fred22 Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 This may sound like a daft question but here goes. I have a Solar Panel permanently fitted to my roof. If I use a full cover are there any precautions I should take with the panel itself. There will be no light getting to it so it will not be producing electricity but with no air circulating around it( although cover will be breathable fabric) is there a danger of condensation and mould getting into the unit? Are any covers made with "perspex windows in them" to keep the Panel working and the batteries topped up? Cannot search forum to check if asked before Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 I can see no reason to want to cover a solar panel unless you expect seriously heavy hail! Then use a sheet of ply for the duration! C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred22 Posted June 23, 2008 Author Share Posted June 23, 2008 Sorry,didn't explain properly. I was referring to a full motorhome cover whilst the motorhome is in storage during the couple of months we don't use it in the winter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 I'm not convinced that these covers actually do any good, you will end up cleaning it anyway. However you could always lay a couple of empty plastic milk bottles or the like on top of the panel first to keep the fabric away from the metalwork of the panel surround. C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 I'm with clive, don't cover it up, it's been built to withstand the elements, then solar panel can keep all your batteries charged. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAS Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Wouldn`t have thought covering it up would do it any harm, as it`s a sealed unit, it just won`t charge. Your batteries will soon charge once it`s out of hibernation though. We have a solar panel on our Talisman and it`s great. Never had to worry about the leisure batteries being topped up. (and we got 2 of `em) We also used to use a breathable cover on our old VWT3 as we didn`t tend to use it much in the winter unlike we do the Talisman, and found it very good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAS Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Wouldn`t have thought covering it up would do it any harm, as it`s a sealed unit, it just won`t charge. Your batteries will soon charge once it`s out of hibernation though. We have a solar panel on our Talisman and it`s great. Never had to worry about the leisure batteries being topped up.(and we got 2 of `em) We also used to use a breathable cover on our old VWT3 as we didn`t tend to use it much in the winter and found it very good. Oooops I seem to have posted this twice...it`s this damn server error I keep getting........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnPaul Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 :-D :-D :-D Why all this talk of putting the van into hibernation, you have spent a lot of money on your van, why put it away in the winter? Winter is on of the best times to get out there in the wide wide world. Paul "Happiness is no white bits" :$ :$ :$ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breakaleg Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 we had a week away in march, temprature was minus nine, lovely crisp days and loads of sites open and cheaper with electricity. pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basil Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 We also use the van all year, but we use a Protec cover in between times. I can only speak of the Protec and can assure you that there will be no mould or mildew formed due to the cover and air WILL circulate almost as if no cover was there, you just do not get the rain, snow or dirt on the van making easy to just rinse the van off when you return and replace the cover keeping your van pristine. I have actually been under the cover on the roof in a torrential downpour (don't ask!) and I remained perfectly dry and able to breathe normally, You can cover your mouth with several thicknesses of the Protec material and still breathe normally, can't explain why the rain does not penetrate though! You don't have the need to clean the van as much as if you had no cover. By the way I believe that Protec will insert a clear panel where your Solar gizmo is so that it continues to use any available light. Bas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred22 Posted July 22, 2008 Author Share Posted July 22, 2008 Hi Bas thanks for info re Protec, I will contact them. Fred Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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