Solar Camper Solutions Experiences sought

[The Tall Luthier]

2 will be fine, we had 3 to compensate for the shadow from empty roof bars…but this was overkill!..2 would have been fine.

You can always start with 1/2, and then just add another later if required.

Brilliant. Thank you. One more question, all stemming from the fact that I don’t know what I don’t know.

Why wouldn’t I just buy this panel for £149 that does 200W instead of £800 from Roger. I understand there’s more faff with fabricating fixings but not £650 worth.

Is there a big quality difference?

Amazon.co.uk

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

Brilliant. Thank you. One more question, all stemming from the fact that I don’t know what I don’t know.

Why wouldn’t I just buy this panel for £149 that does 200W instead of £800 from Roger. I understand there’s more faff with fabricating fixings but not £650 worth.

Is there a big quality difference?

Amazon.co.uk

The one you have linked to is a framed panel, so will increase the height of your van and potentially has more fixing complications than using the flat panels. The framed panels are generally more efficient (relative to size) than the flat ones though.

Of course you are also paying for the fixings and electrical connections. I bought all the parts myself and made my own so it was a little bit cheaper than Solar Camper Solutions but the guy is running a business, you are paying for a service and he (fully understandably) does need to make money. I would have bought from him but I live in Germany and did everything shortly after Brexit when customs was a total disaster, so I didn't fancy that potential hassle.

If you are reasonable tech savvy and handy with tools you can make your own solution. I personally enjoyed doing it but understand that lots of people just want a finished product they can install (or have installed) easily. The products from Solar Camper Solutions look good and I don't think I've seen any negative reviews of them.

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

I should also add that whilst I cannot remember the exact rail dimensions on the roof I think the size of the panel you have linked to is too big and will give you problems in terms of attachment.

 

[The Tall Luthier]

I should also add that whilst I cannot remember the exact rail dimensions on the roof I think the size of the panel you have linked to is too big and will give you problems in terms of attachment.

That is great information. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

To be fair I probably go with the hassle free Roger solution.

 

[colintfcolintf]

I had sterling service from Roger.
possibly overkill, but i had 3 panels fitted last autumn
my line of thought being by the time i had driven to Roger and back, and invested a day off from work the price difference between 2 and 3 panels fitted wasn't that big (£250 from memory), so i justified it that way.
The big test will be 10 days away offgrid in the summer

 

[nigpdreadingfc]

I had sterling service from Roger.
possibly overkill, but i had 3 panels fitted last autumn
my line of thought being by the time i had driven to Roger and back, and invested a day off from work the price difference between 2 and 3 panels fitted wasn't that big (£250 from memory), so i justified it that way.
The big test will be 10 days away offgrid in the summer

I had 3 fitted by Roger, too. My thinking was very much the same as you. Better to have 3 and not need all 3, than to need 3 and not have them.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

I had 3 fitted by Roger, too. My thinking was very much the same as you. Better to have 3 and not need all 3, than to need 3 and not have them.

3 also looks better, fills the space nicely!

 

[ThomasHJ]

Dear all, I am contemplating installing a 200W solar set up sold by Solar Camper Solutions. I fancy the no drilling, no gluing solution. However, before I proceed with the order, I would like to receive some feedback on two questions that I have:

1) Most importantly: does the set up create any whistling sounds or noise when travelling at 70-80 MPH?
2) Once the kit is installed, does it increase the overall height of the car, mind you I already have a Thule awning installed.

As usual I am appreciating all comments and feedback,

Thanks,

Marc

Very happy with my solar panel from SCS (Roger). No added noise and the awaning is still the highest part of my Cali.

Would defenitely recommend Roger. (We had a panel installed by Roger why visiting the UK for holidays)

 

[Mehdime]

I have a California Ocean, would you all recommend a 200W or 300W panel set up.

What is the difference between them in real life for someone based in the uk but travelling to Europe?

Actually had the same question myself yesterday and had a good chat with ChatGPT about it (don't hate me...).

I won't copy/paste it here because there's enough AI slop around. But it was really interesting - went into the consumption of the different electronic devices in the van, whether or not the curly cable upgrade was useful, the efficiency of the inverter (which is where it became really obvious I was talking to ChatGPT as it very confidently said things that were completely wrong).

Here if you're interested (scroll back to the top for the 3 panel discussion): https://chatgpt.com/share/67f65390-8948-800d-b985-7ab2b6e5f19b

 

[The Tall Luthier]

Actually had the same question myself yesterday and had a good chat with ChatGPT about it (don't hate me...).

I won't copy/paste it here because there's enough AI slop around. But it was really interesting - went into the consumption of the different electronic devices in the van, whether or not the curly cable upgrade was useful, the efficiency of the inverter (which is where it became really obvious I was talking to ChatGPT as it very confidently said things that were completely wrong).

Here if you're interested (scroll back to the top for the 3 panel discussion): https://chatgpt.com/share/67f65390-8948-800d-b985-7ab2b6e5f19b

ChatGPT always knocks my socks off.

It’s never my goto but it should be.

Thanks for sharing