Solar Specialist needed on South Coast

[ColHold]

I've purchased a Sprinter converted to a campervan advertised as 'off-grid' fitted.
But, I'm unhappy with the standards of both the solar installation and the 12V wiring/accessories. I'm looking to find a qualified expert who, for a fee, will come to Milford on Sea, examine the vehicle and make a written report on their findings. I expect that the initial visit will not be until January or early February.
Someone with an academic background would be ideal and some history of fitting out commercial van conversions highly desirable. The commission could suit someone who is retired after a relevant work background.
If you post a reply, please give only contact details, email or phone, so that the position may be explored in a 1:1 environment.

 

[The Wino]

I'm afraid I've got no useful contacts for you but reading between the lines if you're thinking about going down a legal route to contest whether they sold your van truly described I would make that very clear to the person you find to do the report. I'm my working career I did once act as an expert witness when someone in the same profession was being sued. It took a LOT of time and I didn't do anymore. I think the person writing the report needs to have clearly set out your expectations in what the report is going to be used for and who will pay for opinions replying to any subsequent correspondence.

 

[ColHold]

I'm afraid I've got no useful contacts for you but reading between the lines if you're thinking about going down a legal route to contest whether they sold your van truly described I would make that very clear to the person you find to do the report. I'm my working career I did once act as an expert witness when someone in the same profession was being sued. It took a LOT of time and I didn't do anymore. I think the person writing the report needs to have clearly set out your expectations in what the report is going to be used for and who will pay for opinions replying to any subsequent correspondence.

Many thanks. I take this on board and intend that the position is explained well before any 'instructions' are delivered. C

 

[Brains]

If you want it fixed, then get in touch with VanBitz of Taunton.
You take the van to them, they assess what needs doing and quote.
(They have a nice camp site next door)

I'd also ensure anyone producing any sort of report is made well aware of who the report is for.

I used to work for a large global company, full of experts in our fields.
Many with decades of experience of writing highly detailed reports about when expensive machinery (costing hundreds of millions to replace) goes wrong.
We used to regularity be called as expert witnesses at the High Courts in London, the Hague and others, and we had a scale of fees that in effect doubled for every day in court (whether called or not). The invoices by this sector made the company millions every year..

About a decade ago it was decided that the day rate money was not enough for the work and risk involved, also the company insurers would not cover it, if it all went wrong. So as a company the policy became no minor the issue, no matter how simple to fix or write a one page report to get it back to the straight and narrow, No one was going to do damage/accident/design fail reports, and appearing as an expert witness was banned.

Suing for knowingly misspelling can open a large can of worms.
You may win morally, you are highly unlikely to win financially.

 

[GMLS]

These guys might be interested

Motorhome Workshop. AWS-Approved. Supply & Fit.

Find out why we're one of the best independent vehicle specialists in Sussex. System upgrades. Accessory supply & fit. Call our expert team on 01903 213141.

www.motorhomeworkshop.co.uk

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[ColHold]

If you want it fixed, then get in touch with VanBitz of Taunton.
You take the van to them, they assess what needs doing and quote.
(They have a nice camp site next door)

I'd also ensure anyone producing any sort of report is made well aware of who the report is for.

I used to work for a large global company, full of experts in our fields.
Many with decades of experience of writing highly detailed reports about when expensive machinery (costing hundreds of millions to replace) goes wrong.
We used to regularity be called as expert witnesses at the High Courts in London, the Hague and others, and we had a scale of fees that in effect doubled for every day in court (whether called or not). The invoices by this sector made the company millions every year..

About a decade ago it was decided that the day rate money was not enough for the work and risk involved, also the company insurers would not cover it, if it all went wrong. So as a company the policy became no minor the issue, no matter how simple to fix or write a one page report to get it back to the straight and narrow, No one was going to do damage/accident/design fail reports, and appearing as an expert witness was banned.

Suing for knowingly misspelling can open a large can of worms.
You may win morally, you are highly unlikely to win financially.

Many thanks for the comments. I think that there's the possibility of a court action but only in the 'small claims' arena where expert evidence will have to be specifically allowed and will usually be limited to a written report. Also, I don't see that there is a realistic defence and I doubt that the seller will have the nerve to go there! C

 

[LithiumConvert]

re: These guys may help

I don't think the OP is looking for supply and fit.

 

[ColHold]

These guys might be interested

Motorhome Workshop. AWS-Approved. Supply & Fit.

