What size Solar panel should I buy?

I have the 150W from Travelvolts linked up to the Redarc b2b charger rather than through a separate controller and I can’t believe how effective it is compared to our old 100w panel. It seems to suck huge amounts sun electron fairy dust stuff into the batteries.

We are running a Esrberspacher heater, fridge and LED lights overnight and the batteries are full by 10am and that is in Scotland in late September.
 
Markymark said:
I have the 150W from Travelvolts linked up to the Redarc b2b charger rather than through a separate controller and I can’t believe how effective it is compared to our old 100w panel. It seems to suck huge amounts sun electron fairy dust stuff into the batteries.

We are running a Esrberspacher heater, fridge and LED lights overnight and the batteries are full by 10am and that is in Scotland in late September.
Click to expand...
Markymark said:
I have the 150W from Travelvolts linked up to the Redarc b2b charger rather than through a separate controller and I can’t believe how effective it is compared to our old 100w panel. It seems to suck huge amounts sun electron fairy dust stuff into the batteries.

We are running a Esrberspacher heater, fridge and LED lights overnight and the batteries are full by 10am and that is in Scotland in late September.
Click to expand...
I have the same heater. As I said I am a compete novice so if I'm talking nonsense please tell me. I thought you needed a controller to stop your battery from overcharging. Does
your system do the same thing?
 
I'm trying to work out what size solar panel to fit. I run a 85 ah liesure battery. If I've done my calculations correctly my crx 50 fridge uses 33.6 ah per 24 hours and my led lights use 6.6 ah over 6 hour = 40.2 per 24 hrs.
 
In good sun every 100W should give 6A... or 6ah during the main part of the day.

In winter the same 100w panel my give you 2A .. or 2Ah.

So I'd say to get as much as you can... or practically 100-300w roof mount then add more panels mobile to top it up.

For it to work, you need enough power to over come the power draw when sunny from you kit, by enough margin to still be charging the battery.... maybe double your 40ah to 80ah...

So you need enough solar for 80ah, split over say 6hours... is 14ah for 6hrs.. which would be about the 200w(12A) mark.... using decent panels and z decent mppt controller.

See below for more info..

Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -

.

What Solar Panel & Controller ?

Solar Panel Cutting Hole In Roof !!!

300w Solar Club -- How I Done It --
 
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Yes as @Dellmassive said, as big as you can, you’ll average half the output that you think you’ll get if you average it out to allow for weather/sun angle/partial shade etc. Don’t bother with anything under 150W you’ll regret it, 250-300W is what you need
 
Dellmassive said:
In good sun every 100W should give 6A... or 6ah during the main part of the day.

In winter the same 100w panel my give you 2A .. or 2Ah.

So I'd say to get as much as you can... or practically 100-300w roof mount then add more panels mobile to top it up.

For it to work, you need enough power to over come the power draw when sunny from you kit, by enough margin to still be charging the battery.... maybe double your 40ah to 80ah...

So you need enough solar for 80ah, split over say 6hours... is 14ah for 6hrs.. which would be about the 200w(12A) mark.... using decent panels and z decent mppt controller.

See below for more info..

Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -

.
Click to expand...
Thanks for that Dellmassive.
 
Evening all, I've purchased mi first T6 van and I'm wanting to fit a solar panel to roof, also a 12 volt cigarette socket/panal. I will mainly running a 12 volt tv from a leisure battery, and the panel will just put charge back in to the leisure battery.
So,,
What a reasonable solar panel to get?
And is the 12 volt socket I've attached, is it suitable?

Thx in advance

Screenshot_20220112-210038_eBay.jpg
 
What space do you have? Can you mount rigid on empty metal roof? If so, my best recommendation will be any victron for small size. If you need big panel, 250w up, I would go for grid tie 60 cell plus panel.
 
Raul a/3 said:
What space do you have? Can you mount rigid on empty metal roof? If so, my best recommendation will be any victron for small size. If you need big panel, 250w up, I would go for grid tie 60 cell plus panel.
Click to expand...
The roof is empty. What's the difference between a rigid and flexible panel. Is a rigid harder to fit? And what size would I need to run and recharge the leisure battery.
 
You haven’t mentioned the solar charge controller between the panel and the leisure battery - what device do you plan to use ?

Pete
 
Those simple devices are OK, but if you can afford a better model (Victron possibly) then you get better performance.

Pete
 
HarryBash46 said:
The roof is empty. What's the difference between a rigid and flexible panel. Is a rigid harder to fit? And what size would I need to run and recharge the leisure battery.
Click to expand...
The size is entirely dependable on your usage. If you use 15-30ah per day, a 100-150w panel will be enough in fair weather. If you use 50ah per day, you will need 250-300w panel. Once you decided on the panel, then you chose a appropriate size controller.
The differences between flexi and rigid panel is longevity, and mounting. A flexy glued on metal roof without airflow will fail. You will need a SunPower, or MiaSol CIGS panel to stand any reasonable chance. A rigid panel is cheaper, more reliable, can be bolted or glued brackets, depending on size and surface of the roof.
 
For a 100w panel a victron smart 75/10 will be excellent. If you upgrade later, it has re sale value. Are you going for a 100w panel or something else?
Look at battery megastore for victron kits.
 
Raul a/3 said:
The size is entirely dependable on your usage. If you use 15-30ah per day, a 100-150w panel will be enough in fair weather. If you use 50ah per day, you will need 250-300w panel. Once you decided on the panel, then you chose a appropriate size controller.
The differences between flexi and rigid panel is longevity, and mounting. A flexy glued on metal roof without airflow will fail. You will need a SunPower, or MiaSol CIGS panel to stand any reasonable chance. A rigid panel is cheaper, more reliable, can be bolted or glued brackets, depending on size and surface of the roof.
Click to expand...
This is my first van and I'm new to this. Do you have any links to what need, or could you list them so when I buy the stuff I dont miss anything I need thx Raul
 
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