"best" solar panel for new Cali

[loic2000]

Hi guys,

We are planning to buy a new Cali from the Netherlands (campers.eu) and we got some quotes about it. We also asked for fitting a solar panel. It seems quite expensive compare to the prices I have seen on this forum (1 x Solar Panel 1x 160W + Victron MPPT charger = 820euros). I don't know if the technology is different which is why the price is more expensive...

I have two questions:
1) If buying a Cali new, would you recommend to order also the solar panel or to install them later at a local shop?
2) Is 160W enough if we are not planning to go off-grid for more than 2 or 3 days? or should we consider 250W?

 

[kurienp]

Hi guys,

We are planning to buy a new Cali from the Netherlands (campers.eu) and we got some quotes about it. We also asked for fitting a solar panel. It seems quite expensive compare to the prices I have seen on this forum (1 x Solar Panel 1x 160W + Victron MPPT charger = 820euros). I don't know if the technology is different which is why the price is more expensive...

I have two questions:
1) If buying a Cali new, would you recommend to order also the solar panel or to install them later at a local shop?
2) Is 160W enough if we are not planning to go off-grid for more than 2 or 3 days? or should we consider 250W?

Welcome Loic2K,

In my opinion
1 - in the long term, warranty is important. with a local fitter, it will be easier to do warranty claims on solar panels and the controller. with the van, it is not an issue as VW will honour their warranty where they have presence.
2. 160 w should be fine. it is also to do with the amount of sunlight available when going off-grid which is rare in the UK anyways.

 

[loic2000]

Thanks!

 

[BrugseB]

160W is more then enough... even 100 of 120W will do, material should take you less than 400euro (Victron), and with ample instruction manual you can intall it yourself.

 

[BrugseB]

just as an example

Solar pakket 110 Wp MPPT 75|10 + 110Wp SunPower paneel - Energie deals - Promotie | Stroomwinkel.nl

<p>Voor aanvullende informatie over deze artikelen, kijk elders op onze webwinkel.</p>

stroomwinkel.nl

 

[loic2000]

just as an example

Solar pakket 110 Wp MPPT 75|10 + 110Wp SunPower paneel - Energie deals - Promotie | Stroomwinkel.nl

<p>Voor aanvullende informatie over deze artikelen, kijk elders op onze webwinkel.</p>

stroomwinkel.nl

Thank you for the advices!

 

[Roger Donoghue]

I ship to the Netherlands. 120W solar kits.

R

 

[KickingK99]

I ship to the Netherlands. 120W solar kits.

R

Hi Roger
Sorry to piggy back this thread, but I’ve been reading lots of your threads re solar power panels for Calis where you refer to your website.
I would love to investigate this further but cannot find it anywhere.
Any chance you could point me in the right direction.

 

[WelshGas]

Hi Roger
Sorry to piggy back this thread, but I’ve been reading lots of your threads re solar power panels for Calis where you refer to your website.
I would love to investigate this further but cannot find it anywhere.
Any chance you could point me in the right direction.

Click on the top link, in blue , at the bottom of Roger‘s post.

 

[Erbster]

I couldn’t see a link either (might be because using Tapatalk on BBC a phone)

Solar Camper Solutions - VW CALIFORNIA (T5 & T6) Solar Panel Kit

Drill free bolt on kit for the VW California, SE/Ocean/Beach, T5 or T6 / T6.1 variants (T6.1 has a slightly different battery connector) A kit that re...

www.solarcampersolutions.co.uk

I bought one of these kits this year and am well pleased.

 

[mkbutters]

Hi guys,

We are planning to buy a new Cali from the Netherlands (campers.eu) and we got some quotes about it. We also asked for fitting a solar panel. It seems quite expensive compare to the prices I have seen on this forum (1 x Solar Panel 1x 160W + Victron MPPT charger = 820euros). I don't know if the technology is different which is why the price is more expensive...

I have two questions:
1) If buying a Cali new, would you recommend to order also the solar panel or to install them later at a local shop?
2) Is 160W enough if we are not planning to go off-grid for more than 2 or 3 days? or should we consider 250W?

fitted this ..... https://mipvsolarpanels.co.uk/product/mipv-165w-superflex-solar-panel-kit