Renogy 100w solar panel suitcase type

[MidgleyVW]

Hi my 2013 van I have had from new and the battery used to last 4-5 days but over the years it has slowly lost its capacity so I was considering getting one of these folding suitcase type solar panels . I just wondered if I get one with the controller how does this connect to the internal batteries or is it not a good idea to do that ?
Thanks Ray

 

[Mowbotman]

I connect the larger suitcase one to the cigar lighter socket on side of kitchen unit ( leisure battery) and the smaller one on the right to the cigar socket on pull out cup holder next to gear stick ( vehicle battery) i did fit a cigar plug to the input of the controller to make this easy, it can be a few weeks sometimes before I use the cali ( the leisure battery voltage is checked via my on line tracker which is wires to the leisure battery) and now my leisure battery os always fully charged and I never jave a problem starting cali

 

[MidgleyVW]

Hi thanks for that ....I use the van every day as a normal vehicle to and fro work Do you use the power controller (that you can get with suitcase model )or do you plug direct ? ie panels to battery ? Isnt that more than 12V though and wont that damage anything ? Thanks Ray

 

[Steve1]

Hi thanks for that ....I use the van every day as a normal vehicle to and fro work Do you use the power controller (that you can get with suitcase model )or do you plug direct ? ie panels to battery ? Isnt that more than 12V though and wont that damage anything ? Thanks Ray

With some small inefficient solar panels aimed at "trickle charging" people get away without a charge controller because the currents they produce would struggle to over charge the battery. (It's still not recommended though) But for any decent size solar panel a charge controller is a must, if you over charge your batteries they will gas up, which is smelly and dangerous and will ruin them forever!

 

[WelshGas]

Hi thanks for that ....I use the van every day as a normal vehicle to and fro work Do you use the power controller (that you can get with suitcase model )or do you plug direct ? ie panels to battery ? Isnt that more than 12V though and wont that damage anything ? Thanks Ray

As you use the van everyday then the Leisure Batteries should be fully charged but obviously they cannot hold the charge being 10 yrs or so old. A suitcase solar panel is not going to extend the period very much unless in full sunlight for long periods of time whilst camping.
I think it would be more cost effective to replace both Leisure Batteries in the first instance, or just accept 24+ hrs off grid or unlimited time on mains hookup.

 

[MidgleyVW]

As you use the van everyday then the Leisure Batteries should be fully charged but obviously they cannot hold the charge being 10 yrs or so old. A suitcase solar panel is not going to extend the period very much unless in full sunlight for long periods of time whilst camping.
I think it would be more cost effective to replace both Leisure Batteries in the first instance, or just accept 24+ hrs off grid or unlimited time on mains hookup.

Hi , I kind of know thats probably the best thing to do but just like the thought of it and if i were to get new batteries Id use the panel to make sure they last longer ....this time . I dont know if you need to get the power controller or just plug it into the cig lighter socket ?

 

[WelshGas]

Hi , I kind of know thats probably the best thing to do but just like the thought of it and if i were to get new batteries Id use the panel to make sure they last longer ....this time . I dont know if you need to get the power controller or just plug it into the cig lighter socket ?

A fixed rooftop panel would be more efficient and always On.

 

[capt kirk]

I still have my 130watt suitcase for sale if intrested. it has mppt and pwm solar charge controllers and works well, make me a sensible offer