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

Hi all, been reading this thread with interest. Being a total novice to camping and a new owner of a campervan I am really interested in solar PV systems. Our conversion is finished and waiting our collection on Wednesday, yeyyyyy. We didn't pick a solar PV system during the order as the converters suggested that we see how we go for now, and at the later date if we choose to have one fited we can do so. cost for a 100w is apx £800. They stated that it would be easy job as system is already prewired for a solar PV. Leisure battery is 75amp. We are not going to go off-grid camping staying max 1-2 nights close to the beach, and just use installed fridge and be careful with the internal lights.

So my question to you solar PV experts is could I just get this instead and simply clamp it onto a leisure battery and that would maintain its charge without running the risk of draining it.

Lensun 160W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Kit Waterproof Solar Controller, Battery Clips, Ready to charge battery & solar power station generator

Lensun 160W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Kit Waterproof Solar Controller, Battery Clips, Ready to charge battery & solar power station generator
www.lensunsolar.com www.lensunsolar.com

Many thanks in advance.
 
Yes you could. How you physically connect it to your leisure battery will depend on how accessible it is.

Pete
 
Pete C said:
Yes you could. How you physically connect it to your leisure battery will depend on how accessible it is.

Pete
Click to expand...

Aha, are they usually well hidden? I will have more idea when collected on Wednesday. If it's inaccessible, any other options?
 
Firstly, £800 for 100W, when the battery etc are already in o_O
For what you describe, you won't need it. If not camping off grid, I presume you'd look for hook up and have 240v, invertor etc?
Have a few trips and see how you go.
 
Last edited:
EdH said:
Aha, are they usually well hidden? I will have more idea when collected on Wednesday. If it's inaccessible, any other options?
Click to expand...
Wire it properly to the battery, with connectors that are accessible, as Delmassive and others have described further back in this thread. Doubt you'll need the solar though.
 
EdH said:
Aha, are they usually well hidden? I will have more idea when collected on Wednesday. If it's inaccessible, any other options?
Click to expand...

You need to get some cables onto the leisure battery connectors, with fuse, then a suitable connector on the accessible ends to connect to your panels.
It’s a simple job for an auto electrician if you aren’t familiar with what is needed.

Pete
 
EdH said:
Hi all, been reading this thread with interest. Being a total novice to camping and a new owner of a campervan I am really interested in solar PV systems. Our conversion is finished and waiting our collection on Wednesday, yeyyyyy. We didn't pick a solar PV system during the order as the converters suggested that we see how we go for now, and at the later date if we choose to have one fited we can do so. cost for a 100w is apx £800. They stated that it would be easy job as system is already prewired for a solar PV. Leisure battery is 75amp. We are not going to go off-grid camping staying max 1-2 nights close to the beach, and just use installed fridge and be careful with the internal lights.

So my question to you solar PV experts is could I just get this instead and simply clamp it onto a leisure battery and that would maintain its charge without running the risk of draining it.

Lensun 160W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Kit Waterproof Solar Controller, Battery Clips, Ready to charge battery & solar power station generator

Lensun 160W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Kit Waterproof Solar Controller, Battery Clips, Ready to charge battery & solar power station generator
www.lensunsolar.com www.lensunsolar.com

Many thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Yes you certainly can. As others have said connection will depend on how you plan to connect to the leisure battery. you’ve said the van is pre-wired for solar so it should be relatively simple to do.
 
EdH said:
Hi all, been reading this thread with interest. Being a total novice to camping and a new owner of a campervan I am really interested in solar PV systems. Our conversion is finished and waiting our collection on Wednesday, yeyyyyy. We didn't pick a solar PV system during the order as the converters suggested that we see how we go for now, and at the later date if we choose to have one fited we can do so. cost for a 100w is apx £800. They stated that it would be easy job as system is already prewired for a solar PV. Leisure battery is 75amp. We are not going to go off-grid camping staying max 1-2 nights close to the beach, and just use installed fridge and be careful with the internal lights.

