Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Soupy on October 18, 2021, 02:04:59 pm

Title: Solar panels
Post by: Soupy on October 18, 2021, 02:04:59 pm
Howdy campers!

I've got an electric van coming next week, my intention is to put a solar panel on the roof to help power the wfp. This is what I'm thinking:

https://www.manomano.co.uk/p/300w-mono-solar-panel-12v-off-grid-system-20a-cmg-charge-controller-for-camper-27679232?model_id=27660121

Any use??
Title: Re: Solar panels
Post by: Smudger on October 18, 2021, 02:13:15 pm
Do you get sun up there? I thought this might be better 😎

(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1634562789_203BF2DA-F6E4-435F-BD89-375E6E3F7607.jpeg)
Title: Re: Solar panels
Post by: Soupy on October 18, 2021, 02:58:29 pm
Do you get sun up there? I thought this might be better 😎

(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1634562789_203BF2DA-F6E4-435F-BD89-375E6E3F7607.jpeg)

Will need a bigger van, and an HGV licence probably. Ne'r mind I'll get a Polish fella on a short term visa to drive it for me.  ;D
Title: Re: Solar panels
Post by: AuRavelling79 on October 18, 2021, 03:49:16 pm
Howdy campers!

I've got an electric van coming next week, my intention is to put a solar panel on the roof to help power the wfp. This is what I'm thinking:

https://www.manomano.co.uk/p/300w-mono-solar-panel-12v-off-grid-system-20a-cmg-charge-controller-for-camper-27679232?model_id=27660121

Any use??

Well, Honda's little electric car has cameras instead of wing mirrors to save on wind resistance and help eke a few more miles out of its range. So I wonder if any wind resistance created by a solar panel may well negate any juice it produces?

Especially up there in the land of the cloud.

Title: Re: Solar panels
Post by: Spruce on October 18, 2021, 04:23:59 pm
Howdy campers!

I've got an electric van coming next week, my intention is to put a solar panel on the roof to help power the wfp. This is what I'm thinking:

https://www.manomano.co.uk/p/300w-mono-solar-panel-12v-off-grid-system-20a-cmg-charge-controller-for-camper-27679232?model_id=27660121

Any use??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44uYIrs1RW0

You need an MPPT controller rather than a PWM controller.
Title: Re: Solar panels
Post by: Soupy on October 18, 2021, 04:47:53 pm
You need an MPPT controller rather than a PWM controller.

Thanks - why's that then?
Title: Re: Solar panels
Post by: Ched on October 18, 2021, 05:11:23 pm
You need an MPPT controller rather than a PWM controller.
Thanks - why's that then?
MPPT controllers are more efficient at converting the voltage and current from solar panels into useable charge for your battery. PWM are the basic ones that work but you will be losing efficiency.
I assume you realise that in winter you wont be getting much solar charge? Might be cheaper and better just to add an extension cable and a decent mains charger to keep your battery fully charged.
Title: Re: Solar panels
Post by: Granny on October 18, 2021, 05:24:18 pm
At the moment my 4Kw 16 panel array of solar panels are producing 30 watt! ;D
Title: Re: Solar panels
Post by: Spruce on November 03, 2021, 12:09:45 pm
You need an MPPT controller rather than a PWM controller.

Thanks - why's that then?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdAkQCA5tuY
Title: Re: Solar panels
Post by: zesty on November 03, 2021, 12:23:00 pm
What electric van?

They all seem pants payload wise? And even worse mileage wise
Title: Re: Solar panels
Post by: Soupy on November 03, 2021, 02:01:45 pm
What electric van?

They all seem pants payload wise? And even worse mileage wise

eVito. Payload is 900kg

Mileage is indeed, as you quite rightly point out, pants.
Title: Re: Solar panels
Post by: EandM on November 04, 2021, 07:04:56 pm
If and when the Electric Pick Up trucks arrive they are likely to weigh in empty at 4,250 kg!
So potentially 5,250 kg loaded to qualify for commercial status.

Should be fun in some of the wet fields I work in...
Title: Re: Solar panels
Post by: M.c.s on November 04, 2021, 08:17:51 pm
whare are you putting the tank  ???

 i have a flat 350tank at the back doors of my env200  because of the batteries underneath the floor    your right 60 miles charge i get  but rapid charge at lidl

i also need to know about the solar panels for charging the wfp will be interested to know how to do it

is that van tow capable    iam selling mine in 2 years fo a vivaro e   or vw   with tow  or evito not sure
Title: Re: Solar panels
Post by: Soupy on November 04, 2021, 08:39:11 pm
whare are you putting the tank  ???

 i have a flat 350tank at the back doors of my env200  because of the batteries underneath the floor    your right 60 miles charge i get  but rapid charge at lidl

i also need to know about the solar panels for charging the wfp will be interested to know how to do it

is that van tow capable    iam selling mine in 2 years fo a vivaro e   or vw   with tow  or evito not sure

Tank will go in the back, going to make a fibreglass bund for everything to sit inside. I guess it'll tow but I'll not be trying.
Title: Re: Solar panels
Post by: M.c.s on November 04, 2021, 08:47:28 pm
whare are you putting the tank  ???

 i have a flat 350tank at the back doors of my env200  because of the batteries underneath the floor    your right 60 miles charge i get  but rapid charge at lidl

i also need to know about the solar panels for charging the wfp will be interested to know how to do it

is that van tow capable    iam selling mine in 2 years fo a vivaro e   or vw   with tow  or evito not sure

Tank will go in the back, going to make a fibreglass bund for everything to sit inside. I guess it'll tow but I'll not be trying.


ok cheers  word to the wise dont leave hazzard lights on without ignition on small 12v battery in bonnet runs out and vehicle cant be moved at all  you have to have it jump started so carry jump leads just incase   i did this last friday bit inbarrassing


sorry to go off topic anyway