11/25/2023 0 Comments Solar panel controller![]() If you need your solar system to power you through winter vanlife, your calculation needs to take the typical sunlight hours into consideration but also remember that a solar panel fitted flat to the roof will not produce much when the sun sits so low in the sky. I suggest you consider rounding up the panel sizes a calculator comes up with, as there will always be cloudy or rainy days plus over capacity will extend your vanlife season. The easiest way to determine this is through using an online calculator which will allow you to work out the size of panel and battery storage required. This involves calculating the electrical demand of all appliances such as your fridge, lights, inverter, heater and gadgets. ![]() ![]() MPPT get the most from your campervan solar panels Considerations When Choosing a Solar Charge Controller How much power will I need?īefore choosing any part of your solar system setup you need to work out how much power you will use. They work well in all conditions and are compatible with all types of battery.įor most DIY campervan conversions, the solar panels are usually mounted flat on the roof of the van rather than angled towards the sun, so maximising the output from your charge controller is crucial to obtain maximum performance. Modern MPPT chargers are reliable and will accurately monitor your charging system and condition of your batteries. When we changed to our 30A MPPT charger the difference was like day and night and our controller has now run non-stop ever since. We initially fitted a PWM controller to our 270W panel and struggled for power in a UK summer. Unless you are specifically looking for a small or basic setup, I would personally not look beyond an MPPT charge controller. MPPT controllers are up to 30% more efficient than PWM controllers and are best suited to systems where the power produced by the panels is higher than the power required by the batteries. I would suggest this is the best option for the vast majority of systems, especially where maximum performance is required. Be aware there are many cheap generic PWM chargers on the market that may not provide good reliability. These charge controllers are best suited when the power produced by the solar panels closely matches that of your batteries. ![]() Also if your van spends most of the time parked up on the drive and is used for occasional trips, this might be a cheaper, simpler option. These are best suited to smaller, simpler solar setups and ideal if you are on a very tight budget. Without going into too much detail, this is older technology and as such is tried and tested, reliable and robust. There Are 2 Types of Solar Charge Controller to Consider PWM – Pulse Wave Modulation Most modern charge controllers can work with most or all of the batteries available for campervans. To better understand campervan leisure batteries, be sure to read this guide. The best solar charge controllers do this in a very efficient way which offers a level of protection to your system, whilst maximising the efficiency and lifespan of your batteries. Systems that run on 24 Volts are possible but normally only on larger vehicles such as large motorhomes, trucks and buses.Ī solar charge controller takes the power from your panels and converts it into the power required by your battery system (for example 12V). Most UK campervans and motorhomes will operate using a 12 Volt power system with a 12V battery or batteries. Solar panels will produce electricity at a different voltage to the one your campervan utilises. Why Do We Need a Solar Charge Controller? Short on time and want to get straight to the nitty gritty? No worries! From our research and experience of living full time in our van for 2 years, the best solar charge controller is the Victron Smart Solar MPPT charger since it’s reliable, robust, compact and has bluetooth monitoring so can be fitted anywhere in the van. Final Thoughts on Campervan Charge Controllers The Best Campervan Solar Charge Controller
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