So my question to you solar PV experts is could I just get this instead and simply clamp it onto a leisure battery and that would maintain its charge without running the risk of draining it.

Lensun 160W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Kit Waterproof Solar Controller, Battery Clips, Ready to charge battery & solar power station generator

Lensun 160W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Kit Waterproof Solar Controller, Battery Clips, Ready to charge battery & solar power station generator
www.lensunsolar.com www.lensunsolar.com

Many thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Hi ...Ideally you need the prewired cables to come out in a location that allows you to connect the mobile solar panel without windows or doors being open ( that was my first mistake ) and that the panel has a controller or if perhaps the converters fitted a duel battery charge system ..like a Ctek
my Mobil panels connect via the bonnet D5E68D43-FD00-43AC-9C65-B8783F2B59E6.jpeg
 
Ferry booked for the Pyrenees, so time to buy and test some 'top up' solar. I'm going for a 100W fold up portable job to plug into my CTEK 250SE. We run a fridge, some lighting and a couple of USB chargers. Also the diesel heater, but not really a summer issue. I have read this entire guide a couple of times (as nearly ordered last year), but can someone confirm a couple of things (or my stupidity) before I order:
1. Anyone any issues with the quality of DOKIO panels - I know Delmassive has them on 'his list'?
2. Can I swap the croc clips for ring terminals to connect to the CTEK, leaving a 'pig tail' at the driver's seat to plug straight into - bypassing the controller that comes with the panels? Any reason to run it through/not run it through the supplied controller (I'm assuming it's less efficient to)? Alternately get this with the correct connector.
3. The panels could be used anywhere, with the little controller, to charge via USB - in tent or whatever.
4. 240V hook up, back up - I'll get a charger as a back up, which will plug into the hook up cable we sometimes use. As it will be rarely used (hopefully), I'm thinking this one. Again a pig tail lead to the battery terminals for when it's needed, would allow the panels to be connected straight to the battery using the little solar controller (bypassing the CTEK).

I may also get a cheap bluetooth monitoring gizmo. Budget is fairly tight. Thanks again.
 
boxelder said:
Ferry booked for the Pyrenees, so time to buy and test some 'top up' solar. I'm going for a 100W fold up portable job to plug into my CTEK 250SE. We run a fridge, some lighting and a couple of USB chargers. Also the diesel heater, but not really a summer issue. I have read this entire guide a couple of times (as nearly ordered last year), but can someone confirm a couple of things (or my stupidity) before I order:
1. Anyone any issues with the quality of DOKIO panels - I know Delmassive has them on 'his list'?
2. Can I swap the croc clips for ring terminals to connect to the CTEK, leaving a 'pig tail' at the driver's seat to plug straight into - bypassing the controller that comes with the panels? Any reason to run it through/not run it through the supplied controller (I'm assuming it's less efficient to)? Alternately get this with the correct connector.
3. The panels could be used anywhere, with the little controller, to charge via USB - in tent or whatever.
4. 240V hook up, back up - I'll get a charger as a back up, which will plug into the hook up cable we sometimes use. As it will be rarely used (hopefully), I'm thinking this one. Again a pig tail lead to the battery terminals for when it's needed, would allow the panels to be connected straight to the battery using the little solar controller (bypassing the CTEK).

I may also get a cheap bluetooth monitoring gizmo. Budget is fairly tight. Thanks again.
Click to expand...

Can’t comment on the quality of the DOKIO panels, however with respect to your other questions:
2. Yes you should be able to swap the croc clips for a connection direct to the CTEK. ThisThe charger yo is exactly what I have done with my small 50W panel. I cut the cable between panel and supplied controller and inserted an Anderson connector. I then made a little pigtail connected to the CTEK with an Anderson connector on the other end. That way I can connect the panel directly to the CTEK, or to the supplied controller and use the clips to connect to my battery (I sometimes do this to the Starter battery). Just check the VOC spec of the panel is not greater than 23V which is the max the CTEK can take.
4. The charger you linked to is only 4A. I’d recommend a bigger one. I use a 15A charger. If I connect it to my starter battery it will charge both starter and leisure simultaneously as the CTEK sees the higher voltage on starter and kicks in. I rarely (if ever) connect it to the leisure battery.
 
