Dear all

I'm now researching and planning for a new van.

Despite a search, I haven't had much luck but found a dirth of 'solar' related threads.

I've heard that 24volt solar panels are considered to be a better performer (better in lower light levels) then 12 volt panels. Is anyone aware of any truth to this claim or can advise further?
24 volt panel would obviously require some form of voltage converter (MPPT?) to charge the 12 volt batteries.

By virtue of the apparent MPPT cost it would appear that the 24 volt system may be more expensive, any advice appreciated. Perhaps it may be lest to keep it simple
cheers
Jdog

24 V panels are not necessarily better than 12 V ones, at least at the power levels we have on most of our vans. When you get into the kilowatt range with grid connect systems they are also not much of an advantage, they go for even higher voltages. This is to cut down the higher currents that would be necessary at lower voltages in both the electronics and wiring.

With our van installations we are plagued by shadowing of the panels by tree branches and the like. We can't always select a site in full sun. If you have two 12 V panels in series to generate your 24 V, when one gets a bit shaded then the whole array suffers and may stop working completely. If we have two panels in parallel, when one panel suffers from shade and the other is still in full sun, the second panel will still operate at its full potential.

Another thing to watch, some MPPT controllers will not handle arrays more than 12 V .

I would stick to 12 V panels and double the size of the wiring.

for a van 12v is the only way to go! don't bother chasing 24v (for solar array only )

Thank you for your response Peter and A&K.

So which is better (more efficient) for caravan application - monocrystalline or photovoltaic - or doesn't it matter?

regards
Jdog

this is where i got all my stuff from

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... 0875573606



http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Powertech-MP ... 518&_uhb=1



http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-200-Watt ... c78&_uhb=1


l

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SOLAR-CABLE- ... 120&_uhb=1


http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Solar-Panel- ... ff5&_uhb=1


http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2014-New-1-P ... 4a1&_uhb=1


this is what i used and it is the 8th solar install i have done on my van and friends. Add s/steel screws a few bolts and some sikaflex and you have a complete install

Anyone?

Hi jessdogster,
You are a demanding young man ....

I dunno is my short answer.....But I have 6 on the pop top with a total of 260 watts, all in 12 volt and I haven't run out of power for what I have to run in the van. And we were in the darkest place on the earth, Tassie for 7 weeks.

If 24 volt is better we need some one that has it at 24 volt.... I reckon not too many will reply to that though.
It might be a minimal choice I would say.

it doesn't matter is the short answer

Thanks DT & A&K
...as we approach the shortest day of the year, you should be here now. I'm going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark.

There doesn't seem to be the forum depth that there once was to answer these specific sort of questions.

I really don't want to be buying older technology - hence my query. At the end of the day there may be no difference between the 2 panels with regards to efficiency.

cheers
Jdog