Solar System: Bespoke Installation
We offer a bespoke service to suit your vehicle. We plan out and work around existing or future roof obstructions and will optimise the energy potential of the solar panels.
You’ll need to choose the wattage of the panel and this will mainly depend on what you are using on your system, where you are going to be and when you are going to be using the stored energy. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the van in the winter, then you’ll probably want a 270w solar panel or more. However, if you’re only spending the summer in your van, you’ll probably find that a 100w panel will suffice. But again, this all depends on your electric usage.
CHOOSING A SOLAR PANEL
You’ll need to choose the wattage of the panel and this will mainly depend on what you are using on your system, where you are going to be and when you are going to be using the stored energy. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the van in the winter, then you’ll probably want a 270w solar panel or more. However, if you’re only spending the summer in your van, you’ll probably find that a 100w panel will suffice. But again, this all depends on your electric usage.
You are more than welcome to supply your own solar panel and unless damage has been caused to the circuit by your panel, your warrenty will not be effected. Wild World can supply 3 different sized panels.
- 80w Panel (Small) - £100
- 120w Panel (Medium) £120
- 270w Panel (Large) - £220
CHOOSING A SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER
The solar charge controller is absolutely necessary for your system to work. This device is used in a battery based solar system and you will not find these being used in straight grid tie systems. The primary role is to manage charging the battery bank, prevent it from overcharging and mainly control the rate of the current and voltage at which it charges.
We can supply 2 different charge controllers. Again, depending on how reliant you are on energy will depend on which one you choose. The first option, and a very popular option for those on a budget, is the unbranded Chinese charge controller.
Advantages:
- Cheap
- No changes in Wild World Warranty
Disadvantages:
- May over charge batteries
- Potential long term battery damage
- Slower charge rate
The other option is to have a slightly larger, more efficient MPPT charge controller. This is the same as we use in our own conversions and if you have the budget, we would recommend this choice:
Advantages:
- Optimal charge rate
- Battery protection
- Battery temperature view
- Digital real time energy statistics
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
REQUIREMENTS
We have strict requirements along with high standards when it comes to installing solar panels onto your vehicle. Unfortunately we will only undertake the work if we have a clear view of the vans roof from the inside – this cannot be covered in felt, carpet, cladding, ply or anything else, we need a clear view of the roof to ensure the panels are fixed securely and to ensure the correct waterproofing is given. We are happy to work around these obstructions, but the damage may be irreversible.
WARRANTY
Please click here to veiw are warranty terms.