SOLAR POWER FOR CARAVAN
Submitted: Wednesday, Apr 11, 2012 at 14:20
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kevmac....(WA)
I have a small 12ft poptop caravan with a Waeco 12v only fridge and a few LED lights and 300w inverter(for laptop and device recharging). Yesterday we purchased a Engel Eclipse 40 ltr fridge(extended trip usage). Led lights to me relatively insignificant drain on deep cycle battery(110ah), Waeco fridge quotes average rating of 2.75 a and new Engel wanders somewhere between 2.75a & 3.5a apparently. Am looking at a solar system to basically float the battery and cover the drain of the 2 fridges . Have just read the article on solar in this website, but still a tad confused. After any advice on wattage of solar to look at to cover the fridges. I want to mount the panels on roof of poptop out of the way and want them to be able to power to some degree in low sunlight. I also have a 1kva Inverter gennie for which i use via a 20a smart charger to kick the battery.
Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Wednesday, Apr 11, 2012 at 15:01
Wednesday, Apr 11, 2012 at 15:01
300W plus another battery.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome
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Follow Up By: kevmac....(WA) - Wednesday, Apr 11, 2012 at 15:02
Wednesday, Apr 11, 2012 at 15:02
Bugga !!
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Reply By: Member - Carl- Wednesday, Apr 11, 2012 at 15:59
Wednesday, Apr 11, 2012 at 15:59
I agee with Peter on the number of panels and battery. I increased the ability of my panel by mounting it this way on gas struts to follow the sun throughout the day. If you have a pop top it stops the weight being directed to the roof as
well.
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Reply By: didjabringabeer - Wednesday, Apr 11, 2012 at 18:50
Wednesday, Apr 11, 2012 at 18:50
Hi. I have 2x80 and 2x50 mounted on my conopy, hinged so I can raise them.
I use 1x40lt Engel as fridge 1x80lt as freezer. 2x100ah batts inback to run Engels
and 12v tv at night. I get by with this setup.
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Reply By: Member - johntoyo - Friday, Apr 13, 2012 at 15:11
Friday, Apr 13, 2012 at 15:11
Hi kevmac, I don't want to get ito size of any pannels, only that you get as big as you can afford / mount.
Mounting directly flat on the roof is convenient, and secure but then removes the advantage of
parking under shade.
Mobile or adjustable are good as you can 'chase the sun'' but run the risk of being stolen, and the need to pack them away when you leave the van for the day etc.
Also the panels run best when cool, so they need to have as much circulation as possible and should no be 'flat'' mountedhard up against any surface whatever angle. Just watch the current climb when you hose them to wash.
All the best with what ever you decide upon
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