Solar panels in Scotland.

[bigbadbob76]

Has anyone got experiance of charging their 110 AH leisure battery with 100w solar panels in Scotland?
Most of our touring will be in Scotland with the occasional forray over to Ireland or over the border into the north of England.
We don't get a lot of sunshine up here and while we won't be winter camping I'm not sure if a 100w solar panel would be worth bothering with.
As we'll be away from hookups/sites a lot would I be better just using the genny and van engine for charging?
load on the battery will be -
48w coolbox.
eber/webasto/propex (not sure which yet).
led lights.
Stereo.
some use of HAM radio transmitter.

[a1winchester]

If you are touring, it seems more sensible to me to fit an extra leisure battery in parallel to the existing and charge from the engine as you drive.
If, however, you are planning to be stationary for days on end, then perhaps the solar panels are the answer. (Or belt & braces, solar panels and 2 leisure batteries??)

[M4tt_1]

Perhaps make contact with Huw, he did the 100W solar on my van (excellent job) and would be able to give you some expert advice - http://www.solar-guru.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; or @solarguruhuw on Twitter.

Matt

[bigbadbob76]

Thanks for the link Matt.
I'll give him a shout.

[CovKid]

With reduced sunny periods, 200 watts should provide at least something even on a dull day.

[bigbadbob76]

Aye, I did read somewhere that you need 200W rather than 100W if you're north of Watford.
Not sure it's worth the bother for as you say, "at least something"
I'd be better putting the money into an extra battery rather than lugging a genny around.

Talking of which, does anyone shim up the suspension springs on the offside to compensate for the extra weight of camper stuff on that side?
Mine definitely sits lower on the offside.

[shepster]

Talking of which, does anyone shim up the suspension springs on the offside to compensate for the extra weight of camper stuff on that side?
Mine definitely sits lower on the offside.

Baxter sells some 'Westy shims' designed for this very task, I've used some of that plastic chopping board in the past to make spacers from.

Rear fits under the spring and front fits on top, works well.

[bigbadbob76]

Cheers Shepster. good to know.

[bigbadbob76]

My neighbour was replacing the nearly new leisure 85AH cheapo leisure battery in his gin palace with a proper big 120AH 700 cycle AGM, so he gave me the 85AH that'll do instead of solar panels.