best set up for winter months??

[daisymini]

Ive got a 100w solar panel and a 110ah battery at the moment with a 10amp solar regulator. Im thinking of doubling my batteries by buying 2 new 110ah batteries. I do not have a b2b charger or mains hook up, so what do i need to get maximum hours out of the 2 new batteries? b2b seem to be expensive (money is tight at the mo) unless someone knows of an affordable alternative...
Ive been reading about it but just getting myself more and more confused...!!!

 

[Tbear]

Hi Daisymini,

If money is tight why not stick with what you have got and look at power consumption. You should be fine unless you are static for long periods. We manage with 85Ah but tend to move every day or two. With your solar panel you should be fine as long as you have not got the Straighteners and the Hair Dryer with you

Richard

 

[Deleted member 967]

Hi Daisymini,

If money is tight why not stick with what you have got and look at power consumption. You should be fine unless you are static for long periods. We manage with 85Ah but tend to move every day or two. With your solar panel you should be fine as long as you have not got the Straighteners and the Hair Dryer with you

Richard

You will not get much from Solar in winter. The angle is wrong unless you tilt it towards and rotate it with any sun.

We have 240w of solar (flat panels) and even in southern Spain at present, where there is a chance of sun, I am only getting about 10 to 15Ah in a day. My peak Ah in a day was in the UK in July and that was 124Ah. Massive difference!

We have a B2B and a LPG generator as backups to our 330Ah of battery capacity. We find we do need to use EHU from time to time in winter even with this equipment just to get the batteries to full capacity.

We find we need to run the engine with B2B (static or moving) about 2 hours a day off EHU to replace the power we use in a November to January winters day, with heating and entertainment even with the solar input.

We are full timing so in the van 24/7 winter and summer.

 

[Sharon the Cat]

Have you trimmed down yr power requirements by using all LED bulbs?
Makes quite a difference. :idea:

 

[daisymini]

Have you trimmed down yr power requirements by using all LED bulbs?
Makes quite a difference. :idea:

all my lights are led's..

 

[Firefox]

2 100Ah batteries and 2 100w solar panels is good for winter, but unless going full time, I don't think the investment is worth it. One battery and one panel is fine for most people.

If you do ever get stuck when away, you can always idle the engine for an hour or so to charge up a bit. OK it's maybe £5 of diesel, but you've got a lot of £5 charges in the bank, based on an alternative investment of £300 for batteries and panels.

 

[Tbear]

You will not get much from Solar in winter. The angle is wrong unless you tilt it towards and rotate it with any sun.

We have 240w of solar (flat panels) and even in southern Spain at present, where there is a chance of sun, I am only getting about 10 to 15Ah in a day. My peak Ah in a day was in the UK in July and that was 124Ah. Massive difference!

We have a B2B and a LPG generator as backups to our 330Ah of battery capacity. We find we do need to use EHU from time to time in winter even with this equipment just to get the batteries to full capacity.

We find we need to run the engine with B2B (static or moving) about 2 hours a day off EHU to replace the power we use in a November to January winters day, with heating and entertainment even with the solar input.

We are full timing so in the van 24/7 winter and summer.

Hi John,

I agree that the solar will do little more than maintain the batteries and if you are static for long periods, then you need to boost your power now and again somehow.

I am betting your batteries weigh about 75kgs plus brackets, wires, boxes etc. That's 80 kgs off your payload. If you want to be static for long periods, then it may well be worth it but as many move often so I doubt it is for them. We keep our electric use to a minimum, lights and a bit of TV in the evening so an 85ah is more than enough.


Richard

 

[FULL TIMER]

Ive got a 100w solar panel and a 110ah battery at the moment with a 10amp solar regulator. Im thinking of doubling my batteries by buying 2 new 110ah batteries. I do not have a b2b charger or mains hook up, so what do i need to get maximum hours out of the 2 new batteries? b2b seem to be expensive (money is tight at the mo) unless someone knows of an affordable alternative...
Ive been reading about it but just getting myself more and more confused...!!!

Have you got any form of split charge relay ie do batteries charge whilst driving, if yes could it be improved by fitting a better quality higher amperage one such as a durite one like this VSRs: Durite voltage-sensitive relay (12V or 24V) or one of these from amber valley CARGO 160740 12v 180A Intelligent Split Charge Voltage Controlled Relay Isolator | eBay obviously with decent sized wiring etc , also could the solar regulator be improved ie mppt instead of pwm. mppt are supposed to deliver upto 20% more power to your batteries.

 

[martyncc]

my setup

I Have 2 100A wagon battery's and connected them with thick welding cable . with a battery cut off switch in line .once the engine has started and run for 10 mins or so .. I turn the switch and charge my battery store .. each battery has its own cut off switch .. this way I use 1 battery switch to fresh battery .then when I move I charge the flat battery . and I always have the van battery as backup . Do not try this with leisure battery s ... they cannot handle the hi current .

 

[chrisinbrighton]

these are good but expensive come in 90 amps too
**SALE**SUPERCHARGER 50 AMP 12 VOLT BATTERY CHARGER MOTORHOME CARAVAN BOAT | eBay

I made one out of a brand new briggs and Stratton 6hp lawnmower engine and a lucas 120amp alternator and few bits and pieces pullys ect there is detailed guides on youtube how to make one mine using new parts cost less than 250 quid charges a 110 amp hour battery from half empty in 20 mins use this a a backup for my 180watt solar panal I have 2 x 110 ah batteries
you tube link lawnmower generator - YouTube

pic attached handle folds down sorry for mess up with pics not that skilled at it yet