Solar Power

Plendo · Plendo

How much solar should you have ?This is a question I often see asked here, and it is a difficult question to answer, there are a number of key factors affecting the answer. First how much power do you plan to use, then also how much power can you store in your battery.In the following I will try to provide a h...

kazza58 · kazza58

I would like some help with getting the right size solar panel for my caravan.. .I will be travelling for Two years if not more and want to know what would be my best options... Cooking mainly by gas and out doors...I have a reverse cycle air conditioner which will be used only when Really needed also a sm...

Plendo · Plendo

This article is intended as a BASIC introduction to the concepts of Solar, and Inverters in an RV environment. It will not be going into detail, it is intended as a guide for people who do not understand the concepts, not as a how to of installing said items.I am sure I will have missed relevant points, so...

Woody n Sue · Woody n Sue

i have the original solar setup input, and the dc to dc charger if I want to add more pannels than either of there regulators can handle can I add yet another input from more panels ? Wondering Woody

SuzieQ52 · SuzieQ52

Our Evolution Luxliner is coming to us with 2 x 150 watt solar panels and two batteries, question being what size inverter can we have professionally fitted and what sort of 240 volt wattage will it it power.

didi · didi

Hi. Just want some basic ideas everyone, as I only have a basic brain lol. Have had portable 120w solar panel for 5mths. But I was sure when I started it would charge to 13+ on voltmeter. Now only seems to be getting to 12.7. I run a small waeco 80ltre fridge. day and night. Do other things like play 2hr DVD at...

beehive · beehive

Hello ,I am the owner of a Bailey Orion 2013 Model.A couple of weeks ago I took my van to have new tyres fitted,the driver crashed the back end of my van while towing it into the driveway of the workshop.The damage cost$900.00.Does anyone know of a way to stop this and could you tell me if anyone has had a de...

madaboutled · madaboutled

I'm currently in the process of designing a couple of simple charts so my other half can understand a little better what the numbers mean that's displayed by my Solar Charge Controller and hopefully get her to read the numbers before plugging something into charge (like her laptop) whenever she feel...

gemmybob · gemmybob

Hi all, Ive checked the forum and cant find mention of this, but if its been done before, my apologies in advance. I was looking for advice regarding the MPPT Controllers available on E bay, I read somewhere that some controllers offered for sale there were not MPPT, but that they are actually the PWM ty...

Dougwe · Dougwe

Just read in another thread and "Balanced Wiring" was mentioned. Simply put....What does it mean please someone I understand two batteries being wired in paralal but never heard of the above.

Spydermann · Spydermann

Purchased a solar panel with controller. Controller rated voltage is 12VDC / 24VDC but operating voltage is 8V. Now this is not enough to actually charge my van battery as it seems to be protected by a 12V controller as all I can hear is click-click-click........ from the controller and my 12V LED ligh...

windy · windy

Any ideas why the 2 solar controllers and an independant volt meter read 14v +, but the hydrometer reads 12.00 in the red and telling me to recharge

franstev · franstev

Hi when I am charging battery from solar can I still have my 12v fridge running, it is connected to battery not the load terminals on charge controller, or do I have to disconnect it, charge battery and then turn it back on, my solar is a portable kit, thanks in advance.

cruisaderhilton · cruisaderhilton

. Hello vanners ,I have just mounted a new solar panel to the roof of my van and have not connected it to the controller as yet. Do I need to disconnect the panels from the controller ,the existing panel is still connected up ,so how do I go about installation of the panels ,hope I made sense .JOHN..

Plendo · Plendo

In an earlier article I mentioned that inverters were used in other ways, this is where you see a device with a motor in it (example air conditioner, or fridge), and the manufacturer states it is more efficient because it is an inverter air conditioner, what does this mean? I will use an air conditione...

Plendo · Plendo

The first thing I need to point out is that inverters generate 240V AC (alternating current), just like the electricity at home IT IS DANGEROUS, and it is very easy to make a mistake with it, thus it is critically important that fixed inverters are ONLY wired in by professional licenced electricians....

moblet · moblet

A question for our electrical experts: The Story I have a solar charge controller permanently connected to my starter battery and use a solar panel, usually of 80W, to top up the battery when not driving frequently. (It was also fitted to allow me to run accessories for extended periods while parked,...

