New system needed

[Raul]

Also, those panels are the EFT type, the resin on top of the cell goes yellow with the UV, that is the poorest version of flexible panels you could get.
Get some from a good supplier that looks after customer service.

 

[Freo]

These any good? (Thinking of dimensions.)

MIPV Solar

MIPV is the new generation of solar technology for mobile applications. Thin & flexible solar panels for Fleet, leisure, carports & off grid.

mipvsolarpanels.co.uk

 

[autorouter]

I’ll looking into doing the 2 x 150 to start as suggested, each into a port into a nice big MPPT so I can add more after. Is it best to get an MPPT which can take 4 feeds so nothing’s in series?

Solar panels usually use MC4 connectors, separate positive and negative connectors. You can get Y connectors (branch connectors) that fit 2 panels onto one wire pair. Repeat for 3 or 4 panels. MC4 connectors are weatherproof, so you can have the branches on top of the roof, and connect them all to a single pair of wires down through the roof to the controller. Motorhomes usually have the panels connected in parallel with Y connectors, not in series.

 

[Minxy]

But if the OP has a panel van they will have difficulty attaching flexible panels to the corrugated roof most have.

It's not a problem at all - when I put semi-flexibles on our last PVC I just used Sikaflex, the fact that roof was 'corrugated' meant that they got some air flow under them to keep them cooler.

 

[Minxy]

Is it best to get an MPPT which can take 4 feeds so nothing’s in series?

No need, you can either use the 'Y' connectors to connect 2 panels to one set of leads (which need to be able to take the input from both panels at peak output), or as I did on our last PVC when I fed the existing wires that were already attached to each panel down (2+ and 2-) and connected them to the single + and - input points on the controller.

Battery wise I’m still thinking AGMs - just go for as much Ah as I can fit and afford?

Don't ... just don't ... gels are better ... honestly they are!

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[Sooz52]

These any good? (Thinking of dimensions.)

MIPV Solar

MIPV is the new generation of solar technology for mobile applications. Thin & flexible solar panels for Fleet, leisure, carports & off grid.

mipvsolarpanels.co.uk

It fits in a couple of places thanks. I like those 150w 55 wide ones - if I can get good ones like those I’ll be happy,

 

[Sooz52]

No need, you can either use the 'Y' connectors to connect 2 panels to one set of leads (which need to be able to take the input from both panels at peak output), or as I did on our last PVC when I fed the existing wires that were already attached to each panel down (2+ and 2-) and connected them to the single + and - input points on the controller.

Don't ... just don't ... gels are better ... honestly they are!

Te the connections I might come back about that after a schenatic!
Gel it is then, many votes for

 

[Sooz52]

Solar panels usually use MC4 connectors, separate positive and negative connectors. You can get Y connectors (branch connectors) that fit 2 panels onto one wire pair. Repeat for 3 or 4 panels. MC4 connectors are weatherproof, so you can have the branches on top of the roof, and connect them all to a single pair of wires down through the roof to the controller. Motorhomes usually have the panels connected in parallel with Y connectors, not in series.

Thanks, useful explanation

 

[bigtwin]

Te the connections I might come back about that after a schenatic!
Gel it is then, many votes for

But only if you can provide the correct charging regime - can you?

Ian

 

[Sooz52]

But only if you can provide the correct charging regime - can you?

Ian

Erm.
So I’m trying for up to 600w if I can fit them (maybe including a folding one). I’m in Spain so generally 8-14 hours sunshine. The draw is 1 laptop plus water pump and lights at night. And occasionally charging the battery bricks and phone (though I will try to do that more when driving).

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[Richard n Ann]

A typical laptop uses 50w. LED lights maybe 6w, pump hardly anything because it's just used briefly. Phone charger about 6w ?? why do you want 600w solar on the roof? Seems excessive to me. We've got 150w solar and one 80ah gel battery and it's well over the top for what we use. (Which Is the same as you but TV instead of laptop)

 

[bigtwin]

Erm.
So I’m trying for up to 600w if I can fit them (maybe including a folding one). I’m in Spain so generally 8-14 hours sunshine. The draw is 1 laptop plus water pump and lights at night. And occasionally charging the battery bricks and phone (though I will try to do that more when driving).

