Solar panel

[tnygroves]

What size solar panels would be used for off grid motorhoming? Any advice appreciated. :-D

[colin]

What length is a piece of string? *-)

But seriously, time of year, what you want to run off it, and usage patterns such as staying in place or often moving. Without these there is no sensible answer.

[Den]

We always use a electric kettle and charge up the vacuum, phones ect with 2 x 100 AH batteries.

All our Motorhomes have been fitted with 100w solar panels and had no problems.

We only use sites maybe once or twice a year with hook up.

This time of year can result in a lower recharge, but I’ve learnt to very briefly start the engine while the 1000w kettle is on.

We have a quality 1500w inverter.

[Matrix Meanderer]

You might find this article helpful.

 

https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/helpandadvice/technicalhelp/solar-power/

 

 

[spirou]

As many as you can fit on the roof and it still won't be enough for several months of the year. Or...it depends

[Hughmer]

My 20 yr old panels are crumbling (literally)

Trying to choose replacements.. The link that Matrix posted was very useful

 

https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/helpandadvice/technicalhelp/solar-power/

But so much choice. There aren't enough hours left in my life.

Can anyone recommend a particular panel? Mine are each 450wide by 1000mm long, and I could probably put another on as well. I subscribe to the "as many as you can fit" argument.

 

Chatting to a techie today, he asked why not fit one much bigger panel. But it would probably have to be rigid. But I think mine were semi flex. There's no air gap under mine. They're glued direct to roof. I understand the benefit of cooling the panel but I feel a bit cautious about lifting new ones on some of the grp mouldings that I've seen. They look vulnerable and I can't help wondering about wind noise.

 

Any first hand recent experience most welcome