Solar Panels to top up battery

janemalky
janemalky Forum Participant Posts: 1
edited February 2012 in Parts & Accessories #1

Hi all,Has anyone any advice on buying a solar panel that will top up battery for a week on a CL site please. Dont want to spend a lot on it but dont know where to start...there seems to be a few on ebay around 50 quid, was wondering if anyone has any techy
info on them and how to choose one?

Comments

  • kenneth600
    kenneth600 Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited March 2018 #2

    hi all, just need sum help and advice .we have just purchased a new caravan that as come with a tracker fitted . the caravan is in storage the tracker company ring me telling me that the battery is low so to keep battery topped up i need a solar panel but needs to be over 75 watts  and keep it in the van and not outside can anyone help me out sum advice many thanks

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2018 #3

    If you are going to fit one, get a decent sized job, say 150Watt out so and fit it on the roof.

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,196 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited March 2018 #4

    This thread, although lengthy, has great info.

    https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-together/discussions/welcome-hobby-talk/tips-for-making-caravanning-touring-cheaper/how-to-survive-a-non-240v-ehu-site/

    We have a solar panel which trickles to the engine battery too. A great boon,  just back from 3 months in NZ despite the bitter temperatures here in our absence, started immediately. Habitation battery does well too 😉

  • Boff
    Boff Forum Participant Posts: 1,742
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2018 #5

    This is I believe the correct answer.   It is as simply to fit a large panel as a small one.  So you might as well.  For the record I bought a 150W panel a couple of years ago it cost £130 a Morningstar controller and display £150, you can get controllers much cheaper btw.  Mounts cable adhesive another £60 or so.  Just sits on the roof keeping the battery charged.   Panels are pretty well commodities these days.  So don’t buy one from your friendly caravan dealer.   Don’t pay the inflated price for a Truma one either. 

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