Which off-grid power installers use the very latest technology?

[Peter Clark]

1) I am being told that new generations of highly efficient solar panels are coming on stream

2) Apparently there is a greater range of sizes - particularly long & narrow for the Adventure Van market.

3) Who / Were are the companies most likely to be right up to date with the latest equipment?

My situation:
Looking to buy a Hymer MLT 570 or XPERIENCE - but not the Hymer Autonomy batteries/chargers/controllers pack as I would be off grid for 1 or 2 months at a time and it is not adequate for that.

The roof of the MLT is surprisingly small - and crowded with superstructure - so space available is limited and awkward.

My understanding is that around 450 watts of solar is about compatible with 400/460Ah lithium - no lower than 300 watts if possible.

So I would be glad of any help to create a short list of first class & creative off-grid power installers.

Road Pro in Daventry are the only company I can find who actually make the claim of dealing with exactly this problem - using the apparently modular Campere solar panel system, which seems to be unique to them.

Are there any any others?

 

[headlight]

1) I am being told that new generations of highly efficient solar panels are coming on stream

2) Apparently there is a greater range of sizes - particularly long & narrow for the Adventure Van market.

3) Who / Were are the companies most likely to be right up to date with the latest equipment?

My situation:
Looking to buy a Hymer MLT 570 or XPERIENCE - but not the Hymer Autonomy batteries/chargers/controllers pack as I would be off grid for 1 or 2 months at a time and it is not adequate for that.

The roof of the MLT is surprisingly small - and crowded with superstructure - so space available is limited and awkward.

My understanding is that around 450 watts of solar is about compatible with 400/460Ah lithium - no lower than 300 watts if possible.

So I would be glad of any help to create a short list of first class & creative off-grid power installers.

Road Pro in Daventry are the only company I can find who actually make the claim of dealing with exactly this problem - using the apparently modular Campere solar panel system, which seems to be unique to them.

Are there any any others?

"Off grid" where, UK or abroad ?

 

[Peter Clark]

"Off grid" where, UK or abroad ?

Both - though most mileage will be abroad.

 

[headlight]

In UK winter solar will put very little charge into a leisure battery.
In UK winter you need either a B2B or EHU to charge your leisure battery.

 

[Peter Clark]

Cheers - Yes I am fully aware of all the issues and options relating to providing adequate charge to large leisure batteries in any climatic circumstances - without ever needing recourse to EHU.

All I am looking to find out is who are the technically most proficient installers in the UK.

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[headlight]

Cheers - Yes I am fully aware of all the issues and options relating to providing adequate charge to large leisure batteries in any climatic circumstances - without ever needing recourse to EHU.

All I am looking to find out is who are the technically most proficient installers in the UK.

Vanbitz and Off Grid Power Solutions.
Both companies are members on here and both give a Funster discount.
Both do top notch work and have excellent feedback.
You won't go wrong with either.

 

[eddie]

Realistically with the very limited space for solar panels motorhomes have, and given the mobility issues IE parking where there is a space, not necessarily the optimum for solar, and given the flat, static roof mounting, opposed to the optimum 30 - 40 degree (in the UK) paying through the nose for the absolute latest technology (often unproven) is a waste on money

A claim of “XYZ” percent may make a difference on a thousand panel farm, all pointing due South, all angled at 35.6 degrees no doubt makes a difference, but two 150w panels on the roof of a motorhome? Insignificant

Any decent panel, coupled with any decent MPPT regulator for two, three, four panels would be near impossible to tell any significant difference from one installation to another

 

[WillH]

In December, at midday, on a perfect sunny day, my flat 100w panel will produce only 7w. This is close to zero, and we don't have many sunny days in December. It is insufficient to maintain the charge in both batteries between mid October and March.

 

[eddie]

In the UK you can expect the latter half of Spring, the Summer and the first half of Autumn to provide a ‘usable’ charge, the latter half on Autumn, the Winter and the first half of Spring, you’ll be able to keep your batteries charged when your not using the motorhome

Any trader that tells you differently to that is lying

 

[autorouter]

Another method of charging, apart from solar, B2B and EHU is using EV charge points. You can get a special cable that plugs into a Type 2 EV charge socket, and the other end plugs into your standard round blue 16A motorhome mains inlet. It provides standard 230V mains power, just like a campsite hookup post.

I'm suggesting this option because it works better with a powerful mains charger to minimise the time waiting at the charger. Most mains chargers are 20A to 30A. You can get a 120A or 140A charger, which a large lithium battery bank would handle easily. If you are specifying a charger soon, it may be a consideration.

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[Carpmart]

Another method of charging, apart from solar, B2B and EHU is using EV charge points. You can get a special cable that plugs into a Type 2 EV charge socket, and the other end plugs into your standard round blue 16A motorhome mains inlet. It provides standard 230V mains power, just like a campsite hookup post.

I'm suggesting this option because it works better with a powerful mains charger to minimise the time waiting at the charger. Most mains chargers are 20A to 30A. You can get a 120A or 140A charger, which a large lithium battery bank would handle easily. If you are specifying a charger soon, it may be a consideration.

