Solar Panel Units
12 volt solar panels for caravans-realistically what wattage would I require to run lights,TV etc?
I am looking to add a solar panel to my caravan for the following uses-Trickle charging of the battery when I am not on site and daily battery charging for when I am. I will be using the onboard 12volt lighting system for, I would guess a couple of hours per night. I would also like to run a 12v TV/DVD Combi unit and would like a solar Panel that could recharge the previous days usage-I appreciate that weather conditions can have an effect on recharge rates-all comments gratefully received!
Its fairly easy to work out.
First work out how long you want each 12v thing on for each day.
Then work out the watt/hours – multiply the watts by number of hours used.
Add all your watt/hours together to give you total watt/hours.
In the UK we get about 8 hours usable light for solar panels. so devide your total watt hours by 8, to give you a guide to the power of solar panel you need. Always go up to the next nearest avaialble size.
For larger size panels you will need a regulator device. – good dealers give good advice. And contary to previous answers you can charge lead acid batteries via solar panels.
Solar Charging Unit and 12 volt lights. Free Power from the Sun
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Sundanzer Solar-Powered Refrigerator – 1.8 Cubic ft 24.5inL x 27.5inW x 36.5inH High efficiency Sundanzer solar-powered 12-volt DC freezer provides exceptionally low energy consumption and durability, requiring less expensive power systems and providing lower operational costs. Can run on a 110-watt solar panel, 100 AH 12V deep-cycle battery and 10 Amp charge controller (not included) in most areas. Some situations may require more power depending on ambient temperature, inte… |