Portable <span class="highlight">solar</span> <span class="highlight">panel</span>

Can be done, purchase a panel with a good quality mppt controller but make sure it has a connecting cable going to the mppt controller that will allow you to cut, install a socket on the panel side of cable and a plug on the input side of the controller. Install a socket on the output side of the controller and a plug on the connecting car to the car/van.
When you want to charge the car plug in controller then plug your cable into controller.

When you want to charge van, unplug controller and connect cable directly to panel socket.

When you want to charge the car plug the controller in and then plug cable into controller.

Cheers
Leigh

Thanks Leigh
Can you suggest any particular solar panels and if so, where they could be purchased.

If you are getting portable ones, definitely look at the semi flexible ones. Much lighter and thinner. I replaced my 2 80W framed ones that were 75mm thick when folded and weighed 22kg with 2 panels that are about 5mm thick ( plus a small block) and about 6kgs. I can lift them and move them between 2 fingers easily. Only a small price premium these days.

Richard,
If your caravan's fixed solar system is being connected to the same regulator as the portable solar panels, you must ensure that the regulator has the capacity to connect both systems. Also if used in this way, all solar panels may need to be matched.

Another way is to operate the portable solar panels independently of the caravan fixed solar system, connecting a regulated input through the caravan anderson plug or through the vehicles rear anderson plug as required.


Regards

Dave G