Solar Power

 
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jacktherev
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Solar Power

 ·  Posted: 08.04.2013  ·  #1
It would be good to get a cross section view on Solar Power. Although Ive got a Hondas Geni I'm thinking of having one fitted. Would I be better to keep my money and just use the geni as I need to take it with me for my wife's hair dryer.
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Re: Solar Power

 ·  Posted: 08.04.2013  ·  #2
We have been using a 120 watt solar panel on the van since we bought it.
I think it is great and really keeps the batteries topped up.

I have recently (last 8 days) had a few issues with the batteries which are draining quite quickly but the panel has brought them back up each day.

The only things we need mains for are the coffee machine and hair dryer.

Great for touring aires in France.
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Re: Solar Power

 ·  Posted: 08.04.2013  ·  #3
As you know we just got our 100watt panel fitted by RDLS.

Don't know how we done without it! by the time we wake up the batteries are charged and in the summer when it starts getting light a lot earlier they will be fully charged long before we get out of bed :)

I have a Genny too, but now leave it at home as I don't need it. Mains we can do without, a towel instead of a hair dryer and Julie's hair straightener's are 12 volt.
digger
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Re: Solar Power

 ·  Posted: 08.04.2013  ·  #4
by the time you wake up everybodys batteries are charged :D :D :D
CHAUSSON
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Re: Solar Power

 ·  Posted: 08.04.2013  ·  #5
Quote by digger

by the time you wake up everybodys batteries are charged :D :D :D


:lol: :lol: :lol:
Ally
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Re: Solar Power

 ·  Posted: 08.04.2013  ·  #6
Quote by digger

by the time you wake up everybodys batteries are charged :D :D :D


:lol: :lol: :lol:
eirebus
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Re: Solar Power

 ·  Posted: 08.04.2013  ·  #7
Ill say nothing :sleep:
jacktherev
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Re: Solar Power

 ·  Posted: 08.04.2013  ·  #8
well eirebus what are you thoughts? Share them without actually saying.
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Re: Solar Power

 ·  Posted: 08.04.2013  ·  #9
Evening All,

I had a 100 watt panel and regulator fitted by Simon at Leisuretech in Dromore March 2012.

The cost was about £370.

The panel has been great as it gives reassurance that we are unlikely to run low on power, it also trickle charges the leisure battery constantly (during daylight hours). I am led to believe this is good for the lifespan of the battery.

We rarely go to sites or use mains, although apart from perhaps occassional use of TV our electrical needs are quite conservative.

I noticed in the Roadpro catalogue on saturday that a 12volt hairdryer does exist, but naturally has a lower wattage output.

Interesting aside, I called with Simon on Thursday to see if he had a fuse spur for my Truma ultraheat. I had not been with him since he fitted the panel a year ago, and I had not used him before that. Almost his first words on thursday were ' how is that solar panel working out for you?'

Now that is impressive!!

Davy
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Re: Solar Power

 ·  Posted: 08.04.2013  ·  #10
Will the Solar panel keep the engine battery charged?
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Re: Solar Power

 ·  Posted: 08.04.2013  ·  #11
As far as I know it can be split to charge both leisure and vehicle batteries.
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Re: Solar Power

 ·  Posted: 08.04.2013  ·  #12
Quote by CHAUSSON

Will the Solar panel keep the engine battery charged?


Mine is set for 10% to engine battery and 90% Leisure, but can make it 50/50 or whatever.
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Re: Solar Power

 ·  Posted: 09.04.2013  ·  #13
yes Jack i would definately go down the solar route its quiet so you wont be driving your neighbours nuts and also far cheaper than a gennie it also works all day every day for free i am also thinking of getting one myself Rossdowney leisure are doing good deals on them at the moment
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Re: Solar Power

 ·  Posted: 09.04.2013  ·  #14
If you park under a streetlight at night you will also get a trickle charge.
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Re: Solar Power

 ·  Posted: 09.04.2013  ·  #15
my panel charges both. lights on control panel show charge in each battery
Brian
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Re: Solar Power

 ·  Posted: 09.04.2013  ·  #16
I think you guys have convinced me its just the price that bothers me a bit being a Donegal man. Got a quote today for a 150 WATT £500 and a 100 WATT £400. It's a lot of money. The 150 WATT is quite large and I don't have much room on the top of my van and Ive got 2 batteries and concerned that maybe the 100 WATT is not enough. Must say I am keen to go down this route.
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Re: Solar Power

 ·  Posted: 09.04.2013  ·  #17
Ring Willie at RDLS he is cheaper than those prices.
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