60w or 120w Solar Panel?

banksey88 said:
That’s a hell of a saving. As I said in my reply above, is it a reasonably straight forward job to do myself after the conversion has been completed i.e. running in the cables, fixing to a pop top and setting up?
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Hi ..Can’t answer the question as mine are mobile so not attached to vehicle..as firstly not got a pop top and secondly if I need to replace a panel it’s just a simple swop...as some panels are glued to the roof or bolted down on roof rails so not as easy to change
i try and keep it all simple and cost effective ;)
 
If you don’t think you will use solar all the time, then mobile/portable/folding solar panels could be the way to go.
That’s what we went for, as a lot of the time we are on EHU, so don‘t need permanent solar panels.

If you do this, then you need to install a controller, and an easy way to hook up a portable solar panel. Much less installation expense. @Dellmassive is the master of this.

Pete
 
Firstly, I can’t believe that they’re trying to sell you a 60W panel (or even 2 of them!). Maybe they have got some (very) old stock to shift. Secondly, at that price, they’re taking the pee.
 
VanDamMan said:
Hi ..Can’t answer the question as mine are mobile so not attached to vehicle..as firstly not got a pop top and secondly if I need to replace a panel it’s just a simple swop...as some panels are glued to the roof or bolted down on roof rails so not as easy to change
i try and keep it all simple and cost effective ;)
Click to expand...
That’s an idea I’ve not really considered, but can’t see a problem with doing it that way. The battery will always be being charged while I’m driving from the alternator so solar is only really required when I’m pitched up.
 
have a look here for mobile setups . . .

www.t6forum.com

[Guide] Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -

Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It - There is loads of background to this . . . . . but for now here is a vid for you all. =] Just remember W = V*A and as a general rule a good 100W panel will give you up to 6A charge with good sun. 25w = 1.5A 50W = 3A 100w = 6A 200w = 12A 300w = 18A...
www.t6forum.com www.t6forum.com
 
banksey88 said:
That’s an idea I’ve not really considered, but can’t see a problem with doing it that way. The battery will always be being charged while I’m driving from the alternator so solar is only really required when I’m pitched up.
Click to expand...
If that’s the way you go ...make sure the controller ( like a Ctek 250 ) Is duel input..so use alternator and solar power to charge your leisure battery:)
 
banksey88 said:
That’s an idea I’ve not really considered, but can’t see a problem with doing it that way. The battery will always be being charged while I’m driving from the alternator so solar is only really required when I’m pitched up.
Click to expand...
Pete C said:
If you don’t think you will use solar all the time, then mobile/portable/folding solar panels could be the way to go.
That’s what we went for, as a lot of the time we are on EHU, so don‘t need permanent solar panels.

If you do this, then you need to install a controller, and an easy way to hook up a portable solar panel. Much less installation expense. @Dellmassive is the master of this.

Pete
Click to expand...
Pete C said:
If you don’t think you will use solar all the time, then mobile/portable/folding solar panels could be the way to go.
That’s what we went for, as a lot of the time we are on EHU, so don‘t need permanent solar panels.

If you do this, then you need to install a controller, and an easy way to hook up a portable solar panel. Much less installation expense. @Dellmassive is the master of this.

Pete
Click to expand...
Definetley something worth considering and sounds like a good saving if I’m going to have hook up most of the time.
 
Ayjay said:
Firstly, I can’t believe that they’re trying to sell you a 60W panel (or even 2 of them!). Maybe they have got some (very) old stock to shift. Secondly, at that price, they’re taking the pee.
Click to expand...
Yep, they sound very low power don’t they. I’m not 100% sure if they extras list is up to date though as as I’ve seen another option of 75w and 150w from them but not seen the prices.
 
Dellmassive said:
have a look here for mobile setups . . .

www.t6forum.com

[Guide] Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -

Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It - There is loads of background to this . . . . . but for now here is a vid for you all. =] Just remember W = V*A and as a general rule a good 100W panel will give you up to 6A charge with good sun. 25w = 1.5A 50W = 3A 100w = 6A 200w = 12A 300w = 18A...
www.t6forum.com www.t6forum.com
Click to expand...
Brilliant, just watched your video and looked at a few links and have a better idea now. Thanks for your help!
 
You will never regret having too much solar but too little is fairly annoying. Your alternator will not charge your leisure battery to 100% even on long drives. I run 150w permanently fixed to my poptop and have a 150w blanket that I connect via an external Anderson plug when needed or van parked in shade over hot weather. This allows me to be off the grid permanently when traveling. Battery is a 120ah agm. I run an 80w fridge, led lights , a planar heater and charge various phones etc off this setup.
 
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I fitted a 130watt panel to my pop top and would say if it's not sunny you could do with more. I only run the usual. Fridge, led lights, chargers for phones. I managed to run the cables after it was all converted. I would do some research. Definitely dont pay that price unless it was for a much bigger set up but even then if your good with your hands it's really not hard to fit yourself.
 
Pummer67 said:
I fitted a 130watt panel to my pop top and would say if it's not sunny you could do with more. I only run the usual. Fridge, led lights, chargers for phones. I managed to run the cables after it was all converted. I would do some research. Definitely dont pay that price unless it was for a much bigger set up but even then if your good with your hands it's really not hard to fit yourself.
Click to expand...
you can always add another 100w/150w (or more) mobile panel alongside your existing.

for when your parked up or camping etc.
 
I think I'm going to fit another 130watt panel but I've got to change my controller aswell. The kit I originally bought was cheaper than buying a new panel on it's own. Then I started thinking about a suitcase one but I'm undecided right now. I've got to buy a new leisure battery first and then choose what I'm guna do.
 
Pummer67 said:
I think I'm going to fit another 130watt panel but I've got to change my controller aswell. The kit I originally bought was cheaper than buying a new panel on it's own. Then I started thinking about a suitcase one but I'm undecided right now. I've got to buy a new leisure battery first and then choose what I'm guna do.
Click to expand...
Make sure you get an AGM or better battery.

dont bother with a standard SLA or deep cycle or heavy duty etc etc . . .

just get an AGM or Lithium. (just my personal opinion obviously)
 
I am guna go agm. I would like to go lithium but just cant warrant the cost right now. Alot of places have limited stock at the mo so I'm waiting so I have a bit more choice. I'm limited on height but can fit one just over 500mm long denim trying to get as big a battery as I can fit.
 
Pummer67 said:
I am guna go agm. I would like to go lithium but just cant warrant the cost right now. Alot of places have limited stock at the mo so I'm waiting so I have a bit more choice. I'm limited on height but can fit one just over 500mm long denim trying to get as big a battery as I can fit.
Click to expand...
or double up and have two . . . . . . .
 
Somewhere did have a deal on 2. I was hoping if I waited until after summer everywhere would get a decent stock back up and then I will have more choice. I have a temp lucas 95ah at the moment but I want to go up near 200ah.
 
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