Roof solar is just a waste of money….

Jimbohorlicks said:
Just watch out for any panels going cheap. o_O
www.bbc.co.uk

Solar panels worth more than £10,000 stolen from energy farm - BBC News

Northamptonshire police say 80 solar panels were stolen and fencing left damaged by thieves.
www.bbc.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk
Click to expand...
Cannot fit any more on my roof😁😁
1692976114285.jpeg
 
What is becoming a worry to me, is the number of smashed up Solar panels along the side of the road.
I've seen 3 in the past 6weeks. That about 800 miles.
Have they become detached from vehicles roof one wonders, they could be deadly if they came through ones windscreen! 😱.
 
Jimbohorlicks said:
Just watch out for any panels going cheap. o_O
www.bbc.co.uk

Solar panels worth more than £10,000 stolen from energy farm - BBC News

Northamptonshire police say 80 solar panels were stolen and fencing left damaged by thieves.
www.bbc.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk
Click to expand...
I am on the lookout for some to build a 'covered' area for the motorhome.... but I suspect, and it's only a hunch, that some of the permanent traveller camps might be moving to to utilising more solar powered energy than they have been using previously... So there may not be a few more available on popular auction or selling sites, though of course selling 'acquired' ones and then buying legit ones with the money is akin to solar laundering...

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If I have six 12 volt batteries (AGM of course) connected to a mppt 50 amp solar charger being fed by three 150 watt and seven 75 watt panels running through 12 yards of an eighth of a inch copper cable without any wretched fuses to slow stuff down, will these mean our super star Viking striker will put Sheffield United to the sword this Sunday?

Just wondering...


JJ :cool:
 
Al n Val said:
Sadly I feel we are not talking about the same or even similar "high power" home cinema equipment I'd hoped you were referring to.

Not to worry and good luck in your mission to find the "right site" for you
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If I may politely ask, but what sort of system were you thinking of?
Something akin to what you get at the Multiplex , with electric lounger seats and a hole in the arms for a pint and your tub of popcorn, with a sound system Motorhead would be proud of?
Think you would need a VERY big van for that.
Or were you referring to an " at home" system, in a purpose built cinema room?
Just curious.
 
andyman said:
Lead acid, and I tend to buy the cheapest available from Tanya Batteries or the Battery Mega Store. Used to use Multicell in Leicester but they can’t compete on price these days.
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I cannot, without major electrical rejigging, fit Lithium to our 2001 van, but the more I read, Lead Acid and portable Solar, plus another lead acid as a spare, directly linked to 1 of the batteries seems a much better solution.
We are always in the UK, and invariably on sites but would just like occasionally to be "hook-up" free, as in, at a THS or rally.
 
Captain Yoghurtpot said:
If I may politely ask, but what sort of system were you thinking of?
Something akin to what you get at the Multiplex , with electric lounger seats and a hole in the arms for a pint and your tub of popcorn, with a sound system Motorhead would be proud of?
Think you would need a VERY big van for that.
Or were you referring to an " at home" system, in a purpose built cinema room?
Just curious.
Click to expand...

I can outline what I did, it’s really quite simple as it is two systems, just as at home. One is the display and one is the audio.

At home you might use some enormous 60”+ TV (I can remember when 24” was big) or maybe a projector and a screen for the display. That’s not needed for a camper due to space constraints - there’s a maximum distance between you and the screen and it’s not as much as you’d get at home. So you can use a small screen, useful as it’s less energy needed from the lithiums (they are really needed when getting onto this stuff with a camper). A 40” TV screen in a camper is enormous and can easily get in the way a bit, but it’s great for ‘in camper’ home cinema as it’s so close to your viewing point. A projector can be used to project onto a pull down screen if there is space, but it’s a real faff, makes a lot of noise and heat, and consumes a lot of battery capacity very quickly. It’s really only if you have your own field and can set up outside, or want to show off in an aire or site, making your own ‘drive in’

Then there’s the sound. It’s much easier than you think as all you need is a really decent sound system in your camper, with amp and sub and decent speakers. You just feed the TV audio out to the amp via a high quality fully shielded switchable RCA crossover. Yes it’s not the full monty Dolby Atmos 5.1 or 7.1 but in a camper the effect is still amazing. I had to faff around with filters and suppressors to not have to keep unplugging stuff and eliminate the electrical noise from engine, invertor etc - but I did in the end get to the point where I just push a button to switch between the Kenwood Apple car play head unit (for radio, iPod, audiobooks etc) and the home cinema but got there in the end. I’m happy to explain to anyone what to do, have a look at my camper ad first before I remove it.