Big.mac said:
The charger you linked to is only 4A.
Click to expand...
Thanks, I knew I must have missed something obvious at that price. Good call on charger to starter battery - does the ignition need to be on for the CTEK to switch across, I can't remember?
£30 15A charger here gives option of 12v socket too. I know you get what you pay for, but not expecting to use it except in emergency. I've got an investor that used to run a cool box, with 12v socket on (6A). I guess that could be adapted to run via the CTEK, as a back up?

Looking again at Delmassive's comments on the DOKIO, they've come down about 40% in price since last summer.
 
Last edited:
boxelder said:
Thanks, I knew I must have missed something obvious at that price. Good call on charger to starter battery - does the ignition need to be on for the CTEK to switch across, I can't remember?
Click to expand...
The CTEK will switch on if it sees a charging voltage on the starter battery even if the IGN is off (can’t remember the exact trigger voltage). I.e. if you connect an external charger it will work with the IGN off. The IGN needs to be on so the CTEK switches on when the voltage is below that level but the engine is running. As the T6 has a smart alternator, the alternator doesn’t run continuously with the engine so the charging voltage wouldn’t be there to trigger the CTEK. The IGN wire on the CTEK overrides this and switches the CTEK on even if the. Starter battery voltage is below the trigger level.
 
Big.mac said:
The CTEK will switch on if it sees a charging voltage on the starter battery even if the IGN is off (can’t remember the exact trigger voltage). I.e. if you connect an external charger it will work with the IGN off. The IGN needs to be on so the CTEK switches on when the voltage is below that level but the engine is running. As the T6 has a smart alternator, the alternator doesn’t run continuously with the engine so the charging voltage wouldn’t be there to trigger the CTEK. The IGN wire on the CTEK overrides this and switches the CTEK on even if the. Starter battery voltage is below the trigger level.
Click to expand...
Oh yeah, I remember that ignition connection now. Thanks.
 
as above . .

1 - A few Members have the Dokio kit (100w + 200W). . . i see it running last year at summer camp. For the price they are nice starter kits.

2 - Yes, i use Anderson connectors for the Battery power side, and MC4 PV connectors for the Solar panel side. CTEK do some nice quik-disconects that you could use. but remember the "23v VOC max PV input on the solar of the CTEK D250" (Yes you could use those SAE connectors also)

3 - Yes . . BUT. you are suppose to ALWAYS have a battery connected to the solar controller. so you cant use to JUST charge USB in a tent with NO battery connected. - but you could connect up a small battery like this for that scenario and use that setup as a mobile tent charge etc. : Yuasa - NP7-12 AGM S65-12V 7.0Ah - Sealed Lead Acid

4 - EHU & charger is a great idea. - Not sure i would go with that Charger specific personally, but yes that is the idea. just remember to FUSE ANY CONECTION to any battery whether using quick-disconnects or not.

5- Bluetooth Gizmo - Great idea : https://amzn.to/3bckrWx



have a quick look over these:


Battery Charger :


https://www.t6forum.com/threads/battery-chargers-how-i-did-it.10812/



DC-DC :


https://www.t6forum.com/threads/dc-dc-charger-for-leisure-battery-how-i-done-it.15066/



Battery Monitor :


https://www.t6forum.com/threads/battery-monitoring-how-i-done-it.15346/


.
 
Last edited:
boxelder said:
Thanks, I knew I must have missed something obvious at that price. Good call on charger to starter battery - does the ignition need to be on for the CTEK to switch across, I can't remember?
£30 15A charger here gives option of 12v socket too. I know you get what you pay for, but not expecting to use it except in emergency. I've got an investor that used to run a cool box, with 12v socket on (6A). I guess that could be adapted to run via the CTEK, as a back up?

Looking again at Delmassive's comments on the DOKIO, they've come down about 40% in price since last summer.
Click to expand...


as @Big.mac said the CTEK will have a IGN connection for normal operation. (when engine is running)

but the CTEK D250 has a AUTO VSR feature where it will (with the engine and IGN off) detect the starter battery charging and when the voltage is high enough, switch on and start charging the AUX battery also.

as above again, 4A is to small to charge 2x batteries . . so look for 10A+ , preferably 15A. . . connected to the starter battery. Then its should charge both batteries.


more info here:


www.t6forum.com

Charging Starter and Leisure batteries with same charger - Victron

Hi, Inspired by @Deaky build post, I was planning on installing a Victron IP65 Smart charger next to the Starter Battery and a 2nd one to charge the Leisure batter (110AH AGM). I've discovered the CTEK D250SE will still charge the leisure battery as long as the volts on the starter battery are...
www.t6forum.com www.t6forum.com




another option is to connect the EHU charger to the AUX battery . . . and then reverse charge the starter. as shown here:


www.t6forum.com

[Guide] Battery Maintainer (for Starter battery) -- How I Done It --

[Guide] Battery Maintainer (for Starter battery) -- How I Done It -- Right so its that time of year again . . . . . . . . Winter & (Lockdown 2020) The van might be layed up not being used, which will lead to a flat battery in around 3 weeks. The cold weather doesn't help the battery's...
www.t6forum.com www.t6forum.com

.
 
Last edited:
the refresh on the Dokio kits. (march 2021)

100W (£149) : Dokio 100W 18V PORTABLE FOLDABLE Solar Panel Kit 54 * 73cm, 2.7kg Efficiency 2 | eBay

Dokio 100W 18V PORTABLE FOLDABLE Solar Panel Kit 54 * 73cm, 2.7kg Efficiency 2


1614683035833.png


...

200W :
ebay.us

200W 18V Foldable Solar Panel Kit Lightweight(5.3KG,73x54CM) | eBay

HIGH CONVERSION EFFICIENCY: With high efficiency monocrystalline solar cell, you will get greater power efficiency even though the panel is smaller than a traditional model.
ebay.us

200W 18V Foldable Solar Panel Kit Lightweight(5.3KG,73x54CM)


1614683097595.png

**


they do any 80W version to but that not worth it vs the 100W version.
 
These versions available now in 2021 : Working out about £1 per Watt, so start off with a kit like this . . Then look at upgrading the solar controller at a later date,

for example to a Victron MPPT 57/15 (or other) : Victron Energy MPPT 75|15

80w - DOKIO 80W
100w - DOKIO 100W
150w - DOKIO 150W
200w - DOKIO 200w
300w - DOKIO 300w





DOKIO 100W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Kit Monocrystalline with Solar Controller USB Output For Caravan RV Boat Camper Any Other Irregular Surface








1614683318674.png


+-+-++-+-+-+-+-+-+


DOKIO 150W Solar Panel Kit Monocrystalline Portable Flexible Folding include Solar Charge Controller and PV Cable for 12V Battery Charging Camper Van



DOKIO 160W Solar Panel Kit Monocrystalline Portable Flexible Folding include Solar Charge Controller and PV Cable for 12V Battery Charging Camper Van : Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

DOKIO 160W Solar Panel Kit Monocrystalline Portable Flexible Folding include Solar Charge Controller and PV Cable for 12V Battery Charging Camper Van : Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science
amzn.to




1614683376440.png


+-+-++-+-+-+-+-+-+


DOKIO 200W 18V Foldable Solar Panel Kit Lightweight(5.3KG,73x54CM) Monocrystalline(HIGH Efficiency) with Controller USB Output to Charge 12V Batteries (All Types: Vented AGM Gel) RV Camper Boat



DOKIO 220W 18V Foldable Solar Panel Kit Lightweight(11.7lb, 29x21inch) Monocrystalline(HIGH Efficiency) with Controller USB Output to Charge 12V Batteries (All Types: Vented AGM Gel) RV Camper Boat : Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

DOKIO 220W 18V Foldable Solar Panel Kit Lightweight(11.7lb, 29x21inch) Monocrystalline(HIGH Efficiency) with Controller USB Output to Charge 12V Batteries (All Types: Vented AGM Gel) RV Camper Boat : Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science
amzn.to



1614683413826.png


+-+-++-+-+-+-+-+-+


DOKIO 300w Solar Panel Kit Mono Portable Flexible Folding include Solar Charge Controller and PV Cable for 12v Battery Charging Camper Van



DOKIO 300w Solar Panel Kit Mono Portable Flexible Folding include Solar Charge Controller and PV Cable for 12v Battery Charging Camper Van: Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

DOKIO 300w Solar Panel Kit Mono Portable Flexible Folding include Solar Charge Controller and PV Cable for 12v Battery Charging Camper Van: Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science
amzn.to



1614683456328.png



+-+-++-+-+-+-+-+-+
 
Dellmassive said:
as above . .

1 - A few Members have the Dokio kit (100w + 200W). . . i see it running last year at summer camp. For the price they are nice starter kits.

2 - Yes, i use Anderson connectors for the Battery power side, and MC4 PV connectors for the Solar panel side. CTEK do some nice quik-disconects that you could use. but remember the "23v VOC max PV input on the solar of the CTEK D250" (Yes you could use those SAE connectors also)

3 - Yes . . BUT. you are suppose to ALWAYS have a battery connected to the solar controller. so you cant use to JUST charge USB in a tent with NO battery connected. - but you could connect up a small battery like this for that scenario and use that setup as a mobile tent charge etc. : Yuasa - NP7-12 AGM S65-12V 7.0Ah - Sealed Lead Acid: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo

4 - EHU & charger is a great idea. - Not sure i would go with that Charger specific personally, but yes that is the idea. just remember to FUSE ANY CONERCTION to any battery whether using quick-disconnects or not.

5- Bluetooth Gizmo - Great idea : https://amzn.to/3bckrWx



have a quick look over these:


Battery Charger : https://www.t6forum.com/threads/battery-chargers-how-i-did-it.10812/



DC-DC : https://www.t6forum.com/threads/dc-dc-charger-for-leisure-battery-how-i-done-it.15066/



Battery Monitor : https://www.t6forum.com/threads/battery-monitoring-how-i-done-it.15346/


.
Click to expand...
1. Great to hear
2. :thumbsup:
3. No problem. I can't really see that happening, just curious. I remember reading somewhere in your guide that it needs a battery to 'allow' the output
4. Great - will probably just buy a charger and rely on croc clips connection if needed for now.
5. Thanks for the link

I have read through the threads a couple of times each over the last year, but prone to missing something obvious when ordering (hence the 4A charger). Thanks again.

Can't wait to start using the blinking thing again............ Roof rack and box arrive tomorrow, so fun to be had trying to get that and the awning rail to play nicely.
 
@Big.mac

Big.mac said:
The CTEK will switch on if it sees a charging voltage on the starter battery even if the IGN is off (can’t remember the exact trigger voltage).
Click to expand...


its >13.1v for more that 5sec according to the book.

I've not done testing on the D250se, but other users have reported that the AUTO VSR works with the IGN off and starter battery charged above the 13.2v level.



