I'm generally researching installing a solar system on our caravan, mainly to keep the battery charged whilst not in use.
We don't do much freestyle camping so not trying to run 'everything' off the grid.
I realise that an MPPT controller is preferred but looking around various web sites and suppliers they appear to vary in price a lot and no doubt quality.
After doing my own research I found the Redarc 1225 bc-dc controller would best suit my needs as it is a solar controller and 12v battery charger in one. Google Caravan and Motorhome books by Collyn Rivers for free info from an expert.
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Greet everyone as a friend, its up to them to prove you wrong.
If all you want is to keep the battery charged while not using the van then a small panel and any cheap controller would do so long as it has a float function that it goes into after the battery is fully charged. That is three function voltage steps that also suit your battery type. Hard to justify a MPPT regulator for this or even more for a Redarc gold plated unit. Indeed a 240V mains charger that does this float function is probably the easiest answer.
However your lack of supplied details, eg battery type and size, current panel size, current charger/method etc make it hard to say anything more specific. Do you park the van in the shed or outside in the yard in the sun or what ?
At present there is no panel, that will be part of the job.
As it is only a two year old van there is a 240v charger and 100 A.H. deep cycle battery but the charger has no provision for solar thus the original question.
On our latest trip we used a generator for topping up the battery when needed but would prefer to do away with that weight and inconvenience.
On that occasion we were on Trilby Station, 125km from Bourke and were bush camping.
We mainly travel inland and usually use caravan parks but for various reasons we will probably try and get away from parks in future. Again though, I don't expect these will be extended periods.
And...we like to keep the cover on. We are in a retirement village and feedback from another person here indicates that they were getting good results from their system with the cover on. At least keeping the battery 'topped up'.
Previously we parked our van adjacent to our house so had 240v plugged in most of the time that is not possible here though.
Keith.
-- Edited by Sparkster on Tuesday 16th of February 2016 03:13:02 PM
Well if you want to do some real solar charging then a MPPT reg/controller is worth it. I have used a Tracer which are commonly available on ebay as well as other suppliers and are the best priced of the good ones which actually work. Others may be fakes and not really MPPT. Here is one from an Aussie supplier;
It has the optional meter also which is good to tell you what is going on. The panel size will determine the actual amps required of course but my suggestion is to get bigger rather than smaller so you could expand if you find you want to. 200 W would be good with that battery IMHO.
I have heard that a large solar panel will keep the battery topped up even under a cover but have no experience. You could always cut a flap if necessary !
As for the panel, buy the biggest you can afford or fit etc. I have bought several lots off ebay and had no problems. Aussie sellers and free freight usually to your door. You can afford to buy twice++ as much panel(s) than you will get from a shop for the same price. I test them for output and they have all been up to specs.
Thanks Jaahn, that's given me some good info. to follow up.
As I look at this further I realise I may as well go to about 200w and build on that if need be.
Our previous van also bought new, was ordered by us with solar included and worked fine with about a 130w panel however as it worked well I took no notice of the controller quality or brand etc. just checked it from time to time.
I did use it for running some auxiliary lighting but didn't look much further, probably because when it rained more water came into the van than stayed out and we couldn't get rid of it fast enough.
Thanks.
Keith.
-- Edited by Sparkster on Wednesday 17th of February 2016 09:41:17 AM
I could ask what else you have that uses power and see what your uses are. The critical thing is the fridge as it uses power 24/7 and you do not want it to go off. If you have a gas one then no problems there. That battery size is a bit minimal for a fridge. Ideally you should wire the power users from the reg so it can shut them down to protect the battery.
A bigger panel may be an overkill but on bad days it will still keep some power coming in. Then on good days use the extra power to charge everything up and do things while the sun shines etc. Turn the music up very loud for a change
I currently have a Victron MPPT reg/controller. But they are expensive and I purchased it on a very special deal. It also does not have a inbuilt meter either so I have some other meters. Not worth the extra money IMHO for your use.
On advice from Jaahn I got one of them solar controllers
They are excellent mate
I own the 40 amp model running to 2x120 amp Batteries
So far very satisfied
Off the top of my head it's the TV, Foxtel and minimal LED lights we run.
Heating cooking and the fridge are all gas.
Keith.
Hi Keith,
With the restricted 12v use you have it should be OK with that battery.
Good to see some other feed back from people too. I have no experience with the Jaycar unit but most of their solar gear is way overpriced and as I said I have purchased things from Ebay or some places like 12 Shop and been happy. But I have purchased some heavy wiring cable from Jaycar cut to length.
Jaahn wrote:If all you want is to keep the battery charged while not using the van then a small panel and any cheap controller would do so long as it has a float function that it goes into after the battery is fully charged.
If you are just getting a panel to maintain a battery when it is not in use you don't need a regulator. Just get yourself a 5 W panel. A panel that small will keep a float voltage on the battery and is too small to damage a battery.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