And for those who chortle at my use of the term ‘high-power’, the Amp is a 6ch x 150W per channel music power Rockford Fosgate so 900W RMS, using 10 speakers and a 200W sub. Yes it is not as powerful or as good as the 27 speaker 1700W Meridian in my L405 Rangie but it is still plenty ‘high power’….

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MichaelT said:
Like some on here I'm beginning to doubt solar. For the past 10 days we've had an enforced stay on the Aire in Jaca due to a medical issue. We have 150w solar and 200a lithium with a votronic mmpt controller.

We have used Air fryer a lot, slow cooker and a fan 24*7 as its been 36c here. Problem is the sun does not get high enough over the mountains and trees till about 11 to put any power in and then goes about 3.30 as the trees block it. Been getting 5a charge when in full sun so our battery is never getting fully charged and is now down to 27%. Not a problem as we are moving today so will get an hours driving in which should put 20a back and its unusual for us to be stationary for so long (normally move every day or 2). I know 150w is not a lot but normally we get charged by driving and sun but having to try and get shade plus the position of the Aire has left us wanting. We had 10 days in Germany at the Christmas Markets in 2021 and never went below 50% but that was moving every day.
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Should have moved to Carrefour.overnight parking allowed along with water ,dump ++uninterrupted full sun with no shade
 
Am I losing the plot here?
"I can outline what I did, it’s really quite simple as it is two systems, just as at home.
…. Amp is a 6ch x 150W per channel music power Rockford Fosgate so 900W RMS, using 10 speakers and a 200W sub …."
For heavens sake, its a box on wheels you're in, and the walls are pretty thin ... !
Think of your neighbours, they will be the ones sitting outside with a G&T and talking (hopefully quietly, but they may be having to shout over the cacophony from your van), about tomorrows weather ....
Just get a pair of headphones.
 
Ok flame me if you want but what is the great thing about these b2b things.
When our engine is running it charges all three batteries, end of story,
What else can it do?
 
gus-lopez said:
Should have moved to Carrefour.overnight parking allowed along with water ,dump ++uninterrupted full sun with no shade
Click to expand...
Yes but at 36c it's too hot even in the shade. And by the Way we were the first to add the site to SFS but must admit shopping there today was dire but that's another thing.

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L' Hobo said:
What is becoming a worry to me, is the number of smashed up Solar panels along the side of the road.
I've seen 3 in the past 6weeks. That about 800 miles.
Have they become detached from vehicles roof one wonders, they could be deadly if they came through ones windscreen! 😱.
Click to expand...

There’s loads of threads on this forum about panels becoming detached. It nearly happened to me when I forgot to get rid of the silicone mound release agent and roughen mould surfaces before bonding the new plastic mounts to the roof. It’s very easily done. I only noticed when I did my ‘pull’ test and all six panels just came away from the roof. I still shudder to think what might have happened especially if it was someone on a motorbike behind.

In reaction i cleaned everything with solvent, roughened the surfaces (almost back to metal on the roof) and cleaned again before reattaching with the polyurethane. I couldn’t lift them off with a crow bar once set.
 
Arnside037 said:
Am I losing the plot here?
"I can outline what I did, it’s really quite simple as it is two systems, just as at home.
…. Amp is a 6ch x 150W per channel music power Rockford Fosgate so 900W RMS, using 10 speakers and a 200W sub …."
For heavens sake, its a box on wheels you're in, and the walls are pretty thin ... !
Think of your neighbours, they will be the ones sitting outside with a G&T and talking (hopefully quietly, but they may be having to shout over the cacophony from your van), about tomorrows weather ....
Just get a pair of headphones.
Click to expand...
We get by quite alright with no TV at all , we can find plenty to do without sitting in the van all the time.
 
dawsey said:
There’s loads of threads on this forum about panels becoming detached. It nearly happened to me when I forgot to get rid of the silicone mound release agent and roughen mould surfaces before bonding the new plastic mounts to the roof. It’s very easily done. I only noticed when I did my ‘pull’ test and all six panels just came away from the roof. I still shudder to think what might have happened especially if it was someone on a motorbike behind.

In reaction i cleaned everything with solvent, roughened the surfaces (almost back to metal on the roof) and cleaned again before reattaching with the polyurethane. I couldn’t lift them off with a crow bar once set.
Click to expand...
What's wrong with bolts through the roof?
 
dawsey said:
I can outline what I did, it’s really quite simple as it is two systems, just as at home. One is the display and one is the audio.

