Solar panels

[triggermala]

Hi. Looking to get a solar panel for my devon style roof. What type and size would you reccomend. Would a folding type one be most suitable.

[Mocki]

personally i wouldnt entertain a non fixed panel, too much hassle . fit one on the roof and forget it !

i have a 150w semiflexible one sikaflexed to my hightop
the important bit is the controller, a good genuine mppt controller makes the difference between charging and not charging in low light dull winter months, avoid the cheap nasty pmw controllers .

[slowcoach]

Just while this comes up, I've had a pwm charger (stecca pr1010, pictured)



for about 8 years, I've no real knowledge of the mppt sort. So I'll do some reading.

Any current recommendations for a good, well priced mppt controller?

[triggermala]

Thanks , would it be possible to fix one of these semi flexible type to the side elevating roof ,also where do the cables run to the battery. Also looking for mppt controller reccomendations.

[Mocki]

Yes, semi flexible on the pop top , easy, several choices for cable entry, down under the bottom of the canvas into the van, or even on the rear engine vent and into the engine bay ( I wouldn’t go this route personally , too complicated getting back into the van from the engine bay

I bought this mppt controller because it was one of only two that would charge and control two separate batteries and has Bluetooth connection and control

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2724265811" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Very happy with it , worth the money

[garry247]

Hi Mocki,

Do you have a picture of your roof and recomendations on panels?

I have a high top and also wanting to put solar on it. I have been looking at a Votronic MPPT Duo:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/efficiency-Bat ... rs&sr=8-16" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and a Votronic smart battery shunt with LCD battery monitor

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Votronic-smart ... ors&sr=8-2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Mocki]

yes, pictures as requested.....

[garry247]

Thx,

Looks nice.

I think ill measure the size i have available on my hi top.

any panel recs?

G

[Mocki]

Panels .... yeah, stay away from the ones that have not got a aluminium backing , it acts as a heat sink and keeps the panel temperature uniform, lessening the forming of "hotspots " and over heating . Then there is no need for stand offs
Buy the biggest you can afford and physically fit, you can never have enough free electric, and make sure you don’t buy a cheap nasty controller, a good mppt controller is equally as important as the right panel

[garry247]

Will need to see what size will fit


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[chewbacca]

I use this controller. Fitted it and never looked back. Tops up the starting battery, bulk of the charge into the leisure batts.

https://www.photonicuniverse.com/en/cat ... input.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Mocki]

Will need to see what size will fit


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Same roof as mine , so easily fit a 150w semiflexible on there

I use this controller. Fitted it and never looked back. Tops up the starting battery, bulk of the charge into the leisure batts.

https://www.photonicuniverse.com/en/cat ... input.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yes I shortlisted that controller , but in the end paid a tad more for this one because of the Bluetooth

[Stesaw]

How simple are these to wire into the exsisting electrics? like is it a case or just adding more connectors to your battery terminals or could you say wire it into an exsisting split relay?

[Mocki]

How simple are these to wire into the exsisting electrics? like is it a case or just adding more connectors to your battery terminals or could you say wire it into an exsisting split relay?

two fused wires from panel to controller and two fused wires from controller direct to battery terminals on battery ( and if you have a controller that controls both batteries then same to second ( van) battery)

keep wiring from controller to batteries as short as possible

[Stesaw]

How simple are these to wire into the exsisting electrics? like is it a case or just adding more connectors to your battery terminals or could you say wire it into an exsisting split relay?

two fused wires from panel to controller and two fused wires from controller direct to battery terminals on battery ( and if you have a controller that controls both batteries then same to second ( van) battery)

keep wiring from controller to batteries as short as possible

Sounds simple enough. But right now It's potentially something to look into before next summer, have other bits and bobs to buy first.