No, its not about the capacity of the input you have (solar/charger) it’s about the charging profile. Your charge/solar controller needs to charge the batteries at the correct voltage/duration. The different battery technologies require different charging regimes. I made reference to what you should check in an earlier response.

Ian

 

[Sooz52]

A typical laptop uses 50w. LED lights maybe 6w, pump hardly anything because it's just used briefly. Phone charger about 6w ?? why do you want 600w solar on the roof? Seems excessive to me. We've got 150w solar and one 80ah gel battery and it's well over the top for what we use. (Which Is the same as you but TV instead of laptop)

Thanks for helping with numbers.

 

[Sooz52]

Ok I’m going to start with a battery change - something like this (gulp on the price!!)

Batería gel 12V 110AH VICTRON - Baterias web

Capacidad: 110 Ah (C20) Polaridad: Izquierda Terminal: mate Largo 330 mm. Ancho 171 mm. Alto 220 mm. Peso: 33 kg. Garantía: 12 meses. Referencia: BAT412101100 FICHA TÉCNICA VICTRON Aplicaciones: Náutica, Energías renovables, Sillas de ruedas, Carros de golf, Caravanas , Envíos Gratis 24/48h

bateriasweb.com

 

[Sooz52]

check that your charger has a suitable charging regime. If it does it will typically be a little slider switch on your charger.

Ian

no switch on my MPPT

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[bigtwin]

no switch on my MPPT

I was referring more to your charger. Those familiar with MPPT devices may be able to say more about those. However the fact is your batteries require an appropriate charging regime.
What does the manual for your MPPT device say?

Ian

Edit: a quick google on my I-phone while out walking the dogs shows that this controller can charge different battery types:
<Broken link removed>
What does your manual say?

 

[peterc10]

This is spring, and it will soon be summer. I doubt that you will need anywhere near 600W of solar in Spain for at least the next 7 or 8 months. We usually go to Spain in the spring and autumn. And we probably use as much, if not more, power than you. We have 250W on our roof and in our experience our batteries are fully recharged before noon on nearly all days. Remember the solar starts working long before you get up!

I doubt that you will be able to even fit 600W on to your roof, given the shading caused by open rooflights (essential when the sun is up), vents and aerials. Why not start with 300W with a decent MPPT controller that can take more and then see how it goes. Also get a good battery monitor, that can tell you exactly what goes in and out of the batteries at any time and what state they are really in. Just reading the voltage to determine this simply does not work when you are charging all the time with solar. We use a Victron BM700. It is no good knowing how much energy your solar is putting in if you do not know how much energy the rest of your motorhome and its contents are pulling out.

As for batteries, people who have tried buying them in Spain have commented on how expensive they are when compared with the UK. May be better to look at some UK suppliers who will deliver to Spain.

 

[Rodneyplonker]

We overwinter in both Spain and Portugal for 4 months every year In our Hymer. It has 2 x 100 solar panels going through a Victron MTTP controller. All lights are LED as is the Avtex TV. we also have a Oyster Sat dish and charge two electric bike batteries twice a week. I charge an IPad and mobile phone every day. Our batteries are 2 x 90 amp Varta Silver professionals. We have never had to switch anything off to avoid discharging less than 50% but I am thinking of adding a further battery so I don’t have to even think about over discharging - particularly if running the heating for prolonged periods.
To be fair, we occasionally go on a site to do washing and use hook up for one night... perhaps once a week or so. Although, we have actually managed without hook up for 4 consecutive weeks and used a local launderette. If I was starting over, I might consider lithium??

I think 2 x 150w panels with suitable gel batteries would be more than adequate for your needs. A B2B charger may also help if you move about regularly.

i hope this helps.

 

[Sooz52]

Some more very helpful comments thanks.
Just to add, I work from home all day 4 days a week and all year round, with laptop charging all day, so I need to cater for winter. I really could do with using a second screen too; screens seem to be quite power hungry; I’ll try to use the TV but the quality may not be good enough.
That’s why I’m looking at full power. I am going to fit the maximum panels I can with the roof space I have, and carry an extra portable panel.

