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?

 

[Brains]

I also have a Hymer MLT 570

My solar panel (and battery master) was fitted by VanBitz, biggest available that would fit on the roof (in 2019).
Even in winter, under trees, it makes enough power to keep both leisure and engine batteries topped up.

I also have alarm, tracker etc. so therefore a constant small drain.

 

[Outdoors Dad]

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

That doesn't sound bad at all. By the time I'd bought a lithium, a b2B charger, inverter and all the the wires fuses etc it was £1350 and that wasn't using victron stuff! Well worth it though!

 

[eddie]

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

The Sammy Solar is discontinued by Oyster from memory

 

[Abgs]

Just as a reference point for you.

I've used my MLT 580 parked up for five days and four nights this week, without EHU or driving to top it up. I had the heating and the hot water on most of the time, diesel powered but some current is used for fans etc. Fridge on, careless with lights, TV, satellite dish etc.

My Hymer smart system - 320A but no solar as yet, was down to 15% by day five. If I had been a bit more conservative with power usage I may have got another day or so out of it.

There isn't much space on the roof but 2 x 100w panels will fit and maybe another smaller one. I think with solar added and in sunny climes, with no heating use and more outside living happening it should pretty self sufficient.

I didn't order the Smart System - I bought a dealer stock van so it was already on. I wouldn't have ordered it given the choice but I do wonder how a self install Victron or similar would interface with the Hymer control panel.

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[headlight]

I'm on a site now in the Brecon Beacons, it's very dull and gloomy. My 230 watts of solar is making 6 watts.

 

[Ian_H]

Something to consider when planning where the panels go: If I park facing south and open the main skylight even a little, it casts a shadow on one panel and the output dives. Even a small shadow has a huge effect!

 

[Peter Clark]

The Sammy Solar is discontinued by Oyster from memory

I think the one I’ve seen offered on several sites is current - expensive but I think worth it to contribute to having full off grid capability.
I use a Remoska and air fryer, so need to have a good solar input - in winter months I will be mostly a long way south so there will be a decent amount of sun available.

 

[Peter Clark]

That doesn't sound bad at all. By the time I'd bought a lithium, a b2B charger, inverter and all the the wires fuses etc it was £1350 and that wasn't using victron stuff! Well worth it though!

The Oyster would be an add on to about £7k of Victron kit.

 

[Brains]

Something to consider when planning where the panels go: If I park facing south and open the main skylight even a little, it casts a shadow on one panel and the output dives. Even a small shadow has a huge effect!

Also cleaning the panel.
I can double my input by simply wiping down the glass.

I stick a head and arm out of the rear roof skylight and give it a wipe down every few days when on tour.

Google 'Telescopic windscreen squeegee'
(designed for lorries.)

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[Peter Clark]

Just as a reference point for you.

I've used my MLT 580 parked up for five days and four nights this week, without EHU or driving to top it up. I had the heating and the hot water on most of the time, diesel powered but some current is used for fans etc. Fridge on, careless with lights, TV, satellite dish etc.

My Hymer smart system - 320A but no solar as yet, was down to 15% by day five. If I had been a bit more conservative with power usage I may have got another day or so out of it.

There isn't much space on the roof but 2 x 100w panels will fit and maybe another smaller one. I think with solar added and in sunny climes, with no heating use and more outside living happening it should pretty self sufficient.

I didn't order the Smart System - I bought a dealer stock van so it was already on. I wouldn't have ordered it given the choice but I do wonder how a self install Victron or similar would interface with the Hymer control panel.

The Hymer Autonomy package is bit lightweight - particularly the solar panels and inverter.
To be 100% off grid capable I believe you have fit something better.

 

[Peter Clark]

Also cleaning the panel.
I can double my input by simply wiping down the glass.

I stick a head and arm out of the rear roof skylight and give it a wipe down every few days when on tour.

Google 'Telescopic windscreen squeegee'
(designed for lorries.)

View attachment 973270

Nice one

 

[PeterW]

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.

yes also this sort of thing wouldn't be too tough to create yourself https://oriondesigns.ca/our-products/solar-panel-rack-systems/

 

[MichaelT]

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.

I'm now going to fit the same ready for winter. We've been away a week now and haven't seen the sun so just depleting batteries, moving today so will get some back with B2B.

Edit: This is my solar yield for the last week, most I've had is 280w!

 

[Peter Clark]

I also have a Hymer MLT 570

My solar panel (and battery master) was fitted by VanBitz, biggest available that would fit on the roof (in 2019).
Even in winter, under trees, it makes enough power to keep both leisure and engine batteries topped up.

I also have alarm, tracker etc. so therefore a constant small drain.

How many watts are your panels rated to deliver as a maximum?

Initial reply from Vanbitz said only space for 2 x 100 watt panels.

RoadPro say they could fit 2 x 105 watt panels plus 5 x 25 watt panels to give 335 watts maximum - this is using their Campere modular system.

But I am getting mixed messages about Roadpro so am unsure if they a top quality installer or not.

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[Peter Clark]

Also cleaning the panel.
I can double my input by simply wiping down the glass.

I stick a head and arm out of the rear roof skylight and give it a wipe down every few days when on tour.

Google 'Telescopic windscreen squeegee'
(designed for lorries.)

View attachment 973270

Squeegee on it’s way from Amazon

 

[LithiumConvert]

Installers will install the kit they have on stocker in the place ststeasiest for them unless

On our last van, we had 2 panels installed from new. One was certainly weaker than the other.

On this van, the single panel is installed without thought to anything else.

We learn by experience.