Solar cells on a 2008 Nuevo

Was looking at fitting a solar cell to my 2008 Nuevo, has anybody done this and what size or make of solar cells did they use. I have three roof bars on my Nuevo and was going to use those to mount the solar cells has anybody done that before. Is the power unit (PDU 4M) okay with the additional charging. Any Help appreciated

In the process of fitting two 50W (see link below) panels in series for max efficiency fitted to my roof bars.   You could get away with a smaller panel if all you want is battery charging. I have just drilled the roof and fitted the gland box. 


Charge controller is a Victron 75/10 MPPT which will take an input of 75V.  I am also fitting a CSB2 (like a battery master) to charge the vehicle battery.


Don't know about the PDU 4M.


Panels

Hi Brumloz, our previous Broadway EK had same roof bars arrangement as your Nuevo. Due to limited space to mount desired solar panel directly on the roof, nearly took up offer to fit on roof bars from salesman at a show. On second thoughts cancelled fitting contract to opt for direct roof mounting. Reasons being, would appear a botched job with use of extra angled aluminium fixings and perhaps more importantly, mounted so high from the roof would definitely cause more vibration through turbulence or worse original bars being ripped from their mounting points. After some research chose a DIY option via info@rvsolar.co.UK tel. 01706870330 Peter was most helpful with his knowledge and feasible suggestions. Space available allowed us to fit a 60 watt panel with corner adhesive figures that are both aerodynamic and aesthetically more presentable. For us the diy was straight forward due to replacing original defunct panel directly rear of the spoiler and chasing the cable down the original hole directly to the Sargent unit that could operate up to 120 watt panel. Overall cost was £212 as we did not require a control regulator. Regards

kieranfitz3 wrote:In the process of fitting two 50W (see link below) panels in series for max efficiency fitted to my roof bars.

Do you mean parallel.

While the wattage remains the same, if you go in series you are increasing the voltage potentially above the level the charge controller can deal with unless you have an expensive MPPT controller which then has to step it back down considerably.

The controller allows series operation up to 75V with a 12V output.  Reduces losses in the panel wiring due to lower current.  The step down is not a problem with modern power supply circuits.

There has been quite a few posts on this topic (including photos members have posted) I know you can get a 95w panel on a Classic Nuevo so you should be able to get at least that on a Mk2

kieranfitz3 wrote:The controller allows series operation up to 75V with a 12V output.  Reduces losses in the panel wiring due to lower current.  The step down is not a problem with modern power supply circuits.

Thanks, had never consider the line losses (I just have the one panel so no need to I guess) - seems counter intuitive to a none leccy guy, but looking into it a bit further it seems the way to go for multi-panel setups.

I have had two stainless steel brackets made to go between the rails, one is held by the rail mounting studs studs the other by u bolts around the rail.  I will post some photos when I fit them.  A friend made the brackets, he has all the kit including a plasma cutter and bending machine etc.  Don't know the costs as he did it as payment for some work I did for him!
Kieran

Have 30 watt SP on our (2015) Broadway but no ability (I think) to check if it is working and if so at what level.
Any suggestions.

Your Sargent Control panel display should show current out of and into the batteries. So +amps with no other loads or EHU will show Solar amps being produced. I think.

This I suspected may be the case. I will make a study of the figures! Thanks

RoyatPB wrote:This I suspected may be the case. I will make a study of the figures!

Be aware (if not already) that you are likely to need to recalibrate the current reading on the Sargent controller before the figures will make any sense - for some reason the system goes out of calibration over time.

OK, Thanks.