Solar Panels

[alwaysared]

Solar Panels

I'm looking at fitting a solar panel to my MH and wondered if anyone had used or is using these from Bimble Solar, the only thing that I 'm worried about is the weight. What do you all think?

Regards,
Del

 

[teejay]

Depends on what vehicle you intend fitting it to as you don't say what it is, how can we know? 38lbs is quite heavy but some roofs can take it especially with proper supports to spread the weight,
If you post more details you may get more help.

 

[alwaysared]

Depends on what vehicle you intend fitting it to as you don't say what it is, how can we know? 38lbs is quite heavy but some roofs can take it especially with proper supports to spread the weight,
If you post more details you may get more help.

1996 Dethleffs Globetrotter

Regards,
Del

 

[teejay]

I think first off you could check with the manufacturer, Dethleffs as to the construction of the roof panels especially in the area where you intend to mount the solar panel and go from there. If its strong enough there are a few simple was then to mount it. Other than that you could always fasten it to a roof rack permanently fitted or make your own 'rack'. Some photos of your vehicle and possibly the roof and roof guttering area might help too.

 

[Rockburner]

I'm probably going to go for the slightly flexible panels that you glue directly to the roof with Sikaflex. That will spread the load nicely and also means less holes drilling into the roof.

 

[Asterix]

I'm probably going to go for the slightly flexible panels that you glue directly to the roof with Sikaflex. That will spread the load nicely and also means less holes drilling into the roof.

Whatever panel you use,there should only be one hole required in the roof for wiring,the panels are fixed to the roof with adhesive.

 

[oldish hippy]

a lot of us have bimble solar panels fitted never heard of a problem with then use to have flexi panel fitted like a go faster stripe on the curve of the roof above the window never had a problem with it and it was stuck down with sika flex the only problem ihad i put the hole in wrong place for cable entry soon filled with sika flex never leaked m,lot of us have them just stuck on with sika flex

 

[p-c]

Hi

Many MHomers have solar on their roof with no problem.

If a panel weighs 38kg that is only 10kg in each corner which is quite a spread. I only stuck mine brackets on to the roof, as said the biggest problem is where to drill the wire hole/s.

Bracket example. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6x-White-...4383.l4275.c10

Do make sure you get a good controller, perhaps larger enough to take another panel if you decide to add one.

Regards

p-c

 

[trevskoda]

Use one of these to bring cable in,boat deck cable gland.
Use raised panels to keep cool and place gland under them so no direct water/rain.

 

[alwaysared]

Thanks everyone for your input, I have been offered the panel for £60.00 but I don't think need 260 watt and the weight is my concern as I don't want to eat into the payload. Too many decisions in life lol

Regards,
Del

 

[Devonboy]

This company had a stand at Malvern in August, looked pretty impressive: https://mipvsolarpanels.co.uk/product-category/flexible-solar-panels

 

[powerplus]

hi

you can get a 100w solar panel on ebay for about £90 and around 8kg

barry

 

[The laird]

Can’t think how we would do or get on without our solar power,it makes off grid that much different

 

[snapster]

They are quite big panels, over 1.5 metres by almost 1 metre. Make sure you have enough roof space first, I wouldn't be concerned about the weight unless you are short of payload. but then again 18 kilos is only the equivalent of 18 kilos of water, or a full toilet cassette!

 

[powerplus]

hi

to be honest i would prefer 2 smaller panels if not just for strength, the big 250w panels in my opinion are just to big to put on a van roof

i would be concerned about the panel breaking with the shock of the van going over a bad pothole

thoughts everyone

barry

 

[wildebus]

hi

to be honest i would prefer 2 smaller panels if not just for strength, the big 250w panels in my opinion are just to big to put on a van roof

i would be concerned about the panel breaking with the shock of the van going over a bad pothole

thoughts everyone

barry

I fitted 4 100W panels on my van - did that for resilence (smaller panels having better support as per the comment above), as well as ability to configure for maximum effectiveness - A combination series-parallel setup giving increased voltage for best MPPT performance as well as having solar still working even if a panel ends up partially shaded.

 

[debs]

I have a 100 Watt solar panel on my roof, it charges through full C-tek charging, to Two 110 leisure batts. For me it's not quite enough, because i have a Waeco compressor fridge. Hopefully I will sort this next year by replacing my framed panel with a couple of semi-flexibles. I also tend to hammer the telly, everything adds up, so you need to look at your electrical requirements, your type of camping. Good luck.:Thumbs_Up_Hand_Sign:voltage_emoji_icon_

 

[powerplus]

hi debs

i also had a 100w panel with 2 90w hab batterys and a engine battery found 100w struggled to keep on top of the charging so added a second 100w panel

much better now especially as im in the algarve now and the sun is really low during the day but the sun should start to get higher soon; the batterys then will really get some charge in them

the difference is

around 2.2a from a 100w panel now
and 5.8a last june from the 100w panel

barry