At home you might use some enormous 60”+ TV (I can remember when 24” was big) or maybe a projector and a screen for the display. That’s not needed for a camper due to space constraints - there’s a maximum distance between you and the screen and it’s not as much as you’d get at home. So you can use a small screen, useful as it’s less energy needed from the lithiums (they are really needed when getting onto this stuff with a camper). A 40” TV screen in a camper is enormous and can easily get in the way a bit, but it’s great for ‘in camper’ home cinema as it’s so close to your viewing point. A projector can be used to project onto a pull down screen if there is space, but it’s a real faff, makes a lot of noise and heat, and consumes a lot of battery capacity very quickly. It’s really only if you have your own field and can set up outside, or want to show off in an aire or site, making your own ‘drive in’

Then there’s the sound. It’s much easier than you think as all you need is a really decent sound system in your camper, with amp and sub and decent speakers. You just feed the TV audio out to the amp via a high quality fully shielded switchable RCA crossover. Yes it’s not the full monty Dolby Atmos 5.1 or 7.1 but in a camper the effect is still amazing. I had to faff around with filters and suppressors to not have to keep unplugging stuff and eliminate the electrical noise from engine, invertor etc - but I did in the end get to the point where I just push a button to switch between the Kenwood Apple car play head unit (for radio, iPod, audiobooks etc) and the home cinema but got there in the end. I’m happy to explain to anyone what to do, have a look at my camper ad first before I remove it.

And for those who chortle at my use of the term ‘high-power’, the Amp is a 6ch x 150W per channel music power Rockford Fosgate so 900W RMS, using 10 speakers and a 200W sub. Yes it is not as powerful or as good as the 27 speaker 1700W Meridian in my L405 Rangie but it is still plenty ‘high power’….
Click to expand...
Thank You.
Unfortunately I have absolutely no idea about this sort of thing, either at home or in the van.
Sound system in our van consists of a portable dab radio, capable of linking my phone to it for Spotify, and a 14" 12v or 240v cello TV and dvd player, and in the cab, a radio/cd player delivering to 2 door speakers.
And occasionally, I just sing.
And that's it.
Just can't get excited about tech stuff for multi media or hi fi, or high performance cars.
Only have bog standard TV's and Radios at home also.
Bit of a dinosaur really, but I do like walking, swimming, fishing , live theatre and shows,and talking with people in person, and teaching my grandkids how to play cricket and make models or build practical stuff.
Each to their own I suppose.
Oh, and on the occasions we can sit outside of the van in the evening, I like nothing more than sitting looking at the view, with a glass of something alcoholic, talking with my wife and occasionally others who may be joining us.

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chaser said:
What's wrong with bolts through the roof?
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Sadly, if you take into consideration the number of questions being asked about what sealant to use etc. that seem not to be the route most people who are fitting Solar, chose to use (even if they have never fitted a panel before and know little about the subject?)
It's scary! 😢
 
chaser said:
Ok flame me if you want but what is the great thing about these b2b things.
When our engine is running it charges all three batteries, end of story,
What else can it do?
Click to expand...

I promise never to flame you if you promise not to do the same to me :)

In a nutshell (I know I can waffle)

B2B is fantastic for lithium because lithium permits very, very fast charge. A 100Ah lithium can be charged at 100A, a 200Ah at 200A etc. If your alternator is up to it, you can charge at that, but most B2B are limited to 50A as it’s the safe side for most alternators.

You can’t do that with lead acid. High internal resistance severely limits charge as battery voltage comes up. It’s why it takes a day or two to fully recharge a flat car battery.

In short - a B2B will charge your lithium leisure batteries 10x faster than the good old elektroblok can charge the lead acids when the motor is running. It is a bit of a game changer.
 
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Arnside037 said:
Am I losing the plot here?
"I can outline what I did, it’s really quite simple as it is two systems, just as at home.
…. Amp is a 6ch x 150W per channel music power Rockford Fosgate so 900W RMS, using 10 speakers and a 200W sub …."
For heavens sake, its a box on wheels you're in, and the walls are pretty thin ... !
Think of your neighbours, they will be the ones sitting outside with a G&T and talking (hopefully quietly, but they may be having to shout over the cacophony from your van), about tomorrows weather ....
Just get a pair of headphones.
Click to expand...
We do think of neighbours. We aren’t hooligans. We were here through winter, dark and boring, often the only people on the aire, and with windows shut not much escapes to be heard by the nearest houses. Nobody to complain.
 