Find out why we're one of the best independent vehicle specialists in Sussex. System upgrades. Accessory supply & fit. Call our expert team on 01903 213141.

www.motorhomeworkshop.co.uk

Many thanks but they're 50+ miles away and, at present the vehicle is neither taxed nor insured for road use.

 

[GeoffnDee]

You could try www.motorhomeretrofits.co.uk who are based in Poole and , if they cannot help , may know of somebody in your area . (maybe even in the marine side , which is similar )

 

[Raul]

I wish you all the luck and hope you get a satisfactory result.
Off grid capability its a grey area in terms of definition. There is no set standard, and definition can be interpreted in many ways.
In terms of safety of the system, thats a diferent matter, you will need a qualified and registered electrician that can make a assessment.
Any knowledgeable electrician can put up a report, but, if its not backed up by a qualification, won't stand in court.

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[Jim]

These guys are worth travelling to

Offgrid Power Solutions

Offgrid Power Solutions We are specialists in LiFePO4 batteries & Victron Energy systems. We’re here to help build the best offgrid electrical systems so you can focus on your adventure without stressing about how much power you have left! Get in touch with us about how we can help

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[ColHold]

Many thanks. I'll move the situation forward but probably not until late January. For now, you're filed!

 

[Just smiffy]

I personally think you won’t get anyone to slag off someone else’s work and put it down in writing, even if they get paid for it…

It will open up their own work for scrutiny…

 

[stevewagner]

Have a look on the MCA website for a mobile installer that may be able to help

 

[Lenny HB]

Why not put some photos up on here so we can have a look the problem.

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[The Wino]

I personally think you won’t get anyone to slag off someone else’s work and put it down in writing, even if they get paid for it…

It will open up their own work for scrutiny…

When I was in effect asked to do just that it was by the person at the time in charge of our professional education body. I thought hard about doing it but realised that from the publics point of view of no one would step up it would look like we were all sticking together no matter whether or not there was a case to answer. It's probably a bit different in a trade with no recognised governing body. My worry would be that if it ever came to court the other side could have just as strong an expert witness with the opposite view.
On the expert witness thing the funniest thing I heard was someone I knew who was asked to be an expert witness in a driving claim. He stood up and the first question from the oppositions barrister was why he thought he was qualified to give an expert opinion on distance judgement as he was " only an ordinary optician". When he explained that his phd was working for NASA on distance judgement when docking spacecraft the barrister evidently seemed to shrink by the second!

 

[Tonks]

I personally think you won’t get anyone to slag off someone else’s work and put it down in writing, even if they get paid for it…

It will open up their own work for scrutiny…

It must be done. My friend ended up taking the converter of their ‘professionally’ converted van to court after finding multiple faults including the gas and electrics being condemned as dangerous. Their own trusted company inspected the van initially - and were the ones who condemned it as unsafe - but a separate independent assessor was sent as part of the legal process. All their own chosen company had to do was report on the facts for the owner to decide how to progress. They won their case but it was a very stressful time. I don’t envy the OP.

 

[Jev88]

MCEA Network are mobile.

 

[CAB96]

When I was in effect asked to do just that it was by the person at the time in charge of our professional education body. I thought hard about doing it but realised that from the publics point of view of no one would step up it would look like we were all sticking together no matter whether or not there was a case to answer. It's probably a bit different in a trade with no recognised governing body. My worry would be that if it ever came to court the other side could have just as strong an expert witness with the opposite view.
On the expert witness thing the funniest thing I heard was someone I knew who was asked to be an expert witness in a driving claim. He stood up and the first question from the oppositions barrister was why he thought he was qualified to give an expert opinion on distance judgement as he was " only an ordinary optician". When he explained that his phd was working for NASA on distance judgement when docking spacecraft the barrister evidently seemed to shrink by the second!

It seems that they ignored the first rule of their profession, never ask a question to which you don't know the answer!

 

[eddie]

It would be less stressful and probably a better outcome to spend the money on fixing the problem, rather than months of potential hassle, with no guaranteed successful outcome.

Its fine saying I need someone qualified to come to me, someone with a Professional qualification, someone to prepare a report to be used in litigation, but none exists that offers that service.

Unpalatable as it sounds, fix it, move on and enjoy the van

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[headlight]

I've purchased a Sprinter converted to a campervan advertised as 'off-grid' fitted.
But, I'm unhappy with the standards of both the solar installation and the 12V wiring/accessories. I'm looking to find a qualified expert who, for a fee, will come to Milford on Sea, examine the vehicle and make a written report on their findings. I expect that the initial visit will not be until January or early February.
Someone with an academic background would be ideal and some history of fitting out commercial van conversions highly desirable. The commission could suit someone who is retired after a relevant work background.
If you post a reply, please give only contact details, email or phone, so that the position may be explored in a 1:1 environment.

