We are still in two minds about solar panels. We ordered our van without them as we are right on the max height for the shed. do they sit higher than the sky light? Just wondering what options there are? I have seen really thin ones on the market. Or do I see it I can remove and fit as need? And are they really worth having?
Solar Panels.
- Thread starter Mark8
- Start date
Hi Mark8,
We have a single factory fitted 150w panel on the roof, cover is on the van at the moment so cant 100% confirm for you but with Air Gap and Panel reckon it would be a very similar height to the skylights. Not sure if you have aircon on the roof but if you do it's definitely below that.
I'm very happy with the panel, we haven't needed a Genny yet. I wouldn't have a van without panels on the roof.
We have a single factory fitted 150w panel on the roof, cover is on the van at the moment so cant 100% confirm for you but with Air Gap and Panel reckon it would be a very similar height to the skylights. Not sure if you have aircon on the roof but if you do it's definitely below that.
I'm very happy with the panel, we haven't needed a Genny yet. I wouldn't have a van without panels on the roof.
If height ends up being an issue, go for folding portable panels. They in some ways are better than the roof as you can follow the sun with them. Especially as you don't normally park in the full sun.
BJ.
BJ.
While I only have portable panels and they are great as I can keep them out of shade area, they are vulnerable to theft where the roof mounted ones are more secure. It basically depends on how much non mains camping you are going to do.
I think you have two simple options:
1. Folding solar panels connected to your batteries via an Anderson plug, there are many panels at a reasonable price on eBay. I have used folding panels on our previous caravan and found them very good, especially when you can park in the shade and put the panels in the sun.
2. Another option might be flexible solar panels again they are on eBay, but a bit dearer than the folding panels. Always look at $ per watt to get a sense of value.
There is a guy who goes to various shows and has a web site who looks interesting as a supplier of solar panels and batteries, if you do not like eBay. He is located in Melbourne and appears to have a good technical knowledge and reasonable prices. I have no connection with his company and have not used his services.
https://solar4rvs.com.au/our-kits.html
Good luck
Terry
If you are going to be doing a bit of off grid camping then they are definitely worth having. As to whether you mount them or have them portable there are pros and cons to both types.
We have a portable 120w folding panel with 10m of lead which as @Bmhdg76 has said allows us to put the van in the shade and still catch the sun with the panels. The main problems with portable panels is you have to find somewhere to put them while travelling and they can be easily stolen if you are away from camp.
Mounted panels are far harder to steal and will give you the added benefit of adding power your van battery while you are driving. (in the daytime of course)
We have had our panel for several years and do a lot of off grid camping, I used to put them away if we were going to be away for the day but don't usually bother any more. It depends on where we are.
Although I don't have panels, I think if you got them through Jayco, they'd charge you an exorbitant amount of $$$.
I've borrowed my dad's portable Aldi panels and they worked great for the $250 they cost.
You'd be spewing if you get the van home and those roof panels won't fit under the shed. At least the vent you could remove easily enough.
And if your mainly doing weekend free camping you'll struggle to use all the power in the battery. The LED lighting and LED tv used stuff all power.
I've borrowed my dad's portable Aldi panels and they worked great for the $250 they cost.
You'd be spewing if you get the van home and those roof panels won't fit under the shed. At least the vent you could remove easily enough.
And if your mainly doing weekend free camping you'll struggle to use all the power in the battery. The LED lighting and LED tv used stuff all power.
Hi @Mark8 , we have 120 w folding portable panels, $189 ebay complete with carry bag. Work a treat. Use them to charge engel fridge battery in car, can plug to van via anderson plug.
Have a 6mm stainless steel cable I took off a small winch I didn't need, use it to run through my table, weber and panel, also add the bike etc as needed then padlocked to keep the crimes at bay.
Also we cover our van when stored , so we plug into 240 to keep charged when home.
Have a 6mm stainless steel cable I took off a small winch I didn't need, use it to run through my table, weber and panel, also add the bike etc as needed then padlocked to keep the crimes at bay.
Also we cover our van when stored , so we plug into 240 to keep charged when home.
not the A/C or fridge unless you go the compressor type fridge (run the fridge on gas), all your lighting and 12v tv and any 12v appliance you have.
Only the 12v items, so no Aircon, or microwave, unless you plan to run a generator. We run a small 1000w inverter for the small 240v items like chargers for cameras, iPads, computer and toothbrushes. We run a 12v TV/DVD combo for the kids,when free camping.
Ditto @BigSkiddy you both beat the slow Qlder...
Ditto @BigSkiddy you both beat the slow Qlder...
Well I am different - I enjoy a morning coffee, so use my 2000w inverter to run a Nespro POD and creamer. Can also run my microwave but as we try to free camp, we normally don't use the microwave. Have 2x100w Deep Cell AGM batteries & 200w panel.