Possible Alternative To EHU

Tinwheeler
Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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edited September 2016 in Certificated Locations #1



This is a thought on a subject which partially overlaps another thread. Perhaps the experts among us could say if it's feasible.

I wonder if it would be technically possible, or cost effective, for a CL to install a solar panel (or panels) to provide a DC supply, similar to a vehicle's alternator output, to a 13 pin in-line socket at each pitch?

This would allow the caravan's plug to connect to the SP to supply the battery charger, and possibly fridge, to work as if on tow. It would be easy to fit an overload cutout to prevent excessive current draw which would prevent abuse of the system by any
inconsiderate user.

I realise that this would not help MHs that are used as caravans and left sited for several days.

Comments

  • Fysherman
    Fysherman Forum Participant Posts: 1,570
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    edited September 2016 #2

    That's a great idea TW although it's not difficult to attach a Solar panel to a caravan battery. Two wires and job done. 

    Both need a solar controller but in many case it's part of the panel 

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited September 2016 #3

    I was pondering that at Severn House Farm as they have clearly gone to some trouble to set it up but electricity no longer available (when they dug the lake they removed the eleccy quite a few years ago.)  My solar system at home has just had an extra added
    whereby the electricity is stored - but I am not sure how long you could run a fridge on Solar for - and set up costs would be considerable? 

  • Fysherman
    Fysherman Forum Participant Posts: 1,570
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    edited September 2016 #4

    Well pippah you have hit on the next big thing. Storage 

    The car company Tessla have produced such a storage system that costs very little. 

    It's so impressive I have now have shares in the company. Surprised

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited September 2016 #5

    But do not some  modern c/vans already come fitted with hundred watt soler panels,we have a portable panel that is capable of keeping our battery charged ,

    Not sure if i would want fridge on 12volt for long periods i do not think 12v goes via thermostat ,gas works at lower temps i think?

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2016 #6

    Thanks, all.

    I was thinking of probably a smallish panel on each pitch. The cost would be minimal with no infrastructure or ongoing maintenance cost. A separate storage facility would not be required as the energy would be stored in the caravan's battery. Hence, this
    is only a 12v DC supply.

    I had doubts about the fridge but the idea was mainly aimed at battery charging.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,387 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2016 #7

    I would sooner have my own panel. It would give more flexibility

    Peedee

  • Navigateur
    Navigateur Club Member Posts: 3,880 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited September 2016 #8

    . . . and it is a little more difficult to steal.

  • Merve
    Merve Forum Participant Posts: 2,333
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    edited October 2016 #9

    But do not some  modern c/vans already come fitted with hundred watt soler panels,we have a portable panel that is capable of keeping our battery charged ,

    Not sure if i would want fridge on 12volt for long periods i do not think 12v goes via thermostat ,gas works at lower temps i think?

    Write your comments here...it wouldn't! Well, not an absorption fridge anyway but a compressor fridge it might! In fact I was told at the NEC by a company who knows about these things that it would! Particularly with a decent sized panel - If I were to start a CL (I can dream cant I?) i would have a 200w panel on each pitch! However, its not the panel by itself, the caravan would have to have a decent amount of battery storage ie say at least 2 x 85ah batteries to be able to fully utilise what was being produced. I could of course hire batteries to them and the controller but then would I want to be lugging batteries around? Probably not. Its a nice idea but a bit more complicated than it first appears. I think Ill stick with peedees idea and keep my own panel!

  • crusader
    crusader Forum Participant Posts: 299
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    edited October 2016 #10

    I doubt it would work our 150 roof mounted panel is fine in even cloudy weather but not as good as in bright sunlight and a controller would be needed on a panel over 80 before being attached to the battery

  • dennisps
    dennisps Forum Participant Posts: 51
    edited October 2016 #11

    It has sort of already been done!! Newton Grove CL near Banbury (worth a visit!)... They have a
    mobile solar station for use by visitors.

  • Johnny57
    Johnny57 Club Member Posts: 369 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2016 #12

    Hi Dennisps
    Just found your post in this discussion, would like to thank you for the kindly mentioning us!
    Regards,
    John Clifton
    NEWTON GROVE, Barford Road, South Newington, BANBURY, OX15 4LN
    E: newton.grove@btconnect.com
    P: 07941 747864
    W: newtongrove.co.uk
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewtonGroveCL

    photo Solar1 slider.jpg

  • tigerfish
    tigerfish Forum Participant Posts: 1,362
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    edited November 2016 #13

    I suspect that the future will indeed see more and more of us using solar power in our caravans and MH's.

    I will readily accept that I know little or nothing on this subject and without wishing in any way to negate the OP's suggestion (which might well be a way forward), I would appreciate a grass roots appraisal of the plusses & minus's of Solar Power for our
    vans etc.  On a separate thread if necessary.

    TF

  • tigerfish
    tigerfish Forum Participant Posts: 1,362
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    edited November 2016 #14

    Sorry Pardon, Have just discovered what i asked for under the Parts & Accessory section.

    But Crikey it does sound complicated, - but is it really?

    TF

  • Johnny57
    Johnny57 Club Member Posts: 369 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2016 #15

    Hi tigerfish

    If you haven read it already a good post to have a look at is in - Alternative Energy -

    http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/community/discussions/information,-technical-tips-advice/parts-accessories/Alternative-Energy/rt/265748/

    by John Therat

    Regards,

    John Clifton

    NEWTON GROVE, Barford Road, South Newington, BANBURY, OX15 4LN

    E: newton.grove@btconnect.com

    P: 07941 747864

    W: newtongrove.co.uk

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewtonGroveCL

    photo NGrove2VanPhotoBucket.jpg

  • tigerfish
    tigerfish Forum Participant Posts: 1,362
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    edited November 2016 #16

    Wow, what a post!  However it still sounds a bit overly technical for this old warhorse.  Nevertheless I may well opt for a couple of freestanding panels next year to see how I get on.

    TF

  • Johnny57
    Johnny57 Club Member Posts: 369 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2016 #17

    TF

    Free standing panels would be a great idea and you will see whats possible! We have had people stay who use fold out ones

    All the best John, Newton Grove CL

  • moonchip
    moonchip Forum Participant Posts: 106
    edited December 2016 #18

    We're fully set up for non-EHU wild camping. As a supplement to our solar panels we have a 6 meter 12-S cable to run from the car to the caravan. This way, the  car can be at fast idle (but far quieter than any generator) and can supplement any 12 volt requirements

  • triky auto
    triky auto Forum Participant Posts: 8,690
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2016 #19

    We're fully set up for non-EHU wild camping. As a supplement to our solar panels we have a 6 meter 12-S cable to run from the car to the caravan. This way, the  car can be at fast idle (but far quieter than any generator) and can supplement any 12 volt requirements

    Write your comments here...The cost of a fast running car engine ?? Compared to a 'genny ' ??Surprised.

  • moonchip
    moonchip Forum Participant Posts: 106
    edited December 2016 #20

    Not exactly fast - the hilux 3.0 idles at 750 rpm so I set it just above, around 950-1000. It can idle for hours without the fuel gauge moving.

    I would only buy a Honda generator (for relaibility & build quality) as anything else is a waste of money IMHO, and they don't come cheap. Then you still need fuel, most likely petrol.

    I've already got the car so the cost of diesel versus the above combined cost is inconsequential :)

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