Question: Solar Panel chargers - worth investing in?

Posted on 13 Nov 2014 09:35

Just wondering if anyone has a view on whether solar panel chrgers are worth buying? I'd be looking at chargers for a 4 berth motorhome. Nothing flashy inside - we'd just be looking at running lights, radio and a couple of 12v appliances. The rest runs off gas.

Looks like they'll cost about £140 for the set up. Is it worth it?

How long does it take on an average sunny day to charge up the leisure battery? Or is it more about giving the battery a boost rather than relying on the panels to charge it fully?

Thanks.

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Rob Ackroyd

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PH Lincs

Posted on 29 Nov 2014

I am surprised you haven't had more answers! I think they are worth it! I started with a briefcase type around £50 it was. In February on a wet weekend it had replaced an evening of tv and lights etc by 9am with only about 20 mins of early watery sun.

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Thanks, PH Lincs,
That sounds like a great investment! Maybe I've been looking at something too powerful then - I like the sound of £50 a lot more! Do you remember where you bought them/what brand they are? Posted by Rob Ackroyd on 01 Dec 2014

I think it was Maplins - or Ebay but I would go for the largest you can afford - and I also believe it matters if they face the sun as much as possible - if you want to keep it on the roof and never move it the bigger the better! I quite enjoy fiddling with mine! I do keep mine bike chained to the caravan hitch in case of theft though but not heard any reports of others going awol. Posted by PH Lincs on 01 Dec 2014