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Solar Power
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Benners66
 


Member Since: 09 Mar 2016
Location: Southampton
Posts: 86

United Kingdom 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Java BlackDiscovery 3
Solar Power

Morning all,

Can anyone give advice on what Watt solar panels I should be looking for to keep the charge topped up in my tintent?
I've read other posts going into how many Amp Hours you would need if you battery dies after so long etc etc, but with SWMBO & 4 girls in the van, I really cannot do with running it to empty as a 'test'.

We've got a 6 berth van, with me, SWHBO and the 4 girls who are growing up rapidly so will be charging phones etc before I know it plus running the usual essentials (pumps lights etc).

I've been looking at 100W - 150W Portable (folding) type panels, but wondered if anyone can guide me in the direction of
a, what size I would need
&
b, any decent makes/websites worth looking into.

I would like to keep it as a portable setup as I can see us swapping vans in the not to distant future for a different layout, as the kids get bigger.

Informed last night we are packing up and going this afternoon, so hopefully I can get something sorted.

Thanks
Ben
  
Post #180228811th Apr 2017 6:19 am
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Farmer Chalk
 


Member Since: 06 Mar 2013
Location: Independent Republic of Kentishshire.
Posts: 4156

England 2008 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Tangiers OrangeDiscovery 3

Try last minute.com. Rolling with laughter Rolling with laughter

In all seriousness anyone with any knowledge would be appreciated...I am also looking for a solar panel that could keep our leisure batteries topped up on our horsebox...
  
Post #180228911th Apr 2017 6:24 am
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Benners66
 


Member Since: 09 Mar 2016
Location: Southampton
Posts: 86

United Kingdom 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Java BlackDiscovery 3

Laughing Laughing

I sound kind of mad saying I want to get this sorted by this afternoon, but I know I won't.

We're not going to far from home this time as I still have to work each side of the bank holiday so can take delivery if ordered online etc.....
  
Post #180229011th Apr 2017 6:28 am
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M3DPO
 


Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8043

England 2014 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Lux Auto Corris GreyDiscovery 4

For your requirements a silent generator is the way to go.
 It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't. 
 
Post #180229111th Apr 2017 6:35 am
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pjm-84
 


Member Since: 04 Oct 2016
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 2406

Ukraine 

http://www.solarcampersolutions.co.uk/

Something that I have been considering for my Cali
  
Post #180229411th Apr 2017 6:42 am
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Jarvis
 


Member Since: 16 Dec 2009
Location: West Berkshire
Posts: 278

England 

So 150W should give you about 10A charge in strong sunshine, so 7.5A in the UK Sad
For a 100AH battery to 50% discharge, 7.5A will top up in about 6.5 hours. Just about get it re-charged when you get back for tea.....
  
Post #180229911th Apr 2017 7:11 am
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rrhool
 


Member Since: 28 Aug 2014
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 4398

United Kingdom 2007 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Manual Zermatt SilverDiscovery 3

Try this place. I bought a 10 Watt panel and charge controller for a project. Reasonable prices. Some advice on the web site.

http://www.sunstore.co.uk/home.php
 Richard


D3 SE 2007. Triumph 2.5Pi 1973. Ferguson TEA20 1948.



Discovery 2 4.0 ES 2001- Gone
Discovery 1 300Tdi ES '95 - Gone
Range Rover Classic '79 - Gone 
 
Post #180230111th Apr 2017 7:13 am
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Benners66
 


Member Since: 09 Mar 2016
Location: Southampton
Posts: 86

United Kingdom 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Java BlackDiscovery 3

Thinking more about it, with my gang, going as large as practical is the sensible option...

M3DPO - I have got access to a generator, so I think that will be the short term solution for the next couple of days. Thumbs Up See how noisy it is in a quiet field.

Daft question of the day Confused - Can I use the electrics in the van whilst it's connected to a solar charger? or does it have to be disconnected whilst charging?

I know a solar store could probably give me answer, but stuck in work it's so much easier to ask for help on here!!!
  
Post #180233011th Apr 2017 8:27 am
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DrRobH
 


Member Since: 10 Oct 2015
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 924

United Kingdom 

Get one of those whisper quiet Honda generators.....fossil over solar Thumbs Up
 Visitor from fullfatrr.com
RR Vogue SE 2011 4.4 TDV8
1974 Lightweight 
 
Post #180233311th Apr 2017 8:42 am
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Snowman
 


Member Since: 06 Aug 2016
Location: Holmfirth
Posts: 317

United Kingdom 2008 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto Zambezi SilverDiscovery 3

twin battery set up on the Disco and an inverter could also be useful additions to your set up.

I keep looking at Solar , but the costs still seem quite high and then there is the drilling of the hole in the roof Shocked
 Andy.

Series 3 SWB Wagon OEC614Y sold
Discovery 1 50th Anniversary Edition S882 BMA sold
Freelander TD4 ES Y615 YEC sold
Freelander TD4 Kalahari NX53 EVH sold
D2 TD5 XS 2003 YF03 WVW sold
D3 TDV6 2008 SE 
 
Post #180235311th Apr 2017 9:46 am
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Jarvis
 


Member Since: 16 Dec 2009
Location: West Berkshire
Posts: 278

England 

Benners66 wrote:
Thinking more about it, with my gang, going as large as practical is the sensible option...

M3DPO - I have got access to a generator, so I think that will be the short term solution for the next couple of days. Thumbs Up See how noisy it is in a quiet field.

Daft question of the day Confused - Can I use the electrics in the van whilst it's connected to a solar charger? or does it have to be disconnected whilst charging?

I know a solar store could probably give me answer, but stuck in work it's so much easier to ask for help on here!!!


When you use a charge controller then yes, you can leave the panel permanently connected.
  
Post #180236011th Apr 2017 10:01 am
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Benners66
 


Member Since: 09 Mar 2016
Location: Southampton
Posts: 86

United Kingdom 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Java BlackDiscovery 3

Thumbs Up
Thanks Jarvis
  
Post #180236111th Apr 2017 10:06 am
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Andy Foster
 


Member Since: 27 Dec 2009
Location: Liverpool
Posts: 6551

United Kingdom 2015 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 SE Tech Auto Santorini BlackDiscovery 4

http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk...lar-power/

May be useful
 D4 MY15 SE TECH
D3 gone but never forgotten. 
 
Post #180237911th Apr 2017 11:35 am
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Andy Foster
 


Member Since: 27 Dec 2009
Location: Liverpool
Posts: 6551

United Kingdom 2015 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 SE Tech Auto Santorini BlackDiscovery 4

Whistle


 D4 MY15 SE TECH
D3 gone but never forgotten. 
 
Post #180238211th Apr 2017 11:44 am
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beanie
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Member Since: 12 Mar 2011
Location: In the garage messing with something
Posts: 14336

England 2013 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 GS Auto Fuji WhiteDiscovery 4



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D4 & RRS style D3 grilles made to order
  
Post #180239111th Apr 2017 12:08 pm
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