Jack Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 The answer to this query may be patently obvious, however, here it is: I have been considering buying and installing a 120 watt panel system (£100ish) onto our van. However, I have been given a fairly new 80 watt panel and I'm unclear as to whether the 'free' panel would be an adequate option. I am aware that I need the specific Schaudt controller etc and therefore, the work and on costs will be the same with both options. What do you think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 How longs a piece of string? That appears to be your question, as without knowing your power usage how can anyone advise you? That aside I can tell you we have a 85w panel that meets all our needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aandncaravan Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 Have a look at our Solar Power Hints and Tips page as it gives you installation tips, plus how to size your panel by giving Solar panel output at various time of year. http://www.aandncaravanservices.co.uk/solar-power.php There is also a page that shows how the Solar power gain drops as you go further North in the UK. For example, some people are not aware that the Solar Harvest, on an equivalent Sunny day, in Cornwall can be one third greater than Scotland. This is aside from the effects of weather, from Cloud, etc. The information helps you work out your system size depending on where you plan to use the Solar system, etc. Once that is worked out it gives advice on installation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lennyhb Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 80 watts is probably fine from May to September use, why not fit it and see how you get on, you can always add more panels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
747 Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 The 80 watt panel should be fine for keeping your panels topped up when the van is not in use (that would include Winter, unless you live in the far North). If you use the van offgrid then fit the 120. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spartan3956 Posted November 21, 2015 Share Posted November 21, 2015 I agree, fit the larger panel. or if you have space get another 80 watt and link them , i have a 120 watt Panel and camp off grid all the time It covers TV viewing/ lighting/ water pump on 1 x 110 amp battery usually in spring summer replenishes battery to full by 12 midday. Obviously if you are running heating ie blow air more batteries would be required. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted November 23, 2015 Author Share Posted November 23, 2015 Thanks for all your comments, very helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veletron Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 Take the 80W panel, and buy another identical panel. Remember that when wiring panels in parallel, open circuit voltage must be a good match. You can do this with a cheap PWM charge controller - in fact for panels wired in parallel, PWM is often better than MPPT since an MPPT can 'hunt' endlessly for the maximum power point under some conditions with multiple panels. Eg partial shading. If you choose to wire 2 panels in series, you'll need an MPPT charge controller, and the short circuit current for the panels must match. Losses with a cheap PWM controller with serially wired panels would be massive. Nigel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keninpalamos Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 747 - 2015-11-20 6:11 PM The 80 watt panel should be fine for keeping your panels topped up when the van is not in use (that would include Winter, unless you live in the far North). If you use the van offgrid then fit the 120. "panels topped up"? :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
747 Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 Well spotted young Sir. :D I occasionally make a deliberate mistake in an effort to fit in with the other dozy old codgers on here. ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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