What's the Purpose of Solar Panels? Solar panels collect the sun's energy and store it in your auxiliary batteries.
Note — The energy storage from solar panels is the same as when you run your van's engine to have the van's alternator charge your batteries. Or, when you are connected to a 110V hook-up or a generator (O), your power converter/battery charger will keep your auxiliary batteries charged.
Do You Need Solar Panels? The question is,"Will you be camping for a long period of time, three to four days or longer, without starting the van's engine or plugging into a 110V hook-up to charge the batteries?" If yes, figure out amp usage per day and the time parked in the sun. Then we can install the right size system for your needs. See amp usage below.
Kyocera Solar Panels 185 Watt
Multi-crystal photo-voltage panels.
Max power output 185 watts.
Max current 7.8 amps/hr
Weight 35 lbs.
53"L x 39"W x 2"H
Black solar panels, black anodized frame.
Warranty Kyocera standard 20 year power output warranty and 5 year workmanship warranty applies in USA. Kyocera standard 20 year power output warranty and 2 year workmanship warranty applies outside of USA. Refer to Kyocera warranty policy for details.
One solar panel will pretty well take care of an electric refrigerator. Two will normally take care of your refrigerator and provide plenty of amps for 12V lights, water pump, attic fan, etc. Solar panels include an advanced designed Solar Controller and control panel (see below).
How many 185 Watt solar panels can be installed?
RB Vans
• No attic fan or A/C - 3
• With attic fan and A/C - 2
• With attic fan, no A/C - 3
EB Vans
• No attic fan or A/C - 3
• With attic fan and A/C - 2
• With attic fan, no A/C - 3
The built-in LCD digital display monitors solar charge performance. The display shows battery voltage, solar panel current and output charge current. A charge status LED indicates the present charge mode, and shows when the battery has become fully charged.
Solar Controller
Sportsmobile uses the Blue Sky Solar Boost 2000E Controller. it costs more than other controllers, but its patented cutting-edge technology increases charge current up to 37% compared to conventional controllers, plus other benefits.
According to the manufacturer, patented MPPT technology used on Blue Sky Solar Boost controllers operates in a very different fashion from conventional controllers. The controller continually calculates the module's maximum power voltage. It then operates the module at its maximum power voltage to extract maximum power. The higher power extracted from the module is then provided to the battery in the form of increased charge current. In conditions where extra 12V power is not available, Solar Boost controllers will operate as a conventional controller with very low voltage drop.
Pre-Wiring for Solar Panels
We can also pre-wire with a solar controller for customers who want to use a portable solar panel. We install a marine exterior 12 volt, 15 amp connection wired to a solar controller, then to the battery system. The panel can be mounted to the van's roof or keep it portable so you can place it in the sun when you park in the shade.
"How many amps do I need?"
— Harry Rose
How Many Amps Do I Need?
This is a difficult question to answer without knowing your typical daily 12-volt needs. See our typical 12/110V requirement examples below. Knowing how many amp hours you will be using in a 24 hour period is critical in knowing how large a solar system is needed.
Amp usage:
One Kyocera 185 watt solar panel will produce about (depending on variables) 7 amps per hour of 12 volt power.
If you have 8 hours of sunlight, you will be able to put a max of 56 amp hours into your battery system.
A 4 CF refrigerator uses 2.8 amps per hour when it's running.Most refrigerators will run for about 16 hours (or 65%) in a 24 hour period. 16 hrs x 2.8 amps = 49 amps. This is average daily amp consumption of the refrigerator.
If you put in 56 amps per day in the auxiliary battery and the refrigerator uses about 49 amps, you will have a positive charge of about 7 amps over 24 hours.
Most customers like the security of a second solar panel, which will provide additional amps for 12V lights, water pump, TV, etc. Some order four panels.
Keep in mind: When driving or plugged into a 110 volt hook-up, your solar panels are not charging the auxiliary batteries. The panels are for recharging when you do not have a 110 volt hook-up or generator. In you park in the shade, the panels are not producing much power if any. Note — product design can change. The specifications below can also change.
Typical 12/110V Requirements
| 12 & 110V | 12V AMPS/HR | 110V AMPS/HR | RUNNING WATTS | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrig. 3E - 2.7CF, Elect (1) | 2.5 (1) | .11 | 30 | |
| Refrig. 4E - 3.6CF, Elect | 2.8 (1) | .2 | 34 | |
| Refrig. 7E - 7CF, Elect | 3.2 (1) | .4 | 132/1560 | Available Sprinter only. |
| Refrig. 6EP - 6CF, Elect/Prop | 12 (1) | 13 | 38.5 | 12/110V & Propane Refr. use lots of battery power. |
| TV - 15" LCD w/ DVD | 4.2 | - | 50 | TV can use .2 amp per hour even when |
| TV - 19" LCD w/ DVD | 5.8 | - | 70 | switched "OFF." Unplug TV to eliminate drain. |
| 12V | 12V AMPS/HR | 110V AMPS/HR | RUNNING WATTS | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED Lights | .1 | 1.1 | ||
| Light Swivel - (one bulb) | 1.5 | 18 | ||
| Fluorescent - (2 bulb) | 1.9 | 16 | ||
| Water Pump | 4 (1) | 48 | ||
| Fan | 1.7 | 21 | ||
| Attic Fan - On Low | 1.9 | 23 | ||
| Attic Fan - On Medium | 2.3 | 28 | ||
| Attic Fan - On High | 3 | 36 | ||
| Detectors: LP, CO, or Propane | .2 | 2.4 |
| 110V | 12V AMPS/HR | 110V AMPS/HR | RUNNING WATTS | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A/C Danhard (ON HIGH) (S) | 24 (1) | 8.4 | 1,008 | |
| A/C Danhard w/Gen. (O) (S) | 24 (1) (2) | 6.8 | 816 | (2) For 12V Blower Fan and Condenser Fan |
| Roof A/C 12,500 BTU | (1) | 12.9 | 1,425 | |
| Furnace | (1) | - | 56 | |
| Microwave | 8 | 1,000 | ||
| Water Heater, 110V | (1) | 12.9 | 1,500 | |
| Hair Dryer | 3-4 | 350-500 | ||
| Electric Blanket | (1) | .5-1.5 | 50-200 | |
| Computer | .5 | 30-50 | Depending on 12 volt load | |
| Power Converter | 0-4 | 0-500 |
Note: some items shown are options.
(S) not available for Sprinters
(1) These items will cycle on and off as power is required. Amp x Volts = Watts
GENERATOR GAS, ONAN 2.8K - Provides 2,800 watts of power. The Danhard A/C uses 1,584 watts. This will leave 1,216 watts for other 110V items. A microwave requires1000 watts, for 600 watts cooking power.
GENERATOR PROPANE, 2.5K - Provides 2,500 watts of power.
POWER CONVERTER, 65 A - When you have 110V hookup the Converter will supply up to 65 amps of 12V power.
