Caravan cover with solar panel

Flappa30
Flappa30 Forum Participant Posts: 33
edited March 2016 in Caravans #1

Hello all,

So we have a new van sorted that comes with a lovely 100W solar panel. My understanding is that this will keep the leisure battery charged while the van is in storeage (outside..Tongue Out ).
My question is...is it usual to keep the battery in the van over prolonged periods of storeage (i.e. winter), I'm assuming yes in order to keep the alarm active.

How do you get on with covers..? I've read about covers having clear panels included. Any problems with this..?

Comments

  • wye
    wye Forum Participant Posts: 241
    edited March 2016 #2

    Protec , will make a cover for your caravan .

    And ask where yr panel is fitted , they will asked for dimensions regarding the panel , they then will fit a clear plastic panel , there covers are a little pricey , but very good , , especially the easy fit type .

  • heddlo
    heddlo Forum Participant Posts: 872 ✭✭
    250 Likes 500 Comments Name Dropper
    edited March 2016 #3

    We have used a cover for a few years now, Protec.  Our recent one (2 years) has a clear plastic area for the 80w solar panel.  We have had no problems, the panel works well and keeps the battery charged all over winter and the cover is brilliant.

  • roosawf
    roosawf Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited March 2016 #4

    I agree with the other coments however having already purchaced a cover i would say spend around £25 and get yourself a 4W portable pannel, clip to the battery and secure to the outside in sunlight. I do this and keeps a trickle charge into my battery which
    not only keeps my alarm active but keeps enough charge to use my motor mover to move out from storage.

  • Flappa30
    Flappa30 Forum Participant Posts: 33
    edited March 2016 #5

    Thank you for the replies. I guess my concern would be for the durability of a 'clear' panel fitted into a cover. Will this be as long lasting as the rest of the cover..?

    roosawf...I like your thinking for someone without a solar panel fitted, but as our van will come with a panel we want to make use of it.

  • Marksailor
    Marksailor Forum Participant Posts: 57
    edited March 2016 #6

    Boat canopies often have clear plastic windows- they can last for years- but do need (a couple of times a year) a good clean and a treatment to make sure they don't go yellow. Traditionally, I ahve used Armorall spray which works well at keeping them clean-
    so I would think that you wouldn't have an issue with the clear panel on your cover- just avoid too manybird droppings building up on it!

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