UPO · UPO

Afternoon - the subject pretty much says it all - what size solar panel ( in Watts ) is appropriate to maintain AGM battery charge ? Just putting a shelter over the van so will place a smaller solar panel on the garage roof - battery capacity is 2 x 120Ah AGM with balanced wiring rather than having the seco...

Vaughan · Vaughan

We have been caravanning for a couple of years but have always used powered sites. We are going from Perth to Karijina National park and on the fist night will be staying in an Eco tent. We will need to store the Van for that night at an off site location and the next night will be free camping. We have a 1...

Spydermann · Spydermann

Any opinions as to whether fixed roof panels are better than a moveable panel. I'm thinking that while you are driving, the tug is charging the caravan battery and when you are camped you can arrange the moveable panels to get best sun, especially if you camp in the shade.

Topic		Started By	Replies	Views	Last Post
	Now how much solar do we need? (Preview) How much solar should you have ?This is a question I often see asked here, and it is a difficult question to answer, there are a number of key factors affecting the answer. First how much power do you plan to use, then also how much power can you store in your battery.In the following I will try to provide a h...	Plendo	8	1761	01:16 AM Sep 25, 2015 by SnowT
	Solar Panels (Preview) I would like some help with getting the right size solar panel for my caravan.. .I will be travelling for Two years if not more and want to know what would be my best options... Cooking mainly by gas and out doors...I have a reverse cycle air conditioner which will be used only when Really needed also a sm...	kazza58	3	1347	12:56 AM Sep 25, 2015 by SnowT
	Basic Information about Solar and Inverter (Preview) This article is intended as a BASIC introduction to the concepts of Solar, and Inverters in an RV environment. It will not be going into detail, it is intended as a guide for people who do not understand the concepts, not as a how to of installing said items.I am sure I will have missed relevant points, so...	Plendo	16	2222	09:48 AM Sep 14, 2015 by PeterD
	How many solar inputs can one put into the one battery (Preview) i have the original solar setup input, and the dc to dc charger if I want to add more pannels than either of there regulators can handle can I add yet another input from more panels ? Wondering Woody	Woody n Sue	12	2023	11:36 PM Aug 17, 2015 by Grego
	Size of the Inverter Needed (Preview) Our Evolution Luxliner is coming to us with 2 x 150 watt solar panels and two batteries, question being what size inverter can we have professionally fitted and what sort of 240 volt wattage will it it power.	SuzieQ52	7	2580	09:27 AM Aug 16, 2015 by The Doo crew
	what should voltmetre show (Preview) Hi. Just want some basic ideas everyone, as I only have a basic brain lol. Have had portable 120w solar panel for 5mths. But I was sure when I started it would charge to 13+ on voltmeter. Now only seems to be getting to 12.7. I run a small waeco 80ltre fridge. day and night. Do other things like play 2hr DVD at...	didi	3	1463	07:25 AM Aug 16, 2015 by dogbox
	device to stop low van from hitting the ground (Preview) Hello ,I am the owner of a Bailey Orion 2013 Model.A couple of weeks ago I took my van to have new tyres fitted,the driver crashed the back end of my van while towing it into the driveway of the workshop.The damage cost$900.00.Does anyone know of a way to stop this and could you tell me if anyone has had a de...	beehive	3	1183	12:17 PM Aug 11, 2015 by PeterD
	State Of Charge (SOC) Chart for AGM Batteries (Preview) I'm currently in the process of designing a couple of simple charts so my other half can understand a little better what the numbers mean that's displayed by my Solar Charge Controller and hopefully get her to read the numbers before plugging something into charge (like her laptop) whenever she feel...	madaboutled	13	16334	10:39 PM Aug 6, 2015 by Muzzlehatch
	MPPT Controllers on E bay (Preview) Hi all, Ive checked the forum and cant find mention of this, but if its been done before, my apologies in advance. I was looking for advice regarding the MPPT Controllers available on E bay, I read somewhere that some controllers offered for sale there were not MPPT, but that they are actually the PWM ty...	gemmybob	8	1838	09:54 PM Aug 6, 2015 by Jaahn
	BALANCED WIRING (Preview) Just read in another thread and "Balanced Wiring" was mentioned. Simply put....What does it mean please someone I understand two batteries being wired in paralal but never heard of the above.	Dougwe	21	1980	11:29 AM Jul 21, 2015 by Phil C
	Rated Voltage vs Operating Voltage (Preview) Purchased a solar panel with controller. Controller rated voltage is 12VDC / 24VDC but operating voltage is 8V. Now this is not enough to actually charge my van battery as it seems to be protected by a 12V controller as all I can hear is click-click-click........ from the controller and my 12V LED ligh...	Spydermann	4	1457	08:06 PM Jul 16, 2015 by Cruising Cruze
	batterey charging (Preview) Any ideas why the 2 solar controllers and an independant volt meter read 14v +, but the hydrometer reads 12.00 in the red and telling me to recharge	windy	3	1319	11:53 AM Jul 14, 2015 by Phil C
	charging battery (Preview) Hi when I am charging battery from solar can I still have my 12v fridge running, it is connected to battery not the load terminals on charge controller, or do I have to disconnect it, charge battery and then turn it back on, my solar is a portable kit, thanks in advance.	franstev	3	1190	11:00 AM Jul 7, 2015 by franstev
	connecting panels (Preview) . Hello vanners ,I have just mounted a new solar panel to the roof of my van and have not connected it to the controller as yet. Do I need to disconnect the panels from the controller ,the existing panel is still connected up ,so how do I go about installation of the panels ,hope I made sense .JOHN..	cruisaderhilton	6	1251	08:34 PM Jul 5, 2015 by dogbox
	The other use of inverter technology. (Preview) In an earlier article I mentioned that inverters were used in other ways, this is where you see a device with a motor in it (example air conditioner, or fridge), and the manufacturer states it is more efficient because it is an inverter air conditioner, what does this mean? I will use an air conditione...	Plendo	8	1549	08:40 PM Jul 4, 2015 by The Doo crew
	Inverters (Preview) The first thing I need to point out is that inverters generate 240V AC (alternating current), just like the electricity at home IT IS DANGEROUS, and it is very easy to make a mistake with it, thus it is critically important that fixed inverters are ONLY wired in by professional licenced electricians....	Plendo	7	1707	12:07 PM Jul 4, 2015 by Phil C
	Can I place a relay in parallel with a solar charge controller? (Preview) A question for our electrical experts: The Story I have a solar charge controller permanently connected to my starter battery and use a solar panel, usually of 80W, to top up the battery when not driving frequently. (It was also fitted to allow me to run accessories for extended periods while parked,...	moblet	2	1379	08:38 AM Jul 4, 2015 by Plendo
	Solar Panel for trickle charging - sizing to match AGM capacity (Preview) Afternoon - the subject pretty much says it all - what size solar panel ( in Watts ) is appropriate to maintain AGM battery charge ? Just putting a shelter over the van so will place a smaller solar panel on the garage roof - battery capacity is 2 x 120Ah AGM with balanced wiring rather than having the seco...	UPO	6	1644	04:50 PM Jun 21, 2015 by Plendo
	Solar power (Preview) We have been caravanning for a couple of years but have always used powered sites. We are going from Perth to Karijina National park and on the fist night will be staying in an Eco tent. We will need to store the Van for that night at an off site location and the next night will be free camping. We have a 1...	Vaughan	12	1982	07:31 AM Jun 18, 2015 by Reed
	Solar Power - Fixed or Moveable (Preview) Any opinions as to whether fixed roof panels are better than a moveable panel. I'm thinking that while you are driving, the tug is charging the caravan battery and when you are camped you can arrange the moveable panels to get best sun, especially if you camp in the shade.	Spydermann	13	2037	03:33 PM Jun 16, 2015 by Reed
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