Solar panels

[SuzzieQ]

Hi, I’m (im)patiently waiting for my Toyota Alphard to be converted. Trying to work out how best to be off grid for 7 days (parked up at a festival) while powering fridge and water pump. Camper conversion people say buy a lithium battery. I was thinking solar panel on the popup.

 

Can anyone help me with information about how I can power the van while stationary for so long?

 

Thank you in advance.
 

[Rojie]

6 hours ago, SuzzieQ said:

Hi, I’m (im)patiently waiting for my Toyota Alphard to be converted. Trying to work out how best to be off grid for 7 days (parked up at a festival) while powering fridge and water pump. Camper conversion people say buy a lithium battery. I was thinking solar panel on the popup.

 

Can anyone help me with information about how I can power the van while stationary for so long?

 

Thank you in advance.
 

 

Hello Suzzie,

 

Welcome to the Forum.

 

Lithium batteries are not cheap !

How often will you be off grid for 7 days ?

 

Water pump should not deplete battery much, unless you shower all the time.

Solar power will need charger circuits, plus, of course, the panels need to be fixed to the pop top (if you go that route).

Some folks get rigid panels for beside the van. I which case you just need somewhere to store them while on the move.

 

Part time generator if you are way off grid, not cheap either !

 

Good Luck and Happy Camparding.

 

depends how much your installer is looking to do the job for you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SuzzieQ]

3 hours ago, Rojie said:

 

Hello Suzzie,

 

Welcome to the Forum.

 

Lithium batteries are not cheap !

How often will you be off grid for 7 days ?

 

Water pump should not deplete battery much, unless you shower all the time.

Solar power will need charger circuits, plus, of course, the panels need to be fixed to the pop top (if you go that route).

Some folks get rigid panels for beside the van. I which case you just need somewhere to store them while on the move.

 

Part time generator if you are way off grid, not cheap either !

 

Good Luck and Happy Camparding.

 

depends how much your installer is looking to do the job for you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for your reply. I think once or twice a year of longer periods like a few days or a week. Most of the time will be only overnight before moving again. I was interested in the folding solar panels but was a bit worried that they might not be secure at a festival. Not sure if you can put them inside your windscreen?

[Rojie]

13 hours ago, SuzzieQ said:

Thanks for your reply. I think once or twice a year of longer periods like a few days or a week. Most of the time will be only overnight before moving again. I was interested in the folding solar panels but was a bit worried that they might not be secure at a festival. Not sure if you can put them inside your windscreen?

 

You can use them on under your windscreen but the efficiency is way lower as your windscreen will block much of the UV.

Some charging current is better than none. Just Kampers sell a foldable solar panel for windscreen use, but not cheap.

 

You would also need a cigarette socket fitted that is not wired through the ignition switch.

 

What fridge do you have ? What current does it draw ?

 

Another option would be a 3 way fridge, but then you will need to have room for the gas cylinder !

 

And another, less satisfactory,  option is a substantial chest type cool box partially filled with 'frozen freezer bricks'

[SuzzieQ]

30 minutes ago, Rojie said:

 

You can use them on under your windscreen but the efficiency is way lower as your windscreen will block much of the UV.

Some charging current is better than none. Just Kampers sell a foldable solar panel for windscreen use, but not cheap.

 

You would also need a cigarette socket fitted that is not wired through the ignition switch.

 

What fridge do you have ? What current does it draw ?

 

Another option would be a 3 way fridge, but then you will need to have room for the gas cylinder !

 

And another, less satisfactory,  option is a substantial chest type cool box partially filled with 'frozen freezer bricks'

Thank you so much. Thanks for the info re cigarette socket.

Having a fridge off grid feels impossible!

It’s so complex! Having done a pile more reading last night I’m now thinking about the Jackery or PowerOak pack with a portable panel (just need to work out how to make it secure when I’m away from the van!) I could also use these packs in my garden/beach.

 

All the campervan folk I’ve contacted haven’t been very forthcoming with quotes and options for different systems. This is prob because I don’t have the watts for my fridge yet as the conversion company haven’t got back to me with the details. 
 

Thanks again for replying:-)

[Rojie]

4 hours ago, SuzzieQ said:

Thank you so much. Thanks for the info re cigarette socket.

Having a fridge off grid feels impossible!

It’s so complex! Having done a pile more reading last night I’m now thinking about the Jackery or PowerOak pack with a portable panel (just need to work out how to make it secure when I’m away from the van!) I could also use these packs in my garden/beach.

 

All the campervan folk I’ve contacted haven’t been very forthcoming with quotes and options for different systems. This is prob because I don’t have the watts for my fridge yet as the conversion company haven’t got back to me with the details. 
 

Thanks again for replying:-)

 

Yes, Jackery (or some other brand) is a great idea