Captain Yoghurtpot said:
Thank You.
Unfortunately I have absolutely no idea about this sort of thing, either at home or in the van.
Sound system in our van consists of a portable dab radio, capable of linking my phone to it for Spotify, and a 14" 12v or 240v cello TV and dvd player, and in the cab, a radio/cd player delivering to 2 door speakers.
And occasionally, I just sing.
And that's it.
Just can't get excited about tech stuff for multi media or hi fi, or high performance cars.
Only have bog standard TV's and Radios at home also.
Bit of a dinosaur really, but I do like walking, swimming, fishing , live theatre and shows,and talking with people in person, and teaching my grandkids how to play cricket and make models or build practical stuff.
Each to their own I suppose.
Oh, and on the occasions we can sit outside of the van in the evening, I like nothing more than sitting looking at the view, with a glass of something alcoholic, talking with my wife and occasionally others who may be joining us.
Click to expand...

Not at all sir. We enjoy all the above things, we just found ourselves trapped in a camper van through a winter on deserted aires in darkest France and just tried to make the best of it.

As you say, each to their own.

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dawsey said:
I promise never to flame you if you promise not to do the same to me :)

In a nutshell (I know I can waffle)

B2B is fantastic for lithium because lithium permits very, very fast charge. A 100Ah lithium can be charged at 100A, a 200Ah at 200A etc. If your alternator is up to it, you can charge at that, but most are limited to 50A as it’s the safe side for most alternators.

You can’t do that with lead acid. High internal resistance severely limits charge as battery voltage comes up. It’s why it takes a day or two to fully recharge a flat car battery.

In short - a B2B will charge your lithium leisure batteries 10x faster than the good old elektroblok can charge the lead acids when the motor is running. It is a bit of a game changer.
Click to expand...
So if you havnt got lithium, your solar on the roof will keep your AGM batteries charged.
If you havnt got every electric gizmo known to mankind , your solar charged AGM s will keep everything running fine.
 
My last post on this (I find myself saying this a lot these days). I am tiring.

I admitted to Grommit I cocked up the title. I didn’t intend folk to get wound up. Of course I know solar power is fantastic. I know this better than most, I made a career out of running huge renewable energy power stations. One was the biggest of its type on the planet at the time. No doubt many will scream BS again, Dave you have my name on the email look me up on linkedin. Or watch S5 of extreme engineering…

I made a point only about solar being compromised, not always worth it, under certain user conditions and if mounted on the roof. Look at the thread title….

A remote array, if practical, is, for us, a far better solution in summer.

Jesus I thought I’d need popcorn.
 
chaser said:
Ok flame me if you want but what is the great thing about these b2b things.
When our engine is running it charges all three batteries, end of story,
What else can it do?
Click to expand...
It has nothing to do with lithium although lithium batteries can make very good use of a B2B but they work very well with lead acid batteries too. The point of a B2B is it can charge your leisure batteries much more effectively than the standard alternator system which was designed for recharging the cab battery. It does this by raising the charging voltage to the leisure batteries to a higher level than the standard charging system would. They also include a charging cycle so they reduce the voltage when appropriate.

Whether you need one is down to usage. I fitted ours after a trip down the Mosel in the autumn. We drove only short distances between stellplatz and the sun was low in the sky. Result was things ran down a bit. We managed but a B2B just recharges the batteries quicker. Typically in an hour what might take four or more hours driving.
 
dawsey said:
Not at all sir. We enjoy all the above things, we just found ourselves trapped in a camper van through a winter on deserted aires in darkest France and just tried to make the best of it.

As you say, each to their own.
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Yes I can understand your situation and everyone at sometime needs a " dark nights hobby".
I know we could not be confined to such a small space for such a long time as a winter, even lockdown was enough for us, and that was in a fully functioning house.
We would have to get to be near some sort of civilisation if only to get out once or twice a week to some sort of activity just to break the routine.
Could not spend all that time watching TV or with music holed up in our van.
We'd end up killing each other! :rofl:
 
dawsey said:
At home you might use some enormous 60”+ TV (I can remember when 24” was big
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Our first TV was 11" (I was 10), some of the poor people only had 9" .... I wonder if we ever believed we could ever get colour TV or 60+" TV's?

I suppose we never thought about things like that in those days, we were just happy to have what we had!

As for Motorhomes .... We didn't even have holidays, we were the first people in our street to have a car and people from surrounding streets used to walk past just to look at it !

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