To Solar Panel or not to Solar Panel

[Cyclewalkbob]

For the last 7 years we have done without a solar panel, having two 100w leisure batteries and a battery master fitted.

We have camped just once without an electric hook up and over the winter storage period we bring the van back every 3-4 weeks to charge at home.

This year we left it over 5 weeks because of the snowy and icy weather and when we came to collect it the cab battery was dead as a dodo!

Now do I spend £450 on a 100w Solar panel to keep the batteries charged over winter or continue with my normal routine but make sure it is charged every 3/4 weeks?

Cheers

Bob

 

[funflair]

Hi Bob

Your batteries will be 100ah before somebody else points this out

If you have been OK for 7 years I could say don't worry about it, you might be quite happy bringing the van home to charge up as it also gives it a run out and you can tinker if you are that way inclined (I am).

If you wanted a "bit of solar" you could have a stand alone panel but would it be safe in your storage area, safe from being nicked but also from blowing over and breaking or damaging your van.

Martin

 

[Stealaway]

Now do I spend £450 on a 100w Solar panel to keep the batteries charged over winter

Definitely fit solar but £450 sounds like an awful amount of money.
How good are you at DIY?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100W-sol...375810&hash=item213b588057:g:JRMAAOSwyTZUWWBC

 

[Cyclewalkbob]

Regret absolutely no aptitude to instal my own solar panel!

The OH is not keen on spending money so need a really good reason to instal!

Thanks for all your answers guys

 

[Speve]

If it’s only for winter storage solar won’t help a lot in the UK especially under snow or shade, we use our van all the time and do have solar which is great and if you can afford it have it fitted but use your van more as well.

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[Freespirit1]

For the last 7 years we have done without a solar panel, having two 100w leisure batteries and a battery master fitted.

We have camped just once without an electric hook up and over the winter storage period we bring the van back every 3-4 weeks to charge at home.

This year we left it over 5 weeks because of the snowy and icy weather and when we came to collect it the cab battery was dead as a dodo!

Now do I spend £450 on a 100w Solar panel to keep the batteries charged over winter or continue with my normal routine but make sure it is charged every 3/4 weeks?

Cheers

Bob

That is the question?

 

[Langtoftlad]

I'm sure techy folks will be along later but after 7 years of hard use, your batts might have reached the end of their useful life? Won't hold a charge as well as they used to when new.

Car I know, but I used to come back from 6 weeks in Oz to a flat battery every time. Last time I plugged one of those little AA trickle solar chargers into the OBD port - seemed to work, car started first time.

So perhaps fresh batteries, and a trickle charger might be a cheaper option for your particular usage?

 

[Cyclewalkbob]

Yes Freespirit 1 you are right I think I have answered my own question!

I will check the condition of the batteries, then replace, if necessary, first.

We are away 14/15 weeks a year, all on hook ups, and we do not see ourselves changing to off hook-up.
So I am talking about just the winter, so it would be cheaper to stay as we are.

Thanks guys for helping me confirm my decision.

 

[DonA4000]

I know you've answered your own question so this is just my input for others I live East coast of Scotland and tend to have the van stored over winter I have 2 leisure batteries and the starter battery connected with battery master all is kept fully charged by a 100w solar panel