclude a lot of light so I have to charge the battery every now and then.
Its ok now as the sun is higher in the sky and over the houses.
A solar panels voltage will remain pretty much constant no matter what season or weather, but the charging power (watts/amps) will be much lower when out of full sun.

I would check the battery every now and then for peace of mind.


PersonDebbie T
10/3/2018 at 10:04am
 Location: By the seaside!
 Outfit: Bailey unicorn. Ford Edge View Debbie T's Profile View Profile   Reply to Debbie T Reply   Quote Debbie T Quote  
Joined: 21/1/2008

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   407
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 had an 80 watt fitted panel last year to run the tracker and alarm as our van is kept in storage. It does the job fine.I have an app on my phone that checks the battery level. My van is out in the open,not shaded by trees or anything.Hope this helps.

-------------
Debbie.


Advertisement



PersonSGThomas
10/3/2018 at 10:16am
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View SGThomas's Profile View Profile   Reply to SGThomas Reply   Quote SGThomas Quote  
Joined: 16/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6707
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 116
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 4  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 15 
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 40
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 98
This is purely an acadaemic question as I don't have a solar panel, store in my garage connected to mains electricity and use ehu when touring.

If you have a fixed panel on the roof of the caravan; to what extent would the efficiency of the panel reduce if there was a winter cover on the van?

Obviously some UV and IR would get through but probably far too little


PersonLlaniDavis
10/3/2018 at 12:12pm
 Location: Llanidloes Powys
 Outfit: Skoda Yeti SEL4x4 +Bailey Ranger 460-4 View LlaniDavis's Profile View Profile   Reply to LlaniDavis Reply   Quote LlaniDavis Quote  
Joined: 28/6/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1963
Site Reviews Total: 12
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
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: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 7
Site Nights 2018: 0
If the panel is covered it won't work. It requires SUNLIGHT.


PersonSGThomas
10/3/2018 at 1:30pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View SGThomas's Profile View Profile   Reply to SGThomas Reply   Quote SGThomas Quote  
Joined: 16/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6707
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 116
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 4  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 15 
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 40
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 98
Sunlight comprises more than just the visible spectrum of light and photovoltaic cells also process UV and IR rays.

So obviously when covered, what we see, the visible spectrum, will not work. But will what we are not seeing , invisible spectrum, be of any use?


PersonWebmaster
10/3/2018 at 1:37pm
 Location: Buckinghamshire
 Outfit: VW Campers and Tents View Webmaster's Profile View Profile   Reply to Webmaster Reply   Quote Webmaster Quote  
Joined: 09/6/1999

Forum Admin
Forum Moderator

Forum Posts:   7662
Tent Reviews:   3
Site Reviews Total: 84
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 18 
Site Reviews 2020: 13 
Site Reviews 2019: 21 
Site Reviews 2018: 6  
Site Nights 2024: 6
Site Nights 2023: 1
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 33
Site Nights 2020: 24
Site Nights 2019: 44
Site Nights 2018: 9
No

-------------


PersonSGThomas
10/3/2018 at 1:38pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View SGThomas's Profile View Profile   Reply to SGThomas Reply   Quote SGThomas Quote  
Joined: 16/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6707
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 116
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 4  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 15 
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 40
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 98
Thanks


PersonPixie_Hez
10/3/2018 at 4:55pm
 Location: Liverpool
 Outfit: Swift Challenger 560 View Pixie_Hez's Profile View Profile   Reply to Pixie_Hez Reply   Quote Pixie_Hez Quote  
Joined: 05/7/2003

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1937
Site Reviews Total: 121
Site Reviews 2024: 15 
Site Reviews 2023: 15 
Site Reviews 2022: 14 
Site Reviews 2021: 11 
Site Reviews 2020: 8  
Site Reviews 2019: 17 
Site Reviews 2018: 8  
Site Nights 2024: 78
Site Nights 2023: 75
Site Nights 2022: 66
Site Nights 2021: 57
Site Nights 2020: 39
Site Nights 2019: 68
Site Nights 2018: 44
We haven't had any problems with our 80w solar panel keeping the battery topped up over the last few weeks.   I check the levels on an App a couple of times a week and they never seem to go down so we are very happy.

-------------
Pixie



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...

5813 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