Solar Panels
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| Leisure Battery | Electric Hook Up (EHU) | Solar Panels | Generators |
Description
Panels have been around for years without people really taking much notice and even realising that they even have them. Probably one of the most common applications of a Panel was in a calculator. The calculator uses the Panel to power it, reverting to a non rechargeable battery when the Panel is not able to produce the required electrical current. This works well as the calculator requires a very minimal current to operate. In more recent times it has now become quite common for people to have lights in their gardens. These work differently from the calculator, in that they charge up rechargeable batteries during the daytime. When the light falls below a certain level an electronic switch will then turn on the light where the power is then pulled from the battery. The use of Panels on a caravan is similar to the lights, except you decide on when the power is to be drawn from the Leisure Battery.
Panels have become a good source of green electricity. Technology used in producing Panels is always changing, where in ten years their performance has been boosted by around 30%, meaning that they have become cheaper, smaller and more efficient. Panels are now coming along in all sorts of shapes and sizes. You can buy fixed panels that are covered with a strong protective glass, flexible panels that can be rolled up like a carpet and even a thin flexible panel that can be stuck to the roof of a caravan or other vehicle.
A Panel will also require some form of a regulator to ensure that not too much current is sent to the battery along with ensuring that the battery does not discharge itself when the panel is not producing enough current. Some kits will have the regulator built in and some will not. Always check this before buying.
At the moment the cost of Panels that would be required to keep a reasonably used Leisure Battery charged up are still quite expensive. Prices and technology are constantly changing so it is always worthwhile checking to see what is available. Lower powered Panels are available at a reasonable cost which will reduce the amount of time it takes to fully discharge your Leisure Battery. One very cheap option that is available, is a very low wattage Panel that can be used to keep standing non used batteries topped up. It is possible to buy these for around 10-20 UK Pounds. If you have a caravan or car that stands around for long periods of time then this may be a good buy.
Here is a 100 milliamp Panel
Ideal to help keep a long standing Leisure Battery with some charge.
Power Ratings
All Panels will be quoted in their optimal power output rating in watts. This means that they will have been measured at a certain ambient temperature in full clean sunlight (or equivalent). Where your Leisure Battery holds its charge better at cooler temperatures a Panel will be more efficient and produce more power at cooler temperatures. Even on a rainy dull day a Panel will still produce some electricity.
You will firstly need to work out your daily usage on your battery in Ampere Hours (AH) as shown in the Leisure Battery Power Ratings section. When you have your AH rating you will then be able to see how much power a Panel can produce compared to your usage. For example a 60 Watt Panel in the summer will produce an average of around 300 Watt Hours, which converts to 25 AH. However in the winter this will drop to around 60 Watt Hours converting to 5 AH each day. These figures are not set in stone and it is always advisable to contact your dealer or manufacturer before you go ahead.
Using A Panel
Panels are almost maintenance free, but in more cases require you to position them for optimum performance. Before you even buy a Panel ensure that it has a regulator otherwise you may damage or drain your Leisure Battery rather than charge it. Some are fully waterproof, some water resistant and some will not like any water at all. Check which category yours falls in as this will then decide on how and where you will position the Panel. If a Panel is not fully waterproof then you may be able to create some form of casing or buy one so that you can still mount this outside and not worry about the weather. Try and position the Panel so that it is not in any shaded area and pointing directly in the suns path. If this is not possible then the charging rate of the system will not be at its best. Remember that a Panel still produces energy even in dull conditions, so if you are using one of the small panels for keeping an unused battery charged then this may well be fine. You should still check the battery charge level from time to time as described in the Leisure Battery Maintenance section.
WARNING!
All electricity can cause shocks, injuries and damage to your equipment. If you are in any doubt as to your electrical system, always seek professional advice from your dealer, product manufacturer, caravan manufacturer or a qualified electrician.
These pages are designed to give you an idea on how your electrical system works. Any work that you partake on your electrical system is solely at your own risk. We hold no responsibility regarding any action you take based on these pages.
Information here has been researched as best as possible, where over time rules and regulations change which may not be reflected on these pages.