Solar panels from Solar Camper Solutions

[scamp]

Just want to say a ‘very big thank you‘ to Roger Donoghue. We ordered a solar panel kit from him recently. His instructions on how to fit them are very clear. Also when we were having problems connecting, he promptly sent us very detailed information on how to solve the problem. I wouldn’t hesitate ordering from him again. Thanks very much.

 

[Roger Donoghue]

Hey ! - Just seen this

Thank you for the kind feedback - ;-)

 

[DavidinWales]

I''m thinking of buying one of these kits. Can you easily detach the curly lead for when driving?

 

[Twunt]

Hi Scamp, that's good to know as mine has just this second arrived and my DIY skills are non existent, I will be attempting the install in about half hour

p.s. Thanks Roger the turn around from order was only a day or two

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

I''m thinking of buying one of these kits. Can you easily detach the curly lead for when driving?

Hi DavidinWales,
Not if it is threaded though the tailgate cable grommet. It would then hang down the rear window.
I was concerned about the curly cable when considering solar (overly concerned). Roger installed a dual panel system for me with the curly cable and all is fine. It’s fairly solid and doesn’t flap around when driving so no noise. No abrasion to paintwork so far but I may put a small piece of helicopter tape underneath it at some point?

 

[altvic]

I have curly wire since installation. No noise or rubbing to paintwork in 10k + miles. But tape for peace of mind is a good intervention

 

[Twunt]

I have failed at the very first hurdle , how do I fix the panel to the roof ? The washer and nut do not seem enough

 

[Roger Donoghue]

Tighten with a spanner or socket. It's in the instructions, even how tight to go.

R

 

[Amarillo]

I have failed at the very first hurdle , how do I fix the panel to the roof ? The washer and nut do not seem enough

View attachment 77187

I had similar difficulties but found the ideal solution. I got my brother, who happens to be an engineer, to fit them for me.

 

[Perfectos]

I have failed at the very first hurdle , how do I fix the panel to the roof ? The washer and nut do not seem enough

View attachment 77187

The nut is a nylock nut, the blue band at the top of the nut is designed to deform around the threaded spindle when you do it up with a spanner. It is not possible to tighten up a nylock nut by hand.

edit: the blue nylon band prevents the nut from lossening inadvertently

 

[Twunt]

Hi Roger , just being over cautious then , I didn't want to overtighten if I had done it wrong

Thanks for your replies I will use some more force

 

[Roger Donoghue]

Ahh - no probs. You tighten it till ti stops, then anotehr 1/4 to 1/2 a turn and you'll actually see the aluminium angle car squish slightly

 

[DavidinWales]

Hi DavidinWales,
Not if it is threaded though the tailgate cable grommet. It would then hang down the rear window.
I was concerned about the curly cable when considering solar (overly concerned). Roger installed a dual panel system for me with the curly cable and all is fine. It’s fairly solid and doesn’t flap around when driving so no noise. No abrasion to paintwork so far but I may put a small piece of helicopter tape underneath it at some point?

Thank you GrumpyGranddad. The helicopter tape sounds like a good idea.

 

[Hamish S]

5k miles on mine with curly cable and tape underneath. No noise no problem .

 

[DavidinWales]

5k miles on mine with curly cable and tape underneath. No noise no problem .

Thanks Hamish.

 

[Dreed2703]

Hi, Sorry to revive this older thread but I think it's the most recent one on the topic? I wanted to ask if anyone had the triple panel set-up available on the website? Seriously considering for our soon to be ready Ocean but wasn't sure if it would be overkill or not! Thanks!

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Hi, Sorry to revive this older thread but I think it's the most recent one on the topic? I wanted to ask if anyone had the triple panel set-up available on the website? Seriously considering for our soon to be ready Ocean but wasn't sure if it would be overkill or not! Thanks!

2 should be more than enough.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

Hi, Sorry to revive this older thread but I think it's the most recent one on the topic? I wanted to ask if anyone had the triple panel set-up available on the website? Seriously considering for our soon to be ready Ocean but wasn't sure if it would be overkill or not! Thanks!

We have 2 and so far has been more than adequate. At present we leave the fridge on permanently at level 4 and only rarely get a reading of less than 60 hours showing on the camping control unit.

Ours is wired to trickle charge the starter battery also.

 

[Properjob]

Hi, Sorry to revive this older thread but I think it's the most recent one on the topic? I wanted to ask if anyone had the triple panel set-up available on the website? Seriously considering for our soon to be ready Ocean but wasn't sure if it would be overkill or not! Thanks!

Worth considering if you’re ever going to want to put a roof rack on. With one panel it’s fine; two would be a squeeze if possible and three not possible. We’ve got just the one

 

[Roger Donoghue]

It's an overkill for most people but I put the option up there as I do sell the odd one. Mostly for people who camp over winter.

 

[Dreed2703]

Thanks for all the replies, I’m looking for a solution that would give us as much time off EHU as possible, thinking 2 weeks at a time if it were at all possible. Will be towing a trailer so roof boxes don’t really come into consideration.

 

[Lightning]

Thanks for all the replies, I’m looking for a solution that would give us as much time off EHU as possible, thinking 2 weeks at a time if it were at all possible. Will be towing a trailer so roof boxes don’t really come into consideration.

I have one panel and live full time in my van. In winter there is no sun, in summer I tend to park in the shade as it gets too hot. I may get a second just as a back up fail safe, as they seem to die after a few years.

 

[Lightning]

I have one panel and live full time in my van. In winter there is no sun, in summer I tend to park in the shade as it gets too hot. I may get a second just as a back up fail safe, as they seem to die after a few years.

I never use hook up by the way, I run the engine on idle for an hour or two in winter if the batteries get too low (petrol van).

 

[Lightning]

Finally, I also have a small Honda generator EU10i, which I carry in the boot, and use occasionally when nobody’s around, or if I don’t want to idle the van.

 

[Dreed2703]

I have one panel and live full time in my van. In winter there is no sun, in summer I tend to park in the shade as it gets too hot. I may get a second just as a back up fail safe, as they seem to die after a few years.

Thanks Lightning, this paints a very clear picture! Think I’ll be getting 2 panels!

@Roger Donoghue what’s the best charger option for a 2 panel set-up? Would rather pay more for a better system