Hank the Tanks Dodgy battery and solar system

[Pudsey Bear]

Simply undo the screws and silicone a ally disc over the hole.

 

[trevskoda]

Lots of room up there for more panels.

 

[barryd]

Lots of room up there for more panels.

Not really. Little ones perhaps. I've not spec'd lower than 100w but will have a look.

 

[Nabsim]

You can mount your new panel over the top of the existing roof gland Barry. You aren't restricted to what on offer for panel brackets, you can buy some Ali angle and make your own (or someone can for you).

 

[barryd]

I don't think there will be room to go over the top of the Gland but it won't matter anyway. There is enough width for a 100w panel alongside the other one but they will just be staggered.

Thinking of going for these.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Photonic-Universe-monocrystalline-charging-motorhome/dp/B00PX63K58/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

and

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anti-ultraviolet-Mounting-Brackets-motorhomes-CraigSolar-co-uk/dp/B0B5PRLG7Y/ref=sr_1_54?crid=3SU8BM8CVJVG0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Uu6zUFjbS2topwVaW0ZKewUZ2MeBJtCla9J_tPAoA_X2JXGP0oKxOD5q0E5x0H853qrUhRfcVrEQ9cFpf8q_qJMekUyd8UfiCBp9vyZFvA4r3M0GAjTKcf4L81TkcftyzLAVxX0K0lcw2QfgpPTGjEcgEHU0FNYW-ouXyT5ZTTMnDTT2COLfgZuWrFEk3xoxaL33Oc12jq4O1H5o_-jOApieD9TXhTGSRvl5SBPUUyps6ry5b4_7QP9MV5n-GMFF-45KsNW76RUV71tGPqbSg_XBnPqg3Ye9oc0ZdDx9NZwhSLFEYiUXKGBNHnIVPr2TkhGNh46HHxd8ysxqSpXJW1_J16-sCPQnQoBNKwY8VeditN47mou7KjpQDZFVUXMhGYHU0oBf4ClejpSSWtMgCxpSutuL_D3EXUITuLBHY_fkMWU50Iei_bIu2OZ-2Bbe.dTDX5em4u2S9NMiO7C-IsOQ_nOPh3KOVONGqVoqWYrY&dib_tag=se&keywords=54cm+solar+panel+brackets&qid=1742231849&sprefix=54cm+solar+panel+brackets%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-54&xpid=UkTSSYAWVIvlm

 

[barryd]

This is even smaller. Both narrower and shorter. I wonder how unless its newer technology.

This one would be an even better fit.

Amazon.co.uk

 

[exwindsurfer]

This is even smaller. Both narrower and shorter. I wonder how unless its newer technology.

This one would be an even better fit.

Amazon.co.uk

Would you not get one down each side Barry ?

 

[barryd]

Would you not get one down each side Barry ?

It would be a bit tight when you add in the brackets. The same width brackets keep them narrow but they add a fair few cm to the length. I don't want more than one anyway.

 

[barryd]

Thinking of either this for the controller

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Victron-Energy-SmartSolar-MPPT-Controller/dp/B075NPQHQK/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3OSEC53RZRS5B&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.13V8Ydyd3qpH1BvEmiE4xune75CdsR9JPse6tYCdgGhzi4b2z8uOOqPk07igBWFzjRTQ3PYRIsVX2yHl91_8hSJOk68v2rVrjwEZzgCddQkPQMpb3An6E4WVLRBV0QtyJDFqgVehvPUtnLa-jP0Vs7RQrgZOtcn5WJzmGKj5mEMgXv8xvHyJs7moQq1-a89Ql6vATtfL-xssuxNS7G04tIvrC0jLhRrFTkbgfxXHHQVxKAnL5mIDFq7i5vhgeGAbL4JLcK4Kp4UqocR-yfLO1Z0y7DdMALXqLPoi3N0DsltaUE68Xzp1WfD1RC_ZrwWQi8WmtJoWtZqVL533Ag_vn1JDW8OOA_V5sw4hIimDQ2Xgs2nD5lKqVDPGYNkrkT50_z2uSPeYO7XxXWdJ1XofRf1IjeSAupGlOtu_olZbH_MEPhHFj7zr2RR_VpB5DmAc.mkNZqHY1h6pTSKgD1yrN_mDhB6-Xl8WLHif5c1kibfg&dib_tag=se&keywords=victron%2Bsmart%2Bsolar%2B100%2F20&qid=1742234728&sprefix=victron%2Bsmart%2Bsolar%2B100%2F20%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-5&th=1

