solar panels

Thomas-the-Terrano2 · 05-08-2009, 16:53

geting close to getting one, seen some neat permanent mounts on roof
but for now may try a 'suitcase' model. towsure do a 13w output for
just over a ton, and seen equiv at maplins for about 55 quid. looking to
top up battery on non hook up sites and rallies, really trying to avoid a
heavy smelly generator. have a second battery for emergency use and
plan is still to charge it in car on days out either mounted under bonnet
or in box in boot. any opinions if solars are worth it. maplin reckon a 13w
will make about 800mA.

Deleted account DD · 05-08-2009, 17:11

We've had a reasonable powered solar panel (cost enough too) and it was bollocks

Wouldnt bother mate unless you can get one that covers youre entire patrol roof and even then dont rely on it alone.

Thomas-the-Terrano2 · 05-08-2009, 17:28

ta dave kings new clothes eh?

maplins gone upto 79..99 still less than towsure.

stick with 2nd battery plan then.

did wonder when it said could chargea phone battery in an hour
like wow!

makeitfit · 05-08-2009, 22:23

Na, they work a treat

I bought a bargain basement one off flea bay and use it for keeping the boat battery charged.
It's been ace and it's stuck out on the sea 9 months a year

Just make sure you get a voltage regulator with the higher output ones though. Which I think is over 15amps, but check

You can get flexi ones now too for sticking to roof and bonnet panels etc. Just so long as you're not walking on them

Deleted account DD · 05-08-2009, 22:42

I suppose theyre ok if you have no other option , we still user the smaller original one for keeping the battery topped up for the alarm when the van is parked up but it doesnt charge it from flat or run anything worthwhile (that was a maplins £40 a year or so ago). The bigger one was bollocks wouldnt run bot all, very dissapointing when you reckon how much it was (£100+)

In fact just thinking about it wasnt it Plank who had tried out some hefty solar panels to "live off" on his 12v exploits and found that the number of them or the size and cost was prohibitive ? I'm sure it was somewhere on here he posted about it

makeitfit · 05-08-2009, 22:49

When I said "Amps" what I really meant was watts of course

Stupid boy Pike

05-08-2009, 16:53	#1
Thomas-the-Terrano2 Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hackenthorpe Sheffield Vehicle: Terrano2 R20 lwb 2.7TDi Posts: 5,234	solar panels geting close to getting one, seen some neat permanent mounts on roof but for now may try a 'suitcase' model. towsure do a 13w output for just over a ton, and seen equiv at maplins for about 55 quid. looking to top up battery on non hook up sites and rallies, really trying to avoid a heavy smelly generator. have a second battery for emergency use and plan is still to charge it in car on days out either mounted under bonnet or in box in boot. any opinions if solars are worth it. maplin reckon a 13w will make about 800mA. __________________ M6YTB / 20YTB '60' 2010 Ford C Max Zetec 1.6i, black '56' 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0TD, silver 2021 Bailey Pegasus Grade SE Turin caravan Smile, its more likely to confuse. One Life, Don't Just Live It, Drive a Nissan, or ...... a Jeep. Owner of Nissan 4x4s 2005 to 2019, and maybe in the future too!

05-08-2009, 17:28	#3
Thomas-the-Terrano2 Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hackenthorpe Sheffield Vehicle: Terrano2 R20 lwb 2.7TDi Posts: 5,234	ta dave kings new clothes eh? maplins gone upto 79..99 still less than towsure. stick with 2nd battery plan then. did wonder when it said could chargea phone battery in an hour like wow! __________________ M6YTB / 20YTB '60' 2010 Ford C Max Zetec 1.6i, black '56' 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0TD, silver 2021 Bailey Pegasus Grade SE Turin caravan Smile, its more likely to confuse. One Life, Don't Just Live It, Drive a Nissan, or ...... a Jeep. Owner of Nissan 4x4s 2005 to 2019, and maybe in the future too!

05-08-2009, 17:11	#2
Deleted account DD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 4,705	We've had a reasonable powered solar panel (cost enough too) and it was bollocks Wouldnt bother mate unless you can get one that covers youre entire patrol roof and even then dont rely on it alone.

05-08-2009, 22:23	#4
makeitfit Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: on the beach WEST WALES Vehicle: Maverick TDi BLACK mmm Posts: 15,136	Na, they work a treat I bought a bargain basement one off flea bay and use it for keeping the boat battery charged. It's been ace and it's stuck out on the sea 9 months a year Just make sure you get a voltage regulator with the higher output ones though. Which I think is over 15amps, but check You can get flexi ones now too for sticking to roof and bonnet panels etc. Just so long as you're not walking on them

05-08-2009, 22:42	#5
Deleted account DD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 4,705	I suppose theyre ok if you have no other option , we still user the smaller original one for keeping the battery topped up for the alarm when the van is parked up but it doesnt charge it from flat or run anything worthwhile (that was a maplins £40 a year or so ago). The bigger one was bollocks wouldnt run bot all, very dissapointing when you reckon how much it was (£100+) In fact just thinking about it wasnt it Plank who had tried out some hefty solar panels to "live off" on his 12v exploits and found that the number of them or the size and cost was prohibitive ? I'm sure it was somewhere on here he posted about it

05-08-2009, 22:49	#6
makeitfit Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: on the beach WEST WALES Vehicle: Maverick TDi BLACK mmm Posts: 15,136	When I said "Amps" what I really meant was watts of course Stupid boy Pike