Solar cell time

Latest project on our 2008 Nuevo is to fit a 100w solar cell, just checking shall I go for the dual or single battery charging system. 

I'd go dual every time if starting from scratch, as it means that you can add your engine battery and stop worrying about it over winter (unless the van is stored under cover of course).

What controller are you looking at? I've had two Sunworks dual controllers and they seem to do the job at a reasonable price.

https://sunworks.co.uk/product/dual-battery-solar-charge-controller-db1c-blk/

They do full kits, as well as Victron controllers, but I always prefer to source my own panel and fittings at the best price.

The kit is using this dual controller


http://www.epsolarpv.com/en/index.php/Product/pro_content/id/407/am_id/136

if you have a Sargent PSU, probably three options....

1) connect SP to Sargent ECxxx and allow this to control distribution to cab and leisure batteries...i had this arrangement in my old Bolero which worked OK..

2) use kit as above with dual channel regulator to distribute power to cab and leisure batteries in line with regulator settings...i have this system in my current (and previous) van..

3) connect panel via single channel regulator to leisure battery and use Battery Master (or similar) to manage charge to cab battery..

good luck.

My 2008 has the PDU 4M controller with a MES control unit, does this have a inbuilt controller.

Hi Brum

            It may be worthwhile checking the dimensions of the panel with the spare space on the roof of your van, when I fitted a 100 watt panel on the roof of my Eton which is a similar layout to the Nuevo it only just squeezed in amongst the array of vents, aerials and sky lights etc.

Cheers John .

John

That was my thoughts I made a cardboard template of the cell with mounting feet, and it just fits luckily. Will have to modify the feet for the height difference but should be okay. Just need to find out where to hide the controller's. Its been delivered tomorrow so a bit of fun for the weekend.

What did you buy?

Brumloz wrote:My 2008 has the PDU 4M controller with a MES control unit, does this have a inbuilt controller.

I've gathered quite a bit of info on the MES system over the years. None of it refers to any built in solar management so I think you will be ok with an external controller shown a the link you posted.

Cell spec


100W Monocrystalline TUV Certified Solar Panel

Panel Features:

Industry Leading Warranty - Quality Warranty 5 Years, 90% Power Output @ 10 Years, 80% Power Output @ 20 Years.
Frame - Anodized Aluminium Alloy
Front Glass - 3.2mm,High Transmission, Low Iron,Tempered Glass
Cell Type - Monocrystalline 125x125mm (5 inch)
Junction Box - IP65 Rated
Output Cable - TUV 1x4.0mm2/UL12AWG,Length: 90cm
Dimensions - mm
Weight - 7kg
Reverse Current Protection - Blocking Diodes x 2
Electrical Specification:
Maximum Power - 100W
Optimum Power Voltage (Vmp) - 17.8
Optimum Operating Current (Imp) - 5.62
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) - 22.30
Short Circuit Current (Isc) - 6.07
Cell Efficiency (%) - 18.43%