You can also get multiples of Victron 30A mains chargers which can be virtually networked together to act as one larger charger. Way more cost effective, with built in redundancy, not that Victron kit goes wrong!

 

[bigtwin]

Noting what you say about your roof topography, am I the only one who interprets your post as:

“Which suppliers offer the most diverse range of solar panel shapes/sizes?”

Ian

 

[Outdoors Dad]

Also a consideration that is probably old school is to have a mobile solar panel you can move and harvest from a low sun. Tilting solar panels would also be more efficient this time or year I would of thought!

 

[Nikwilko]

Roadpro I don't believe install any more.
Campere claims likely sales pitch.
Do your own research in detail pay attention to install locations which need to be followed else your kit gets too hot and at best restricts output.
Installers will install the kit they have on stock in the place easiest for them unless you have done your research that may not be the optimum location and can be against manufacturer's direction.

 

[Nikwilko]

Offgrid videos come across as knowledgeable but I've not used personally.
That's where I would start a discussion but i would expect they would need to see your van to design optimum system.

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[Rockpool]

Would also look at Roamer batteries/installation as Steve has lot of knowledge and experience on this.
Hope it helps.

 

[Smithster]

Off Grid Power Solutions are the place to start. From personal experience they are top notch.

 

[PeterW]

I saw a clever solution where the panels were double stacked and when stationary you could slide the upper panel to reveal the lower one and double the size. Clever, I thought and worth thinking about when relying on them more.

 

[Patiopat]

1) I am being told that new generations of highly efficient solar panels are coming on stream

2) Apparently there is a greater range of sizes - particularly long & narrow for the Adventure Van market.

3) Who / Were are the companies most likely to be right up to date with the latest equipment?

My situation:
Looking to buy a Hymer MLT 570 or XPERIENCE - but not the Hymer Autonomy batteries/chargers/controllers pack as I would be off grid for 1 or 2 months at a time and it is not adequate for that.

The roof of the MLT is surprisingly small - and crowded with superstructure - so space available is limited and awkward.

My understanding is that around 450 watts of solar is about compatible with 400/460Ah lithium - no lower than 300 watts if possible.

So I would be glad of any help to create a short list of first class & creative off-grid power installers.

Road Pro in Daventry are the only company I can find who actually make the claim of dealing with exactly this problem - using the apparently modular Campere solar panel system, which seems to be unique to them.

Are there any any others?

1) I am being told that new generations of highly efficient solar panels are coming on stream

2) Apparently there is a greater range of sizes - particularly long & narrow for the Adventure Van market.

3) Who / Were are the companies most likely to be right up to date with the latest equipment?

My situation:
Looking to buy a Hymer MLT 570 or XPERIENCE - but not the Hymer Autonomy batteries/chargers/controllers pack as I would be off grid for 1 or 2 months at a time and it is not adequate for that.

The roof of the MLT is surprisingly small - and crowded with superstructure - so space available is limited and awkward.

My understanding is that around 450 watts of solar is about compatible with 400/460Ah lithium - no lower than 300 watts if possible.

So I would be glad of any help to create a short list of first class & creative off-grid power installers.

Road Pro in Daventry are the only company I can find who actually make the claim of dealing with exactly this problem - using the apparently modular Campere solar panel system, which seems to be unique to them.

Are there any any others?

Hi Peter I can highly recommend Bluefix who are based in Hereford. I had my first lithium upgrade by RoadPro not the best like I thought they was and not only me when talking to other friends who have also used RoadPro. BlueFix are top of their game and only use victron stuff they are very knowledgeable. They are on Facebook and also their own website so take a look I know they now do a lot of shows also.
I had a 460amp lithium and all victron stuff on my upgrade couldn’t be more happier first class.

 

[Coolcats]

1) I am being told that new generations of highly efficient solar panels are coming on stream

2) Apparently there is a greater range of sizes - particularly long & narrow for the Adventure Van market.

3) Who / Were are the companies most likely to be right up to date with the latest equipment?

My situation:
Looking to buy a Hymer MLT 570 or XPERIENCE - but not the Hymer Autonomy batteries/chargers/controllers pack as I would be off grid for 1 or 2 months at a time and it is not adequate for that.

The roof of the MLT is surprisingly small - and crowded with superstructure - so space available is limited and awkward.

My understanding is that around 450 watts of solar is about compatible with 400/460Ah lithium - no lower than 300 watts if possible.

So I would be glad of any help to create a short list of first class & creative off-grid power installers.

Road Pro in Daventry are the only company I can find who actually make the claim of dealing with exactly this problem - using the apparently modular Campere solar panel system, which seems to be unique to them.

Are there any any others?

Even with 'new, highly efficient solar panels you will struggle in the darker months not only is the sun lower but there are less daylight hours. However want to increase to 690W of Solar, this is an idea not saying its perfect but works for this couple who are full timers and spend a lot of time off grid.

To give you an idea of what Solar produces this time of year its overcast I have 6kw of panels 3kw facing west and 3kw facing east, its 11.47 am I am currently producing 1.033 kw the house is using 1.354kw and the batteries are providing 0.321kw

The first thing you need to work out is how much energy you will use per day....and then chase down the rabbit hole, good luck with your project.

