Adding solar panel

Assuming space isn’t an issue, no reason not to do it - battery and/or panel, you’ll notice the difference. On this topic we usually have the lithium discussion here, worth checking out, but the economics don’t work for me. Make sure you understand the series -v- parallel connection issues before fitting extras yourself. Plenty of good advice on the web.

Given the parsimonious payloads on caravans, consider the weight of panels. Whilst some decry them, semi-flex panels are much lighter and I've had no problems with good quality ones when fitted to a bonded roof. It may be worth replacing the existing one with a larger or lighter panel. I changed the single framed one for three semi-flex on my motorhome for no additional weight.

Have you considered a freestanding suitcase style panel? To save putting additional weight in the caravan you can transport it in the tow vehicle.

Or a spare battery and mains charger carried in the car - and swop the batteries over as required, charging the "dead" one when a mains connection is available.

Cyber

          I think the Barcelona caravan has a payload of 163 kgs, if that is the case I would not call that a stingey payload.

I see that there are some 120w 18amp foldable solar panel blankets for under £70 on ebay. Are they any good for keeping ones leisure battery charged when the van is parked up at home?

Better than some, I grant you. My old Abbey had 240Kg and we needed it all.

Back of a fag packet calculation:

120w x 4 (average sunshine hours) x 0.75 (factor in inefficiencies) = 360 watts per day.

Convert to Ah = 360w / 12v = 30Ah. So, the panel should be able to charge at the average rate of 1.25A. Trickle chargers typically produce 1 to 2 amps, so should be ok.

That’s my understanding of the solar maths, but could be well of the mark and others will see it differently? Obviously lots of variables, not least sunshine hours, so very ‘ball park’.

Wouldn’t buy any solar stuff of eBay tho’. 

You can borrow a few kWh from the tow car each evening if the car is running daily. We used to do this by running the TV from the car via a separate lead. The car never seemed to mind.

That way, the caravan battery lasted a lot longer. This was before solar panels were around.

Thanks, SB. Any advice on the best size, type and where to purchase? I don't want to fix one permanently to the van.