Hedgehurst replied on 08/06/2017 18:04
Posted on 08/06/2017 18:04
We're planning to get a portable solar panel for our caravan. I've asked here already about LED's to reduce our power usage, and that's due to happen soon. (Delayed by prolonged bout of 'flu so this is still armchair research at present - most frustrating!)
While we're still learning what's what, I reckon either a 60W or maybe even 40W will probably supply our needs. It's a relatively low-tech caravan: water pumps for loo and sink, LED lighting when it's in, re-charging of phones and tablet, no TV. Possibly a radio when we get an inverter in the system too.
Our only heater is an oil-filled 500W electric one, which I think would drain too much too fast, so we'll have to be off-grid only in warmer times of the year for the time being. We've never yet had a heated tent, so we'll probably live :-)
Kettle, cooking, fridge & water heater all work with gas.
I admit to using "for example" illustrations rather than grasping the nettle and doing all the sums - for one thing we've not done enough trips to have huge experience of what our usage is.
The inverter will probably follow, but for now I'm wondering if just the panel will be enough for a good trial period.
I'm finding various companies to supply these things, all with convincingly attractive websites to an ignoramus like me.
For example, a quick search gives me:
http://www.solartechnology.co.uk/solar-panels/pv-logic-panels/fold-up-solar-panels/60w-fold
(This first trades through White Arches caravans, which is quite local to us.)
http://www.sunstore.co.uk/Solar-Kits-Caravans/
http://www.selectsolar.co.uk/prod/154/60w-diy-solar-panel-kit
http://sunworks.co.uk/product-category/portable-solar-panels/
I'm inclined to avoid Ebay for this - I feel there are bargains there only as long as you know enough to know what to avoid!
Any comments, from experience, on comparative qualities of these or other companies will be gratefully pored over!
I've seen advice to get a decent chain to deter theft - do these solar panels tend to have anything strong enough to make a chain worth fastening to?
Thanks as ever for your help.
Richard
Hedgehurst
Caravanner