DEFENDER2.NET - View topic - Solar panels and Caravaning

↓ Advertise on Defender2 ↓

Home · FAQ · New Posts · My Posts · PMs · Search · Members · Map · Calendar · Profile · Donate · Register · Log In

Home > Off Topic > Solar panels and Caravaning

Page 1 of 1

Print this entire topic ·

ARC99

Member Since: 19 Feb 2013
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 1831

2008 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Cairns Blue

Solar panels and Caravaning

I am looking for some help and advice about solar panels while away caravanning for a week with no access to a 240volt supply.

I have a small 60w solar panel connected to the caravan which charges the on board 100 amp battery which works okay.
I have two 110 amp batteries that are used to power S.H.M.B.O.'S hair drier, the awing led lights and to boost the 100 amp up to 210 amp using one 110 amp battery.

I could take a small 1kv generator with me but could only use it for 2 hours per day (site regulations/rules) but I feel this would not give sufficient out put to charge the three batteries to full.

I am therefore considering the purchase of two 100w solar panels which can be connected together to charge what is in effect a 220 amp battery. Not knowing anything but the basics of solar panels I am having doubts about my choice and therefore need some help.

Have I made the right assumption that what would be a 200watt solar panel being able to recharge my 2 110 amp batteries or is it over kill.?

Also what cable would I need to connect the batteries together to prevent power drop or burning the cable? Don't make old people mad.
We don't like being old in the first place,
so it doesn't take much to

us off.

Richard

22nd Jul 2016 7:47pm

Lorryman100

Member Since: 01 Oct 2010
Location: Here
Posts: 2686

I have 2 x 100watt panels running through a PWM regulator on 6mm2 cabling charging 2 x 110Ah batteries and the engine battery ( When in storage) on our motorhome. This is enough battery power to run the MoHo for 3 days without the solar panels. The solar panels and the engine (when driving around) keep the batteries topped up. The problem arises on the choices of what to fit as there are plenty of products to choose from. Have a look at the below link which has pages and pages of advice on solar panels, regulators, cabling etc etc.

http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/forums/solar-power.13/

22nd Jul 2016 10:26pm

VeeTee

Member Since: 06 Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1512

Some basic calculations may help:

To recharge an empty 220 Ah battery you need 220 Ah... A 200 W solar panel delivers 200/12 =16,7 A. So you need the panels delivering full output for 220/16,7=13 hrs.

Offcourse you wont drain the battery completely so lets say only 50% then you need 6,5 hrs sunshine. But you also have to account for less then 100% charging efficiency and variable sun conditions...

So in fact it is very difficult to do exact calculations, but in general with moderate sunny weather and not to extensive battery usage I would say with this set up you would be be ok. Cheers, Vincent
1959 Polynorm 1/4 Ton Trailer, Olive Drab Green (sold)
1970 M416 Military Trailer (Camping Trailer Conversion), Epsom Green (sold)
1975 Series III 88 V6, Light Green (sadly sold)
1996 Defender 110 CSW 300 Tdi, Epsom Green (sold)
2000 Freelander 1 TD4 3-drs, Silver (sold)
2006 Freelander 1 TD4 5-drs Facelift Automatic, Tonga Green (sold)

MySite

23rd Jul 2016 7:51am

ARC99

Member Since: 19 Feb 2013
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 1831

T hanks for the replies. Time to start looking at what's available and reading. Don't make old people mad.
We don't like being old in the first place,
so it doesn't take much to

us off.

Richard

23rd Jul 2016 7:26pm

Page 1 of 1

All times are GMT

Jump to

< Previous Topic | Next Topic >

Posting Rules

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum