What size Solar panel should I buy?

[Raul a/3]

Here is a good example with glued brackets.

Victron 175W Mono Solar panel kit with SmartSolar MPPT, Mounts, Cables & MC4 | eBay

175W Victron Energy Solar Panel Kit. Waterproof design ensures the panel can be used in all weather conditions. • Exceptional low-light performance and high sensitivity to light across the entire solar spectrum.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Raul a/3]

Another example with bolt on brackets.

Victron Energy 175W Solar Panel Complete Kit with SmartSolar MPPT 75/15 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Victron Energy 175W Solar Panel Complete Kit with SmartSolar MPPT 75/15 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[HarryBash46]

Thx Raul, which would you use? Glue or fixed brackets?

And is the 12 volt socket I posted in first post ok to use?

 

[Raul a/3]

Personally I prefer bolted to the roof. However, sometimes this is not possible due to insulation and ceiling coverings. Many have used with great success glued brackets. Preparation is most important when the brackets are glued with sikaflex 512 or the stronger 521-522. They all good adhesives, as long as you follow the manufacturer instructions thoroughly.
Socket, i have no experience with that type. I go for branded CBE, individual. Not a panel.

 

[HarryBash46]

What about the 12 volt socket I posted, would it be ok to use Raul?

 

[Raul a/3]

Here

12v Cigar AUX Socket CBE for Caravan Camper Van Motorhome RV 12 Volt Cigarette for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 12v Cigar AUX Socket CBE for Caravan Camper Van Motorhome RV 12 Volt Cigarette at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

And usb

12v CBE C-Line Double Dual USB Socket Charger For Motorhome Campervan Caravan T5 | eBay

12V CAMPERVAN PREMIUM RANGE. CBE DOUBLE USB SOCKET. CBE C-LINE MODULES. Camper Van 12v Fuse Box 6 Way Blade Fuse Box Marine Caravan Self Build 12v 24v. GRAPHITE GREY RANGE. 1A / 2.1A usb's. Waterproof dust cover.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Mick]

Hi Pete,
The kits I've looked at come with one as in the photos

View attachment 141347

View attachment 141348

I had one of them controllers and it lasted less than a year. my Victron 75/15 controller is great. I have a had a 100W rigid solar panel on my van since new (4 years). It had to ne changed out once already and the new one is deteriorating. I think it is the constant rattling it gets during travel.

My advice FWIW is get a portable suitcase model if possible and affordable. @Dellmassive has done a number of posts in the forum along with a couple of other guys.

 

[Raul a/3]

Hello @Mick, what make was your solar panel that failed?

 

[Mick]

Hello @Mick, what make was your solar panel that failed?

I cant remember to TBH. But I think it was PV Logic supplied by Solar Technology International.

 

[Raul a/3]

Thank you for the reply. It’s always best to go with grid tie panels as they stand a good chance to outlive the van, but I understand this is not always possible. In the small panel category it’s victron, miasol and not many other accredited panels. On grid tie panels used with mppt it’s best option, but limited by roof space for some, and sometimes payload.

 

[James1982]

Hi
I am looking at solar panel options. I have a ctek charger fitted and wanted to connect to that. Also how are you getting the cables from the roof into the van?
I have running in my van , crx50 fridge, diesel, heater , lighting and a couple of USB s for phone charging? Any suggestions on what size solar panel?
Cheers
James

 

[James1982]

Maybe a 12v tv, even looking at the foldable ones that can sit on the windscreen?
Cheers
James

 

[Dellmassive]

the CTEK is good for about 400W max.

But you must make sure you dont go above the 23v VOC max input of the charger or damage will ocure.

multiple panels will need to be connected in parallel.


size wise: for " crx50 fridge, diesel, heater , lighting and a couple of USB s for phone charging" id be looking at 100-300w solar PV range and 100-200ah worth of battery.

more solar = more charge power / quicker charge

more battery = longer run time



more info here:



******************************************************************

SOLAR:

• Solar Pwm & Mppt Controllers - How I Done It -
• Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -
• What Solar Panel & Controller? - How We Done It -
• Solar Panel Cutting Hole In Roof !!! - How We Done It -
• 300w Plus Solar Club -- How I Done It --
• Solar Sheds & Other Non-t6 Solar Projects - How We Done It -
• [Guide] Solar Cables? . . . - How I Did It -

*****************************************************

 

[James1982]

Thanks

 

[Pete C]

We use a portable folding panel, as we often use hookup on sites. It means we don’t need to carry a panel around all the time.

Pete

 

[James1982]

Yeah I usually use hook up s , it's just for the times it's not possible. Which one do you use Pete?

 

[Pete C]

We have a 125w folding panel. Can’t remember which model, but the technology moves so fast it will have been superceded by now.

Pete

 

[James1982]

Cheers

 

[Dellmassive]

The Renogy 100w & 200w solar suitcase kits come highly recommended.

 

[Chris Sherwood]

This is our flexible panel. It works well but I am not sure what size it is.