This high efficiency semi-flexible 100W (50W + 50W) dual battery solar charging kit is perfect for permanent outdoor use to provide free electricity for charging 12V batteries to power various applications, such as in a motorhome, caravan, camper, boat, or for solar lighting systems, off-grid and back up solar power systems.
Solar kit includes:
2 x 50W reinforced narrow semi-flexible solar panels with a durable ETFE coating (German solar cells)
10A 12V dual battery solar charge controller for independent charging of 2 batteries or battery banks (can work with a single battery too)
A pair of 5m 4.0mm thick single core extension cables with MC4 connectors
2 x 5m 4.0mm dual core battery cables with a fuse holder, 10A fuse and 8mm ring terminals
A pair of T-branch MC4 connectors, for connecting the panels in parallel
2 x 50W Reinforced narrow semi-flexible solar panels:
These reinforced semi-flexible solar panels have a unique 7-layer construction, featuring an embedded sheet of anodised aluminium fully encapsulated within each solar panel. This additional reinforcement offers greater strength and resilience, making them amongst the most robust semi-flexible solar panels available on the market.
In addition to the aluminium reinforcement, the surface of these 50W semi-flexible solar panels is made of strong ETFE material which has a longer service life compared to standard semi-flexible solar panels. As a result, these particular semi-flexible solar panels are extremely hard-wearing and less prone to cracking, delamination and corrosion. The lightly textured coating of these panels creates an anti-reflective surface which allows the panels to absorb a far greater amount of light, thereby increasing efficiency. ETFE material has long been used in applications where durability and high-temperature resistance is required, such as in the Eden Project, Cornwall. You can read more about ETFE and its benefits here.
The high-efficiency monocrystalline German solar cells used in these solar panels have excellent performance in low light conditions (particularly when compared to solar cells of unknown origin) and they produce a good amount of power even in daylight - when direct sunlight is not available. These panels also feature innovative 5 busbar solar cells, which are more efficient than the 2, 3 or 4 busbar solar cells used in most other solar panels, and are able to extract more power from the same surface area.
The semi-flexible design of these panels makes them ideal for curved roofs and surfaces where bonding is preferable (though the panels can also be fixed by bolts or screws). The panels are also incredibly light (only 2kg each) which makes them an ideal option for all vehicle applications. The unique narrow design also make them ideal for applications where space is restricted, or where there are obstructions on the roof. The panels are also highly resistant to salt water environments and it is also possible to walk on the panels, making them the perfect choice for boats and yachts.
The panels are fitted with 2 x 90cm of cable with MC4 connectors on the end.
10A Dual battery controller:
The kit includes a 10A 12V/24V dual battery solar charge controller designed to charge and protect two batteries independently, with automatic cut off to prevent over-charging. The controller uses PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) technology which increases charge acceptance and prolongs the life of your batteries. PWM technology can also recover some lost battery capacity
This is a perfect solar controller for a caravan / camper van / boat or another system with two batteries (e.g. engine and leisure battery) or battery banks. You can set the initial charging priority e.g. 80% power to go to the engine battery and 20% to leisure battery. When one of the batteries is fully charged the controller will automatically divert all power to the other battery.
Can the unit work with only one battery? Yes, absolutely! The controller will determine automatically if there's only one battery connected and will pass 100% of charging current to this battery. You can add a second battery later.
The unit has numerous safety functions, including protection against reverse current at night (from the battery back to the solar panel), over charge, short circuit, reverse polarity etc. Other features include various LED indicators, battery type selection (sealed, gel, flooded) and an RJ-45 socket for an optional remote LCD meter with 10m cable.
A built-in temperature sensor allows the controller to optimise the charging process depending on the ambient temperature. If you are planning to position the controller far away from the battery, or if the battery and the controller are exposed to different ambient temperatures, an external remote temperature sensor with 3m cable is recommended for this dual battery solar charge controller. To enable connection to the screw terminals of the controller, the green connector block on the end of the remote temperature sensor cable should be cut off.
