A dual-battery solar panel charging kit allows 2 separate batteries to be charged at the same time. Typically this is the leisure battery bank and the engine starter battery. A dual-battery solar panel charging kit allows you to leave your Motorhome/Campervan unattended for long periods without the worry of either your van's starter or leisure batteries going flat.
Included in the kit:
1 x 180w High-Efficiency Flexible Solar Panel
1 x 20 amp Dual Output Dual Battery Solar Charge Controller
1 x Roof Gland (Black or White)
2 x 6mm Battery Cables with 40A Fuse and Ring Terminals - 3m Long
1 x Pair Of 5M Single Core Extension Cable Leads with MC4 Connectors
1 x Sikaflex 522
Dual Battery Charging MPPT
This advanced 20A 12V/24V dual battery solar controller uses advanced MPPT technology to charge two independent batteries or battery banks. The main battery is charged at high power, while a secondary battery is given a trickle charge of up to 1A. This makes it a perfect solar controller for a campervan, motorhome, boat or any other system with 2 batteries (e.g. engine and leisure battery). The main battery will be charged with a majority of the power, whilst the second battery will be trickle-charged to keep it topped up and ready for use.
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Technology
MPPT technology ensures the maximum efficiency of your solar system and significantly outperforms standard PWM solar controllers. Another benefit of MPPT technology is the wide solar input voltage range - this controller can work not only with standard off-grid 12/24V solar panels, but also with multiple panels with voltage up to 100V. The maximum combined solar input power allowed for this controller is 260W for a 12V battery system or 520W for a 24V system. In particular, this controller will significantly increase efficiency of a solar system where the solar panel voltage is much higher than the battery voltage (e.g. charging a 12V battery with a 36V solar panel).
Full Range of Protection Functions:
This charge controller features a comprehensive set of electronic protection functions to prevent reverse current at night (from the battery back to the solar panel), over-charging, short circuit, reverse polarity and more. The solar controller case is water resistant to a rating of IP33 when installed, for protection against sprays of water at up to 60 degrees from vertical.
Advanced Battery Compatibility:
Unlike many other less advanced solar charge controllers, this model is 100% compatible with a broad range of battery types for the main battery, such as Gel, AGM, Lead-Acid Flooded, and Lithium (LiFePO4 or Li-NiCoMn) batteries.
Advanced System Functionality:
- The controller automatically recognises 12/24V battery systems (note a battery should always be connected to the controller first before connecting a solar panel, system voltage recognition based on secondary battery)
- Built-in LCD screen shows real-time charging parameters such as voltage, current (separately for the solar panel and each battery), battery state of charge, and accumulated charging energy
- Easy to use buttons allow the user to manually select the battery type (sealed, flooded, gel or Lithium), change the temperature units, and reset the in-built counters (charging energy, min/max voltages)
- When not in use, the system automatically goes into a low power mode, reducing standby consumption when there is no solar power available, such as when the vehicle is parked in a garage
- Current limiting function (20A) allows the possibility of adding more solar panels to your solar system in the future
Solar Panel Specifications:
Aluminum reinforcement and strong ETFE coating:
This reinforced semi-flexible solar panel has a unique 7-layer construction, featuring an embedded sheet of anodised aluminum fully encapsulated within the solar panel. This additional reinforcement offers greater strength and resilience, making this one of the most robust semi-flexible solar panels available on the market.
In addition to the aluminum reinforcement, the surface of this 180W semi-flexible solar panel 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 this panel creates an anti-reflective surface which allows the panel 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.
High-quality German 5-busbar solar cells:
The high-efficiency monocrystalline German solar cells used in this solar panel 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 long-lasting German solar cells will provide many years of consistent, free power.
This panel also features 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. This results in a smaller overall solar panel, which is ideal for applications where space is limited. These solar cells are also the best choice for applications in warmer climates, as they operate well even in high ambient temperatures.
Other benefits:
Semi-flexible design makes it ideal for slightly curved roofs and surfaces where bonding is preferable (though the panel can also be fixed by bolts or screws)
The panel is fairly light (only 6.00kg) which is great for all vehicles
High resistance to salt water environments and possibility to walk on the panel make it perfect for boats and yachts
Sealed waterproof design ensures the panel can be used in all weather conditions
The panel is fitted with 2 x 1m of cable specially designed for solar panels to carry high currents with negligible power loss (4mm² cross section). The cable comes with waterproof MC4 connectors which can be used for easy connectivity to your existing system, for linking several panels together or for connecting 4mm extension cable.
Solar panel specifications:
- Peak power: 180W
- Maximum power voltage: 20.2V
- Maximum power current: 8.91A
- Open circuit voltage: 23.9V
- Short circuit current: 9.44A
- Power allowance range: +/- 5%
- Solar Panel Dimensions: 1520 x 665 x 4 mm
- Weight: 6.00 kg
- 2 x 1m of high quality single core solar cable (4mm² cross section)
- Male and female MC4 connectors
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.