Need Help with Solar Panels

[CharlesJ]

Hello Everyone.

I'm so glad I found this forum and it is great to be here! So over the past few days I was lurking around and finally decided to register. Hopefully I can get some help here.

I recently bought a used Trak Shak Camper Trailer and right now I'm trying to install a solar panel. But I don't know so much about it. That's why I thought I drop my question here.

This week I did a lot of research online and had a look at a few, well known trusted shopping sites as well as websites for classified adds like http://www.used.forsale/canada/solar-panel but there are dozens of solar panels available. I just don't know which one to pick for my trailer.

So are there some specific ones for the Trak Shak or not? Can you recommend some common models or brands which are suitable of this peculiar trailer? And how much do I have to spend on a decent solar panel?

I was also thinking about buying a cheap, used one. Is that advisable or not? And are there some common pitfalls to avoid.

Furthermore, do I need some special gear? I have heard, if I want to charge some (spare) batteries, I will need a charge controller.

Sorry for all my questions, but I don't know so much about this technical and electronic stuff. So hopefully someone here can give me some advice.

So I'm looking forward to any feedback.

Charles.

[Peterr]

Hi and welcome!!

Do you want to mount a panel to the trailer, or have it portable?

How big a panel/solar setup do you need?? What do you plan to run from the battery(s) ?

I have a couple of Ebay "cheapies" , they are great and generally come with all you'll need.... http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-12V-200W ... SwN6JY~UJ0

Any help ???

Cheers,
Peter

[CharlesJ]

Hi and welcome!!

Thanks mate.

Do you want to mount a panel to the trailer, or have it portable?

Portable.

How big a panel/solar setup do you need??

I actually don't know. Any advice?

What do you plan to run from the battery(s) ?

A few lights and a socket for my laptop would be nice.

I have a couple of Ebay "cheapies" , they are great and generally come with all you'll need...

Thanks for the link. I'll have a look at it.

[Peterr]

The setup I linked to will be more than enough for those needs, but we all know that sooner or later you'll be plugging more in!! A water pump , a fridge, etc etc all add a bit, but given fair weather, ie sunny days, that setup will do the job; given that your battery(s) are OK .

What size battery do you have?

the panel will work a tad more efficiently with a decent regulator mounted close to the battery , rather than on the back of the panel as supplied, but given your estimated load , I'd leave well enough alone for now......

[Ern_Reeders]

There's a lot of very good info here www.12voltblog.com.au
and here https://www.exploroz.com/Vehicle/Electr ... rs%20solar

You need to estimate the draw of your devices over the time spent in camp. Then you need to estimate the amount you can generate from solar (Peak Sun Hours, ambient temperature).

You need one or more batteries to run your devices while the sun's on the wrong side of the planet or while it's overcast.

Think of it like banking: you can't draw out unless there's a deposit, and the deposit has to be replenished for the next withdrawal.

If you don't do the planning you'll end up with a system that doesn't work for you. Many folk end up with an empty account but with food to buy!

Good luck with it.

[robcaz]

Hi Charles,

Sorry for the belated reply as we have been out of internet coverage while travelling. Congratulations on the purchase of your Trak Shak.

It is worth sticking to the quality solar panels sold by the major retail/accessory/4wd outlets as you know there is a good chance of a warranty claim if something goes wrong, rather than via Ebay.

We have found a portable solar panel a great advantage in getting maximum solar input as it can be placed to follow the sun throughout the day.

As for sizing a 12volt battery system to suit your own needs you will find Richard's solar spreadsheet very helpful http://www.campertrailers.org/solar_spreadsheet.htm

I have also put a page together on the ins & outs of setting up a 12volt system http://www.campertrailers.org/12volt_system_setup.htm

We installed a Redarc BCDC1225 DC to DC charger in the camper which looks after the changing of the batteries when camping & travelling http://www.campertrailers.org/bcdc1225_feedback.htm