covers over solar

BOZZY

Member
Jun 29, 2012
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coffs coast nsw
Hi all,
Noticed a thread about van covers and we are also in the market for a cover as well but have been holding off as I have a question, what do you do if you have solar on the roof, I have been told that you should disconnect because it may drain the batteries? Does this sound right?
Any feed back.
Thanks
 

Xpandafan

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Aug 24, 2012
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Nope. Cover goes over the lot, no issues if you panel(s) installed correctly. Just plug you van in every so often to keep batteries topped up.
... And like @relgate says, even gets a bit of a charge thru the cover on a bright day.
 
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relgate

Superstar
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Feb 2, 2012
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Doesnt sound right to me.
In fact, I'm sure members on here have found that their panels still charged the battery (if only slightly) whilst under cover.
.....but i am no expert.
 

Anthony Gentle

New Member
Jul 31, 2013
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Hi everybody,
Sorry to deflect from the topic but does anybody know how long a battery will last in my 17 56 2 if you have a 120 kW solar panel connected and you plan on running the fridge and HWS off gas.
We are planning a 7 night stay in an unpowered site and we have two small kids that Im sure will be watching TV morning and possibly night.
Appreciate your advice any your experiences..!!
 

Xpandafan

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Welcome @Anthony Gentle. Simple answer, as long as you need:biggrin-26:,
Water pump, LED lights blazing, exhaust fans, 12v TV, charge phone and iPad etc and my two batteries are usually fully charged again by morning tea time as ling as the panel(s) see a bit of light. Gas for HWS, fridge and stove usually get 3 weeks or more from 2x 8kg. Use smaller gas bottle for BabyQ. Try to only turn HWS on when going to need it, i.e. on 1st thing in morning, off after breakfast dishes done, etc.
Enjoy the freedom.
 

Anthony Gentle

New Member
Jul 31, 2013
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Thanks Xpandafan,
The only issue is that my van only has the single battery, will it survive the 7 days or do I need to add an extra battery?
 

BUSH PALACE

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Sep 4, 2011
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Hi depends on the ah of your battery but running your basics should be ok , as Expandafan suggests use gas for fridge and hws
 

relgate

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we have only one 110ah battery with 120watt solar in our 17 and I've never been able to make a dent in it! I think you would have to be in a solar eclipse or running some heavy machinery off the battery to cause a problem. Obviously, just keep an eye on the voltage and ease up on the TV if needed. Hang on, why are your kids inside watching TV, they should be outside throwing rocks and burning ants with a magnifying glass!
 

Xpandafan

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Aug 24, 2012
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Thanks Xpandafan,
The only issue is that my van only has the single battery, will it survive the 7 days or do I need to add an extra battery?
Hope the other guys have put your mind at rest. You'll be fine with lights, pump and telly, etc. My set up (2 x 110a/h batteries, 2 x 120w panels) is a bit of overkill...got a bit carried away (that was before I found this forum).
Managed lights/tv with 60w solar and 40a/h battery in Flamingo for 6 weeks without 240v charging. Relax and enjoy (maybe just don't camp under a dirty big tree).
 

Burnsy

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Mar 26, 2012
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Hope the other guys have put your mind at rest. You'll be fine with lights, pump and telly, etc. My set up (2 x 110a/h batteries, 2 x 120w panels) is a bit of overkill...got a bit carried away (that was before I found this forum).
Managed lights/tv with 60w solar and 40a/h battery in Flamingo for 6 weeks without 240v charging. Relax and enjoy (maybe just don't camp under a dirty big tree).
Not an overkill, you just need to run more things of 12v to justify.....maybe an inverter! :)
 
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