​

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[Peter Clark]

Hi Peter I can highly recommend Bluefix who are based in Hereford. I had my first lithium upgrade by RoadPro not the best like I thought they was and not only me when talking to other friends who have also used RoadPro. BlueFix are top of their game and only use victron stuff they are very knowledgeable. They are on Facebook and also their own website so take a look I know they now do a lot of shows also.
I had a 460amp lithium and all victron stuff on my upgrade couldn’t be more happier first class.

I see Bluefix do installs as well - which is what I'm looking for.
RoadPro is a bit of a puzzle - some people rate them some don't - they give off a professional vibe when you meet them at a show - but I'm not qualified to judge.

 

[TheCaller]

1) I am being told that new generations of highly efficient solar panels are coming on stream

2) Apparently there is a greater range of sizes - particularly long & narrow for the Adventure Van market.

3) Who / Were are the companies most likely to be right up to date with the latest equipment?

I suspect you may be thinking of panels using CIGS technology. See mipvsolarpanels.co.uk
Expensive, but may be worth it if you need maximum output from a restricted space, or if weight or shape dictates the use of flexible panels.

 

[Peter Clark]

Noting what you say about your roof topography, am I the only one who interprets your post as:

“Which suppliers offer the most diverse range of solar panel shapes/sizes?”

Ian

Exactly.

 

[Peter Clark]

In December, at midday, on a perfect sunny day, my flat 100w panel will produce only 7w. This is close to zero, and we don't have many sunny days in December. It is insufficient to maintain the charge in both batteries between mid October and March.

Don't plan to be in the UK in those months.

 

[Peter Clark]

I saw a clever solution where the panels were double stacked and when stationary you could slide the upper panel to reveal the lower one and double the size. Clever, I thought and worth thinking about when relying on them more.

I'm guessing that was on the stunning KAKTUS Oasis - which is a 6.8m van - I am considering the KAKTUS Dune which is 6m and not long enough for that very smart device.
Recommend looking at the KAKTUS website just to see it.

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[eddie]

If your worried about space get Van Bitz to install an Alden Phenix

A fully automated self tracking panel, which is on average about 5 times more efficient than a flat panel of equivalent size

They have one on their exhibit unit

We had one on one of our smaller RV's that had a busy roof

Excellent bit of kit

 

[Garry - June]

Consider suitcase panels too... We have 430w of panels on our roof but also have 2x Renogy suitcase panels..200w and 100w running into another standalone controller...in winter these are great angled towards the lower sun (when it puts in an appearance)..they put out more power than the roof panels...when we go abroad we take the 200w one with us just as a back up but very rarely need it.. Obviously not as posh as the fully automated tracking one above and it does require you to physically move them every now and again but they do work well. And obviously far far cheaper too.

 

[Garveypeter]

1) I am being told that new generations of highly efficient solar panels are coming on stream

2) Apparently there is a greater range of sizes - particularly long & narrow for the Adventure Van market.

3) Who / Were are the companies most likely to be right up to date with the latest equipment?

My situation:
Looking to buy a Hymer MLT 570 or XPERIENCE - but not the Hymer Autonomy batteries/chargers/controllers pack as I would be off grid for 1 or 2 months at a time and it is not adequate for that.

The roof of the MLT is surprisingly small - and crowded with superstructure - so space available is limited and awkward.

My understanding is that around 450 watts of solar is about compatible with 400/460Ah lithium - no lower than 300 watts if possible.

So I would be glad of any help to create a short list of first class & creative off-grid power installers.

Road Pro in Daventry are the only company I can find who actually make the claim of dealing with exactly this problem - using the apparently modular Campere solar panel system, which seems to be unique to them.

Are there any any others?

You will stay off grid during the summer months but not October to March. My last three campers had from 200 to 465w of solar. During the summer I can stay off grid for weeks on end, run my fridge on mains through an inverter, during the day, and had all the usual, lighting and tv. All cooking and heating by way of gas.
“Best installers using the most up to date equipment” Well high efficiency panels are coming but a long way off and will be prohibitive in both cost and design, as they require a cooling circuit.
A 25% efficiency is really good, but no matter whether is 20 or 30, when it’s overcast your generation will fall through the floor.
For example - on my house I’ve 20 panels, a 7.6kw system, SSW, at 35 degrees. Yes I have generated 50kwh on occasion, yesterday it was 1.6. Take it that you’ll have a circa 300w system, 1sqm, your vans system would hardly have made 50w on the same day.

 

[Tony50]

In Suffolk I found Stowmarket Installs gives a personal service, very knowledgeable person, business at Old Newton , just off A14 near Stowmarket.

 

[Peter Clark]

If your worried about space get Van Bitz to install an Alden Phenix

A fully automated self tracking panel, which is on average about 5 times more efficient than a flat panel of equivalent size

They have one on their exhibit unit

We had one on one of our smaller RV's that had a busy roof

Excellent bit of kit



View attachment 972226

Took a while to find a supplier of this German Oyster device who mentioned a price on their website - from £2,150.00