Unfortunately I think that you are wasting your time.
Also if you are unhappy with the standards of installation it begs the question why did you buy it ?

 

[Coolcats]

I've purchased a Sprinter converted to a campervan advertised as 'off-grid' fitted.
But, I'm unhappy with the standards of both the solar installation and the 12V wiring/accessories. I'm looking to find a qualified expert who, for a fee, will come to Milford on Sea, examine the vehicle and make a written report on their findings. I expect that the initial visit will not be until January or early February.
Someone with an academic background would be ideal and some history of fitting out commercial van conversions highly desirable. The commission could suit someone who is retired after a relevant work background.
If you post a reply, please give only contact details, email or phone, so that the position may be explored in a 1:1 environment.

Just an observation but the individual would need indemnity insurance, not just a retired professional, it could also be engaging a company such as Vanbits if they were inclined to engage with a job like this, but you may have to take your MoHo to any professional.

 

[Priscilla2]

A very interesting and informative thread. I am no electrician but have had some experience of taking cases before the “small claims” courts. If you should eventually consider the matter could be decided at such a level where the standard of proof is generally much lower than that required in other courts, I would imagine that a reputable independent company’s written opinion your vehicle’s current electrics viz-a-viz its design, fitment and, of course, it’s ability to “stand alone”, plus their (or another company’s) estimate in respect of costs to rectify any faults etc would be one way of taking the matter forward. There is a limit on the total amount that can be claimed and the process can take time but with perseverance I have found the system works. All the info you will need ref the process etc is available on line. Good luck.

 

[Poursay]

Try Sunstore at Worthing

 

[ColHold]

Thank you for all of your interest, your support and caution. I will not generally add further bespoke responses. Some years ago I had trailer carans; I' never owned a campervan and I've no experience with solar equipment. But, to pick up on a few points, Yes, I was too trusting! For example, I was told that there would be a three-month warranty and that anything that did not work would receive attention. It was dishonoured at first pass! I had a local firm look at the solar kit. It suggested spending £1.600 to strip out and rebuild what's there and for fitting a new screen in the habitation area. It is not until the end of that work and incurring the expense that it will be apparent if anything needs replacing.

I have lost faith in the vehicle. I'm inclined to sell the van 'as is' and assuming I incur a loss, to hold the seller to account. Any enforcement by Court action would be in the 'small claims' arena where experts' reports must be specifically permitted and expert's oral evidence is not usually allowed.

I'm grateful to acknowledge several helpful ideas and would welcome further thoughts as a possible source of a report from someone possessing suitable experience. The van is presently neither taxed nor insured. so any examination will have to be at Milford. C.

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[Coolcats]

The van is presently neither taxed nor insured. so any examination will have to be at Milford. C.

Not insuring an asset such as a Motorhome is risky unless you can afford the risk particularly if as you say the wiring is that dodgy let alone possible theft…just saying.

 

[PP Bear]

Give them a call, it can’t hurt

 

[Lenny HB]

This thread has been running over a week now but you haven't actually told us what is wrong apart from that you think the wiring & fitting is sub standard.

As I posted eairler if you put some photos up at least we could offer advice, it maybe quite easy to resolve the problems but without any info it's impossible to tell.

 

[MichaelT]

This thread has been running over a week now but you haven't actually told us what is wrong apart from that you think the wiring & fitting is sub standard.

As I posted eairler if you put some photos up at least we could offer advice, it maybe quite easy to resolve the problems but without any info it's impossible to tell.

Agree, may be perfectly adequate for a day or so off grid but won't run a 3kw kettle for a week. Not even sure what the OP is complaining about, just that he's no expert but also not happy with the kit which I assume he looked at before buying the van?

 

[ColHold]

For Lenny's benefit, I attach a photo of the solar installation. There is no way to assess whether it's using or drawing power, just a reading of the battery voltage. Several days of experimenting indicates that the solar charging doesn't work. I was told that there are two solar panels on the roof but in fact, there's only one. I saw the vehicle parked on the highway and had no ladder and the van's almost 9 feet tall. So, I was comforted by getting a three-month warranty and naive enough the believe the seller.

A lot of good ideas have come; thank you all.

Incidentally, my initial post was on Saturday 16th. I can't make that a week ago!