Solart panels "permanent" install?

Multi1100 · Apr 14, 2022

Lot's of members here are fitting "permanent" solar panels, and I am questioning why...when in drive the household batteries will load according the standard Cali setup and equipment. If one (like me) wants to use batteries without using a hookup, you can charge your household batteries with (sun)light solar panels. That is the reason why I am looking for a fold-up kit incl. controller which I can store easily in the van during driving from one campsite to another. Really don't understand the permanent set-up or am I missing something?

kurienp · Apr 14, 2022

Multi1100 said:
Lot's of members here are fitting "permanent" solar panels, and I am questioning why...when in drive the household batteries will load according the standard Cali setup and equipment. If one (like me) wants to use batteries without using a hookup, you can charge your household batteries with (sun)light solar panels. That is the reason why I am looking for a fold-up kit incl. controller which I can store easily in the van during driving from one campsite to another. Really don't understand the permanent set-up or am I missing something?

@Multi1100 , the permanent one is less faff. That's about it. The panels on my van are permanent connected to the starter and the leisure batteries. I have not had to do anything to them since fitted.

We do not park up at a single location for long and so a fixed one works better as no packing up and needing storage space.

For a use case where you park up at a single location for long, a portable one can work better. Though Portable panels can be more prone to damage.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

GrumpyGranddad · Apr 15, 2022

Multi1100 said:
Lot's of members here are fitting "permanent" solar panels, and I am questioning why...when in drive the household batteries will load according the standard Cali setup and equipment. If one (like me) wants to use batteries without using a hookup, you can charge your household batteries with (sun)light solar panels. That is the reason why I am looking for a fold-up kit incl. controller which I can store easily in the van during driving from one campsite to another. Really don't understand the permanent set-up or am I missing something?

Each to their own I guess. We have 2 x 100w panels and they keep all 3 batteries topped up. Our camping display rarely shows less than >60 hours (and we leave the fridge on for much of the year). Wild camping peace of mind I suppose

WelshGas · Apr 15, 2022

Multi1100 said:
Lot's of members here are fitting "permanent" solar panels, and I am questioning why...when in drive the household batteries will load according the standard Cali setup and equipment. If one (like me) wants to use batteries without using a hookup, you can charge your household batteries with (sun)light solar panels. That is the reason why I am looking for a fold-up kit incl. controller which I can store easily in the van during driving from one campsite to another. Really don't understand the permanent set-up or am I missing something?

1. No storage requirement and No set-up.
2. Security
3. Always On. Driving with a vehicle with a Smart Alternator means driving between sites without EHU means Leisure Batteries will only get charged to 80% capacity if no DC to DC charger fitted in place of standard split charge relay. Solar Panels can assist in charging to 100% capacity whilst driving.
4. Liklihood of damage once installed negligible.

California_Ocean · Apr 15, 2022

It's fit and forget.

The batteries get charged fully every time the sun shines, regardless of how you use the van - even sitting on the drive in the winter. The fridge can run permanently in summer.

Short trips, long trips, popping down to the shops, going for a day out, camping for weeks on end ... always have cold drinks to hand and no need for a hook-up unless you need to use a mains powered appliance drawing more than 300W. My setup is almost finished ... looks like this ...

Vagophile · Apr 15, 2022

GrumpyGranddad said:
Each to their own I guess. We have 2 x 100w panels and they keep all 3 batteries topped up. Our camping display rarely shows less than >60 hours (and we leave the fridge on for much of the year). Wild camping peace of mind I suppose

Couldn't agree more. So far I have had no problems with one 100W panel. As to cabling, the RD solution is working well for me; I normally don't achieve speeds of 125 m.p.h. (at least, not in the California)

Mattsv · Apr 15, 2022

As above - fit and forget - apart from checking the app several times a day to see how it is performing . No having to store and set up temp panels, no worrying if they will be nicked if you walk away from the van. Ours get sunlight on the drive at home until lunchtime, and still pulls a charge even in the shade - I just leave my fridge on low permanently so it is always ready to go.

soulstyledevon · Apr 15, 2022

Vagophile said:
Couldn't agree more. So far I have had no problems with one 100W panel. As to cabling, the RD solution is working well for me; I normally don't achieve speeds of 125 m.p.h. (at least, not in the California)

Agree
Just reduced two panels to one. One is sufficient for our charging requirements.
Install and forget…

California_Ocean · Apr 15, 2022

California_Ocean said:
It's fit and forget.

The batteries get charged fully every time the sun shines, regardless of how you use the van - even sitting on the drive in the winter. The fridge can run permanently in summer.

Short trips, long trips, popping down to the shops, going for a day out, camping for weeks on end ... always have cold drinks to hand and no need for a hook-up unless you need to use a mains powered appliance drawing more than 300W. My setup is almost finished ... looks like this ...

View attachment 91859

Just noticed, at night the Victron MPPT 100/30 will be completely turned off, same will be true if the isolator is thrown to disconnect the panels - no bluetooth or anything - not sure I want this behaviour. Might well fit a manual switch to supply 12V to the Victron Argofet Energize terminal. This will cause the Argofet to supply a small current to the MPPT as normally the Argofet prevents any back-current to the charge source when charging stops.

Qnapper · Apr 16, 2022

Since we fitted one on the roof, can park/wide camp where ever we like. I Spain you cannot leave anything outside your van unless your on a campsite. 200 watts solar for us means we have not been on EHU for 6 months or more and that's using electric kettle, induction cooking and fan. No storage problem.

Wildcamper · Apr 16, 2022

As everyone, well most, says - fit and forget - no storage requirements. Something less to think about while enjoying the holiday.

MattBW · Apr 19, 2022

soulstyledevon said:
Agree
Just reduced two panels to one. One is sufficient for our charging requirements.
Install and forget…

selling the other one?

I have a folding panel that I can move about, it is probably higher yield because of position options and angle but its less secure and has the hassle of setting up and moving as required. I tend to think I will park the van in the shade so having a panel that can sit outside the shade works well for me.

Fit in forget you should you never really have to worry about flat batteries.

soulstyledevon · Apr 19, 2022

MattBW said:
selling the other one?

I have a folding panel that I can move about, it is probably higher yield because of position options and angle but its less secure and has the hassle of setting up and moving as required. I tend to think I will park the van in the shade so having a panel that can sit outside the shade works well for me.

Fit in forget you should you never really have to worry about flat batteries.

Already sold bud.
A chap from here had it about 2 weeks ago.