Solar panel fitting on 2008 Nuevo?

Just gone back to coach built after stopping camping. Was used to fully equipped vans over the years having lived in them for the winter months! (warmer climes)
However have now bought second hand Nuevo and would like to know if a Solar panel can be fitted without too much trouble?

Short answer - Yes.

Again, yep. This is mine on our earlier but similar EK. It's 85W, big enough for us, but maybe a bigger one could be squeezed in.

I fitted a 100W in the same spot.

Works a treat and even without EHU in January was able to happily spend a few days away with no impact to the leisure battery.

Don't be tempted to fit the flexible ones that are bonded to the roof. If you plan on going to southern Europe the panels get very hot indeed in the summer sun, and in my opinion an air gap underneath is essential.
Al.

Looks good on Bikeralw's Nuevo, plenty of room. Been thinking of getting a 100w panel fitted on my 2005 Inca. What would be the price I should expect to pay if fitted?
Not too sure if one can be fitted to Inca EL re roof space.

I fitted myself and all the parts probably added up to around 250 quid, so that with a few hours labour would probably be in the right area.

I'd guess around £400+ but others may have a more accurate figure if they have an actual fitted price they paid.

Really worthwhile, I had a 90 watt panel fitted several years ago, regulator splits charge between vehicle & leisure battery, keeps vehicle battery topped up over the winter so don't charge vehicle battery with EHU.  I carried out part of the installation internally running the cables from where the regulator was to be installed to a suitable point to go through the roof etc. Either use a regulator capable of supplying both vehicle & leisure battery or fit a "Batterymaster' or similar.

Solar installation on my Inca EL - 80W

I have a 2008 Nuevo and looking to fit a 100w panel, it can be done but its tight. let me know how you get on I will be very interested. where are you thinking of putting the controller.

If you have the Sargent EC325/328 PSU, the controller is already built in.

My 2008 has the Bonus PDU 4M power distribution unit with a MES Touch screen display unit.

Had a 100w panel fitted by Roadpro, Northampton in March. We took our Broadway to their premises on an industrial estate the evening before and they have parking for an overnight stay with electric hook up. They even lent us a car for use when working on the van (finished by 1500hrs next day) Very neat job, works fine and total cost including a new leisure battery which we needed anyway, was £435. Also includes a discount for members of Caravan Club. Well pleased. Now I apend all my time glued to the display panel to see the input under different weather conditions !
Yes I'm sad aren't I ?

I too am thinking of adding a solar panel to my Nuevo 11 ( 2011). Sight unseen, but based on previous experience, I have been quoted £500 plus or minus for the installed cost of a solar panel, wiring as needed, dual charges ( for leisure and vehicle battery) and display panel and wiring for the addition of a second leisure battery (battery not included in the price). The panel will be 100w or 120w depending on placement and sizing. The size of the panel makes only a difference of £25 so I would if possible have the larger one.
I plan to take the van over in the next week or two when they can firm up the quote having looked her over.

Hi Nicnaen

Do you need a second battery if you are having a solar panel fitted?

Seems like overkill to me, unless you are a really heavy user. Plus if heavy use depletes either one or two batteries, a 100 watt panel may not be able to top it/them up quickly enough.

We have the standard fitting of an 80 watt panel and an 85 a/h battery (I think) and it serves us perfectly well.

(Please send any money saved to the following address . . .   )

Gromit, thanks, I am not sure about the second battery. I don't think I am a heavy user and I want to check this further since if I have a second battery (and they need to match it by replacing the existing battery) this will almost double the price. Thanks for the comment, I will push the installer on this one!

Same as Gromit more or less, 85W solar panel charging one 85 A/H battery with the addition of a battery master which directs charge to the vehicle battery once the leisure battery demands are satisfied. So far we've never run out of power.
Al.

Yes, thanks Al.
I forgot to mention the Battery Master. Fit and forget - just the sort of gadget I like!

Sailer670 wrote:

I have one other problem. The light over the sink area has gone u/s. The tube holders are brittle so have now broken. I thought I Could just change the tubes BUT NO GO.

Any ideas of next move?

Fit an LED strip instead.

Lots of alternative suggestions on here if you search.

As Dave says. I kept the original light fittings with built-in switch and just chopped out the tube starter circuit and tubes, replacing them with warm light LED strips.
Al.

I (2006 Nuevo) have a 100W panel wired direct to leisure battery (via regulator obviously) as for second battery I have just fitted a 150A/H job which fitted easily in the stardard battery box - although the clamping rail did need modifying.

As for price a lot depends on the regulator which can cost anywhere between £10 and £150 - Im not totally convinced that dearer = better