- CTEK D250SE - D250SE


1614685673543.png







1614685531950.png
 
Lensun Solar kit : March 2021 Refresh

LensunSolar

LensunSolar
www.lensunsolar.com www.lensunsolar.com

******
Lensun 100W 12V Portable Foldable Solar Panel Kit with Solar Controller with USB output for phones, Charge for Camping,RV,Boat (foldable kit)





1614686328826.png


***

Lensun ETFE Coating 100W 18V Black Portable Folding Solar Charger Panel for 12V Batteries, Completely Waterproof, Best and Thinnest Foldable Solar Panel (panel only)


LENSUN Innovative 110W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Suitcase Built-in Kickstand, 16ft Extend Cable, Lightweight, Waterproof, Super Thin, for Solar Generator Power Station RV Camper 12V Battery Charging : Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

LENSUN Innovative 110W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Suitcase Built-in Kickstand, 16ft Extend Cable, Lightweight, Waterproof, Super Thin, for Solar Generator Power Station RV Camper 12V Battery Charging : Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science
amzn.to


1614686367719.png



***

Lensun 200W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Blanket Kit with Waterproof MPPT Solar Controller and Cables,Charge for Solar Generator, Lithium Battery and Car Battery (blanket kit)



Lensun 200W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Blanket Kit with Waterproof MPPT Solar Controller and Cables,Charge for Solar Generator, Lithium Battery and Car Batterry: Amazon.co.uk: Garden & Outdoors

Lensun 200W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Blanket Kit with Waterproof MPPT Solar Controller and Cables,Charge for Solar Generator, Lithium Battery and Car Batterry: Amazon.co.uk: Garden & Outdoors
amzn.to



1614686412953.png


***

Lensun 200W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Kit with Innovative Leg Support to get Maximum Performance,Waterproof MPPT Solar Controller and Cables,Charge for Lithium Battery,Car Batterry and Solar Generator (foldable kit)


Lensun 200W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Kit with Innovative Leg Support to get Maximum Performance,Waterproof MPPT Solar Controller and Cables,Charge for Lithium Battery,Car Batterry and Solar Generator: Amazon.co.uk: Garden & Outdoors

Lensun 200W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Kit with Innovative Leg Support to get Maximum Performance,Waterproof MPPT Solar Controller and Cables,Charge for Lithium Battery,Car Batterry and Solar Generator: Amazon.co.uk: Garden & Outdoors
amzn.to


1614686513020.png


***

Lensun 360W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Blanket Kit with Waterproof MPPT Solar Controller and Cables,Charge for Solar Generator, Lithium Battery and Car Battery (blanket kit)



LENSUN Innovative 110W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Suitcase Built-in Kickstand, 16ft Extend Cable, Lightweight, Waterproof, Super Thin, for Solar Generator Power Station RV Camper 12V Battery Charging : Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

LENSUN Innovative 110W 12V Foldable Solar Panel Suitcase Built-in Kickstand, 16ft Extend Cable, Lightweight, Waterproof, Super Thin, for Solar Generator Power Station RV Camper 12V Battery Charging : Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science
amzn.to


1614686573505.png




***


also my favourite Flexible Black panels currently :


Lensun 100W 12V ETFE Black Flexible Solar Panel, Ultrathin Ultra Lightweight, PERC Mono Solar cells, for RVs, Campers, Boats,Camping (flex panel only)




1614686880005.png


***


Lensun® 2PCS 110W(total 220W) 12V Black Flexible Solar Panel, Top Quality for RV,Camper,Boat,Yacht Battery Charge (flex panel only)


Lensun® 2PCS 110W(total 220W) 12V Black Flexible Solar Panel, Top Quality for RV,Camper,Boat,Yacht Battery Charge

Lensun 110W 12V Black Flexible Solar Panel, Top Quality NOT the Cheap PET Flexible Solar Panel
www.lensunsolar.com www.lensunsolar.com

1614686963507.png


***




Lensun 2x50W(total 100W) 12V ETFE High Quality Black Flexible Solar Panel for VW T4 T5 Camper, Bus (flex panel only)


Lensun 50W Flexible Solar Panel for VW T4 Camper Van

Lensun 50W 12V Fiberglass Black Flexible Solar Panel for camper, caravan, rv, boat
www.lensunsolar.com www.lensunsolar.com


1614687031750.png







***
 
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