Saturday, Mar 31, 2012 at 22:53
Hi
John,
possible charging methods are:
alternator, mains powered charger, solar panel/regulator
You can use any combination of the above, but one charging source should be 'precise'.
Let me give you an example:
your alternator voltage is set to 13.8v.
This voltage is good enough to re-charge your battery to about 80% within a short period of time, but won't get you to 100% anytime soon.
But to keep your battery healthy you need to fully charge it at least once a week.
For this, you can use a quality mains powered charger, or a quality solar regulator.
Now to your question:
there are two options for the size of solar panel, depending on whether or not you want to rely solely on solar, or use the alternator as a supplementary charging source.
E.g. a 40 Watt rated panel makes about 10Ah which would run your TV for about 3 hours on a sunny day. For the other loads you probably need the same panel wattage again, so 80 Watts all up.
But you could still just use a 40W panel for all your loads, if you're prepared to run the motor for about 15~20 minutes in the morning.
A good solar regulator will then precisely charge the battery to 100% during the day.
It's also important that the battery can absorb charge at a sufficiently high rate of about 60A.
If you need help with sourcing any of the required components just get in touch with us.
cheers, Peter
AnswerID:
482015
Follow Up By: johno59 - Sunday, Apr 01, 2012 at 06:49
Sunday, Apr 01, 2012 at 06:49
Peter, Thanks, When I had the deep cycle battery fitted the sales people told me that all I needed to do was connect mains supply to the normal inlet 240 plug on the van and ths would be sufficent to fully charge the battery, The voltmetre shows 12,8 volts. Is this then ok? Can you overcharge wuth this method?
john
FollowupID:
757321
Follow Up By: johno59 - Thursday, Apr 05, 2012 at 15:10
Thursday, Apr 05, 2012 at 15:10
Thanks Peter, Your advice has been a great help. I think I really need a 80 watt solar panel system to provide the amps we need. Running the car for 10 min a day is an option, but still does not give a 100% fully charged battery which is needed on a weekly basis to get the most life out of it. Can you supply such a unit and the fittings/wiring need to install the unit ? Also, our local suppliers claim some of the cheaper units won,t work on cloudy/overcast days or in shaded areas.What do you know abouit this aspect and THANKS
john
FollowupID:
757611