solar panels

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Deleted account DD]

lol...........I had images of the whole boat covered in solar panelling, and sitting very low in the water

[makeitfit]

You CAN get some huge Chinese ones now at stupid ratings
Friend of mine is trying to develop a hot tub thermal charging system with the Chinese
They be very helpful chaps
Just the ruddy EU costs a fortune to get CE regs passed etc

[CaptLimey]

Hi Thomas T2

I've been down the solar panel route, big time, and I can say that they are great - on a boat in the Caribbean! I had six of the biggest Seimens available at the time. They charged my boat batteries, ran the fridge freezer and the water-maker when the sun was clear and high.

But in the U.K. I'd venture to suggest that, with a moderate sized roof mounted non-directional solar panel, you would be hard pushed to do more than maintain a good charge in your house battery, without being able to run a lot of equipment. It really depends on the AVERAGE output of the panel.

If you want to use them as an alternative to hook up, you really need to determine exactly how much amp/hour input you need and that can only be established by checking the amp/hours consumption of the equipment you need to run on 12 volts.

Then you should check the claimed output of the panels available and buy enough to match the consumption of the equipment you want to run. Beware that the sellers always over-egg the claimed output and it is usually rated when the sun is clear and at 90 degrees to the panel.

It really is a matter of amps in versus amps out.

However if all you want to do is to keep your house battery topped up when disconnected from hook up and the car, then a small rigid roof mounted panel will probably suffice.

Unless you really have a need for them, avoid flexible panels, their output is much below the rigid panels.

Also, as previously advised, if you install a 'beefy' panel you might want to consider a voltage regulator to control the input and avoid 'cooking' your battery.

Regards CL.