The solar charge controller is compatible with sealed, gel and flooded lead acid batteries.
Additional items:
The kit includes 5m positive and negative 4.0mm solar extension leads for connecting the solar panels to the solar charge controller, and a 5m 4.0mm dual core battery cable fitted with a 15A fuse, fuse holder and 8mm ring terminals for use between the solar charge controller and your battery, making the total cable length between the solar panels and the battery 1m + 5m + 5m = 11m.
A pair of T-branch MC4 connectors is also provided, in order to connect these panels in parallel (Click on the Installation tab for further details).
Specifications (per solar panel):
Peak power: 50W
Maximum power voltage: 20.2V
Maximum power current: 2.48A
Open circuit voltage: 23.9V
Short circuit current: 2.62A
Power allowance range: +/- 5%
Solar Panel Dimensions: 880 x 350 x 4 mm
Junction Box Dimensions: 90 x 16 x 16 mm
Weight: 2.00 kg
2 x 90cm of high quality single core solar cable (2.5mm² cross section)
Male and female MC4 connectors
Charge controller specifications:
Rated charging current 10A
Fully automated operation and auto 12/24V selection
3 pairs of terminals (input, battery 1, battery 2)
LEDs to indicate state of charge
Temperature sensor for temperature compensation of charging (-30mV/C/12V)
RJ-45 connection point for a remote meter (not included)
Various protection features (over charge, short circuit, reverse polarity etc)
Self-consumption: 4mA at night, 10mA when charging
Working temperature: -35C to +55C
Terminals for wire up to 4.0mm2
Size: 15.5 x 7.6 x 4.0 cm
Weight: 185 g
Multiple mounting holes for ease of installation
Please note: due to our warehouse arrangements, the solar charge controller and accessories may be shipped from a different warehouse to the solar panels and therefore delivered in a separate package.
Wiring guide for Solar Panel Kits in Series
The panels are covered by a 1 year repair or replacement warranty provided by Photonic Universe. We will repair or replace defective items at our discretion. The solar controller is covered by a 1 year manufacturer warranty. For more information please refer to our Terms and Conditions.
In addition, solar cells are guaranteed to produce at least 90% of nominal power in 10 years after purchase and at least 80% of nominal power in 25 years after purchase. This warranty is provided by the manufacturer of solar cells.
Advantages of Solar
Solar panels are a great addition to caravans, campervans and motorhomes for a number of reasons. Not only do they provide a clean and renewable source of energy, but they also offer a number of practical advantages that make them a worthwhile investment for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road.
One of the biggest advantages of solar panels in caravans and campervans is that they allow you to be more self-sufficient while you're traveling. With a solar panel system, you can generate your own electricity, which means you don't have to rely on hooking up to external power sources. This is especially useful when you're camping in remote areas where there may not be any electrical outlets nearby.
Another advantage of solar panels in caravans, campervans and motorhomes is that they can help you save money on your energy bills. By generating your own electricity, you can reduce your reliance on more expensive sources of power, such as gasoline generators or hooking up to the grid. This can help you save money on fuel and other energy costs, making solar panels a cost-effective investment in the long run.
Solar panels are also easy to install and maintain, which makes them a convenient choice for caravans and campervans. They are relatively lightweight, so they won't add a lot of extra weight to your vehicle, and they can be easily mounted on the roof or other parts of your caravan or campervan.
In addition to the practical advantages, solar panels are also environmentally friendly. They produce clean, renewable energy, which means they don't produce any harmful emissions or contribute to climate change. This makes them a great choice for anyone who is looking to reduce their carbon footprint while they're on the road.
Overall, solar panels are a great addition to caravans, campervans and motorhomes for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. They offer a convenient and cost-effective way to generate your own electricity, and they are easy to install and maintain. Plus, they are environmentally friendly, making them a win-win for both practicality and sustainability.