Hank the Tanks Dodgy battery and solar system

merl said:
My experience with the semi flexibles was like many others....ie pretty crap. I think if you pay for a big name brand semi flexible you'll have a better chance of longevity and decent output BUT that's just what I've read.
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The semi flexible panels are misnamed. They are not at all flexible once fitted. Yes, you can curve them a bit to fit onto a non-flat surface, but they need to be mounted so that there is absolutely no flexing afterwards, whether from wind or from solar heating. Stick them down well and they are fine.
There is a different sort, which are like a rubber mat. They stick down well, and can be walked on, which is useful. The trouble is that they use a different panel technology and are only about 8% efficient, rather than the 22% of modern 'normal' panels. So ytou get a lot less power for a given area of panel.
 
barryd said:
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.
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Brackets don't have to make the panel bigger at all. They can be fitted on the inside of the panel.
 
trevskoda said:
You can fit a 200amp relay and switch from hab batts to starter batts, you can use this for emergency starts linking all the batts up or to send power to the starter battery if required, this is in place on my van as if i have left van lights on im still able to start her up.
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I have a different approach. There is an Andersen connector for the solar controller output, an Andersen connector for the VB and an Andersen connector for the LB.
That way I can connect the solar to either set of batteries, or I can connect the batteries together - and yes, it does work for jump starting, even though each of the three batteries n the leisure bank has a 70A fuse in line.
 
Fazerloz said:
Oooooo I wouldn't have done that.
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Pudsey Bear said:
Nor me mate, too risky.
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**** off new solar.png
 
Panel, Long brackets and Victron 100/20 smartsolar controller were all ordered yesterday and on their way to Merl. In fact the panel is already there. I went for the full width brackets as if needed they can be cut to fit flush with the panel as space is tight.

Had a lot of discussions with Merl regarding the cabling and other bits. I think we are just about there in terms of stuff that needs ordering. Just need to get it fitted now. :D
 
barryd said:
Panel, Long brackets and Victron 100/20 smartsolar controller were all ordered yesterday and on their way to Merl. In fact the panel is already there. I went for the full width brackets as if needed they can be cut to fit flush with the panel as space is tight.

Had a lot of discussions with Merl regarding the cabling and other bits. I think we are just about there in terms of stuff that needs ordering. Just need to get it fitted now. :D
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Sounds good.Is Merl coming up to yours and fitting it for you Barry ?
 
merl said:
Barry is 'popping' down to me and then folks (drumroll) .................................................This 'kin thread will be history!! 🎉🎉🎉🥳🥳🥳
He'll probably postpone for a couple of months so he can hit the 1000 post milestone :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
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Nah! We should keep the thread running in case after a couple of weeks after you set it all up I decide to go for Lithium. :ROFLMAO:
 
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