Solar Power Set up (Pop-Top)- Kit Recommendations?

[Westie82]

Hi Guys,

Looking to install a solar kit on my pop top and just want to know what other members have done on here and what kit is recommended. I want to do this job once so don’t want to cheap out on the kit, cost isn’t going to matter too much, would rather go overkill.

A few questions….

1. What sort of panel would be best? Stick on flexi or mount a ridged panel with brackets?

2. What output would be more than enough for a T4 California? I see that there are quite a few 150-Watt panel kits on Ebay or is it worth going for 2 x 160 panels giving an out put of 320 Watts, or is this totally unnecessary overkill?

3. Are all consumer units equal? Seems to be a lot of generic ones all over eBay. Any brands which stand out as the best?

Thanks in advance

Mark

 

[MattBW]

1. What sort of panel would be best? Stick on flexi or mount a ridged panel with brackets?
I've never stuck one on a T4 sadly but I do have one on my T25, it was a flexi panel bolted to the roof and silkaflexed around the edges. However many recommend an air space to stop them getting too hot.

2. What output would be more than enough for a T4 California? I see that there are quite a few 150-Watt panel kits on Ebay or is it worth going for 2 x 160 panels giving an out put of 320 Watts, or is this totally unnecessary overkill?
I always think of 150w as a good spring summer autumn setup, 250+ for winter. The more you have the better charge you will get even in dull weather.

3. Are all consumer units equal? Seems to be a lot of generic ones all over eBay. Any brands which stand out as the best?
Victron are one of the best in my humble opinion and the new bluetooth ones are very good too.

 

[Wongo]

Speak to the expert Roger at Solar Panel Solutions.

 

[Karlos]

Would fitting one to a brand new cali affect the warranty?

 

[Westie82]

Would fitting one to a brand new cali affect the warranty?

This is going on a 1993 Cali Karlos.

 

[Karlos]

Sorry could have worded that in a different way. I understand that yours is a T4, but I have been thinking of having something similar done to a new one but unsure off any warranty issues it may cause.

 

[Westie82]

Ok so thinking of going for 2 X 160 watt (320 watts combined) panels that should be more than adequate. I have a pop top so guessing the best way to mount them would be side by side towards the back of the pop top then drill the cable holes on the over hang so I can route the cables down into the top of the tail gate. Then it's just a case of drilling and grommeting a hole from the tail gate recess through to the inside cupboard.

 

[MattBW]

Sorry could have worded that in a different way. I understand that yours is a T4, but I have been thinking of having something similar done to a new one but unsure off any warranty issues it may cause.

If you use one of Rogers kits, they bolt to the roof rails on a t5/6 and shouldn't effect the warranty.

 

[SimonB]

Would fitting one to a brand new cali affect the warranty?

If you check @Roger Donoghue he provides a no drill kit that fits onto the California roof. All the wiring fits down alongside existing wiring and you just attach it to the leisure battery. You simply remove it if you sell the Cali. We've had one of his kits for 4 years now and it is very good. I find 120 watts enough to camp all the year round. Very good website too https://www.solarcampersolutions.co.uk/
He also provides a very good back-up service and will advise by email or phone if you have any problems.

 

[Dorset Drifter]

+1 for Roger.

He fitted a 100w flexi panel for me three years ago, all good but I would go for more output if I was doing it now as I do struggle towards the end of a week using the fridge only on solar.

 

[Karlos]

Thanks for all your replies.