 

[Sooz52]

I was referring more to your charger. Those familiar with MPPT devices may be able to say more about those. However the fact is your batteries require an appropriate charging regime.
What does the manual for your MPPT device say?

Ian

Edit: a quick google on my I-phone while out walking the dogs shows that this controller can charge different battery types:
<Broken link removed>
What does your manual say?

Ok I think I get what you’re asking. I have an MPPT regulator with is the charge controller - are the regulator and charger sometimes different units?
Looking at the manual I can change the charging curve with jumpers in the box. However it’s max 120w per input so I’m going to get another box (I can use this one for a portable panel)

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[Sooz52]

As for batteries, people who have tried buying them in Spain have commented on how expensive they are when compared with the UK. May be better to look at some UK suppliers who will deliver to Spain.

I can’t imagine anyone’s delivering now, however anyone have UK sites to recommend?

 

[Raul]

Meadotech ltd, I have used in the past several times. Delivery to EU, and customer service is spot on. These are professionals and build complicated automation systems.
They have ebay shop as well.

 

[Sooz52]

Meadotech ltd, I have used in the past several times. Delivery to EU, and customer service is spot on. These are professionals and build complicated automation systems.
They have ebay shop as well.

Ace thanks

 

[bigtwin]

I can’t imagine anyone’s delivering now, however anyone have UK sites to recommend?

Tanya batteries?

I think that Minxy Girl may have posted a link in an earlier post?

Ian

 

[Sooz52]

Looking at the Victron website at MPPT regulators, is Max nominal PV the max wattage of panels I can put on? So if I mange to fit 500w on my roof and I’m 12v I need to go for the...
SmartSolar MPPT 100/50

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[Sooz52]

Meadotech ltd, I have used in the past several times. Delivery to EU, and customer service is spot on. These are professionals and build complicated automation systems.
They have ebay shop as well.

Checked out - actually prices in uk and Spain seem pretty much the same when you use the exchange rate - I’m comparing victron gel same model.

 

[Sooz52]

Tanya batteries?

I think that Minxy Girl may have posted a link in an earlier post?

Ian

Checked out too, maybe a little cheaper but only about 10€ a unit, so I’ll stick with ordering in country. Thanks

 

[Sooz52]

Also get a good battery monitor, that can tell you exactly what goes in and out of the batteries at any time and what state they are really in. Just reading the voltage to determine this simply does not work when you are charging all the time with solar. We use a Victron BM700.

Do you have to have 1 monitor per battery? I can’t see anything clearly about what you need for 2 batteries.

Scratch that - I found the fact sheet; I can get a model with 2 inputs. sheethttps://www.victronenergy.com/blog/2019/08/27/battery-monitors-and-monitoring-solutions/

 

[Raul]

Looking at the Victron website at MPPT regulators, is Max nominal PV the max wattage of panels I can put on? So if I mange to fit 500w on my roof and I’m 12v I need to go for the...
SmartSolar MPPT 100/50

That’s what I got on my van, two panasonic 295w, total 590w with a victron 100/50, a bmv 700 batt monitor, a GX digital control panel, a1600va/12v inverter charger and a victron Orion 12-12/30 dc charger from the alternator and 400ah LiFePo4.

 

[Sooz52]

That’s what I got on my van, two panasonic 295w, total 590w with a victron 100/50, a bmv 700 batt monitor, a GX digital control panel, a1600va/12v inverter charger and a victron Orion 12-12/30 dc charger from the alternator and 400ah LiFePo4.

Wow that’s a lot of kit. My plan is:
Solar panels up to 600w or whatever I can fit
MPPT regulator - Victron 100/50 seems right
2 x Victron 12V/110AH batteries
Possibly Victron 702 battery monitor

To what end the rest of your kit? Are they really needed?
Control panel - what’s this adding?
Inverter charger - is this your 12v to mains power inverter? If so I have one though haven’t had to use it yet.
DC charger from alternator- is this for when you’re driving? I have a small inverter plugged into my cigarette lighter for charging on the move.
400ah LiFePo4 - a lithium battery, right? Wow, expensive!!

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