PC GUIDE TO...Panel power

John Sootheran explores the benefits of solar power on the move

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CARAVANNERS, like all lovers of the great outdoors, are keen to live cleaner and greener, to protect the environment for our children... and yours.

One way to do this, and make free electricity for a decade or more, is to install a solar panel on your tourer.

Although there is an initial investment of natural resources (in the manufacturing) and money (in the purchasing), once installed, a modern solar array will silently produce free power, day after day, year after year.

They will require barely any maintenance, too, bar a regular clean to keep their performance at optimal levels.

How they work

Basically, modern photovoltaic (PV) solar panels convert sunlight into usable electrical energy to charge your leisure battery, which in turn can power 12V appliances. The system is typically made up of one or more solar panels permanently mounted on the van roof, or as portable units set up beside the caravan.

These PV panels are made from silicon cells. The cells absorb sunlight, which excites electrons within the material. This movement of electrons generates an electrical (DC) direct current, which can be used to charge your battery.

The electricity generated by the panels is not fed directly into your battery; first it passes through a charge controller, also known as a regulator.

The charge controller is really crucial, because it manages the flow of electricity, preventing the battery from being overcharged or damaged. It ensures safe, efficient charging.

Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controllers optimise charging in varying light conditions. From the charge controller, the regulated DC power flows into your van’s leisure battery, keeping it topped up even when the caravan is not actually in use.