Or this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Victron-Energy-SmartSolar-Charge-Controller/dp/B073ZJ3L13/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1KFCNCQ40D6JR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MiXu6Oz8eJjWqC1GGJRucY5W6OaLv2XHdU7oAisOyMssmss9goyGhEWh7p68GDtk67N4i_evAe1jEVQzXv-VtFVnRFOmPLxeYNp9MxFL5dCWBWGhV7uHnTa36198beUf1ljJ8dgpYQ9TTydfVv2G4WG-ITW6eJYxTmt2_X1Coewm841DB-rGf1KZySdb5AUVltWSsMQB80fAQrwPfRMZxvOi647f-wGgNVinRGz2FzNgp-PRJ-mQlycL5vr3f8JnLpce-0uamzWr59l7mOp1qF9OoXj5wWIUMNWGcH803dATzCGMi39Nsp7REsq-4qzV5u6S9EEu0-z3I7sEshW0daO2fZlk5dPksmOLgkjZIiQBjYUm-nOtfTL1XS-DNH2KAEcSzbHDwFriWGW_pGW1ElBHFtlHzT1uJkEHw7-Bdq8.T3kuy8mQWB37zOWcY_jXHXD2AL0bgC68mBq4o7rt1qY&dib_tag=se&keywords=victron%2Bsmart%2Bsolar%2B100%2F30&qid=1742235305&sprefix=victron%2Bsmart%2Bsolar%2B100%2F30%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-3&th=1

Victron Smartsolar 100/20 or 100/30

The 100/20 I think would suffice. for two smallish panels 200-220w but would the 100/30 be more efficient as in it wont have to work as hard? Probably talking bollox.

Merl has a device to sort out the engine battery charging apparently so this opens up more choices for a controller I think.

 

[Nabsim]

Think my viltron is a100/20 and is good for 290W of panels

 

[barryd]

Think my viltron is a100/20 and is good for 290W of panels

That should do then I guess. I think the 100/20 has a load outlet as well yet oddly the 100/30 does not. I found that useful on the old van as it was in the wardrobe where we charged stuff and I had a bank of 4 12v sockets on it. Not really needed on this one though, well not in the overhead locker on the side its on.

 

[merl]

The 75/15 Victron would suffice Barry if you're never going to add more panels, it's available on Ebay for just over £41

Victron Energy BlueSolar MPPT 75/15 Solar Charge Controller SCC010015050R 740439246005 | eBay UK

The Victron Energy BlueSolar MPPT 75/15 Solar Charge Controller SCC010015050R is a Bluetooth-disabled device with a 5-year warranty. It has dimensions of H100 x W113 x D40mm and weighs 0.5kg. With a maximum PV short circuit current of 15A, it operates at 12/24V voltage and has a rated charge...

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[alcam]

It would be a bit tight when you add in the brackets. The same width brackets keep them narrow but they add a fair few cm to the length. I don't want more than one anyway.

Just have them overhanging . With your self confessed heavy right foot you could fly over the channel

 

[trevskoda]

Not really. Little ones perhaps. I've not spec'd lower than 100w but will have a look.

2 or 3 will hit over a 100w & maybe higher no bother.

 

[trevskoda]

If not going down lith path then this will charge hab and starter battery.

 

[barryd]

If not going down lith path then this will charge hab and starter battery.View attachment 141152

Yes I am aware or that one Trev. I think it was discussed up thread. Ill talk to Merl about it as I think he has a solution for the cab battery. The Victron MPPT seems the more widely known though.

 

[barryd]

The 75/15 Victron would suffice Barry if you're never going to add more panels, it's available on Ebay for just over £41

Victron Energy BlueSolar MPPT 75/15 Solar Charge Controller SCC010015050R 740439246005 | eBay UK

The Victron Energy BlueSolar MPPT 75/15 Solar Charge Controller SCC010015050R is a Bluetooth-disabled device with a 5-year warranty. It has dimensions of H100 x W113 x D40mm and weighs 0.5kg. With a maximum PV short circuit current of 15A, it operates at 12/24V voltage and has a rated charge...

www.ebay.co.uk

The SmartSolar range though has the bluetooth connectivity built in I believe though and the Blue Star unit which the one in your link is needs a dongle so the 100/20 Smart solar might be the better option. Then I can sit with my phone like a twat watching the amps etc.

 

[merl]

The SmartSolar range though has the bluetooth connectivity built in I believe though and the Blue Star unit which the one in your link is needs a dongle so the 100/20 Smart solar might be the better option. Then I can sit with my phone like a twat watching the amps etc.

Ah, all the ins and outs of this blue stuff isn't my forte Barry. As you say you'll really need bluetooth and a phone app so you can shout "Whooo Michelle, we've just hit a new high of 14.173 amps" and then high five each other.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Yes I am aware or that one Trev. I think it was discussed up thread. Ill talk to Merl about it as I think he has a solution for the cab battery. The Victron MPPT seems the more widely known though.

My MPPT from Photonic universe charges the VB too, so worth having anyway at a similar price

 

[barryd]

Ah, all the ins and outs of this blue stuff isn't my forte Barry. As you say you'll really need bluetooth and a phone app so you can shout "Whooo Michelle, we've just hit a new high of 14.173 amps" and then high five each other.

Thats why I loved my old MPPT controller with the LED screen. If it was cloudy and the sun suddenly came out we would race to the wardrobe to check what was going in. An app isn't quite the same though. Bit like a download comparted to a 12" Vinyl LP.