About Solar

How does it solar work?

Solar is used all over the world and is the fastest growing energy technology. 

Solar panels works by transforming the energy from the sun into a reusable form of electricity, a process known as Photovoltaic (or PV for short). The panel acts as a collecting tray to catch the sun’s rays. The bigger the panel, the more energy you can collect. The energy is then stored in a battery for future use. Sometimes more energy is collected than needed so with larger panels a voltage regular is fitted to control the flow of energy and prevent battery damage.

Solar Panel Diagram

Clean and green, solar power is a renewable, sustainable and non-polluting source of energy. It is easy to see the appeal of solar power for domestic and commercial use. Low maintenance and long lasting, it is a highly cost-effective and reliable energy supply.

 

What do I need to consider?

1. How much energy can your battery store?

Firstly you need to know how much energy your battery can store. Then you can select a solar panel that can replenish your ‘stock’ of energy in the battery in line with your pattern of use.

Battery capacity is measured in Amp hours (e.g. 17Ah). You need to convert this to watt hours by multiplying the Ah figure by the battery voltage (e.g. 12V). this is just the simple calculation below.

X (battery size in Ah) x Y (battery voltage) = Z (power available in watt hours

So, for a 20Ah, 12V battery the watt hours figure is 20(X) x 12(Y) = 240(Z)

 

2. How much energy will your appliance(s) use and how long will they use it for?

The power consumption of appliances is generally given in watts. So, for example, a small portable TV is around 20w. This information can be found on the data sticker that most electrical items have.

To calculate the energy you will use over time, just multiply the power consumption by the hours of intended use.

Calculating your power use

If the 20w TV is on for two hours, it will take 20 x 2 = 40WH from the battery.

Repeat this for all the appliances you wish to use, then add the results to establish total consumption like below.

  • TV 20w on for 2 hours per day = 40w per day
  • Radio 10w on for 5 hours per day = 50w per day
  • Water pump 20w on for 20mins per day = 6.66w per day
  • Main Light 30w on for 3h per day = 90w per day
  • Spot lights 10w on for 1h per day = 10w per day

Total = 196w per day

 

2. How much energy can a solar panel generate?

The final part to sizing your solar system is the solar panels. The power generation rating of a solar panel is also given in watts.

Theory vs practice

In theory, to calculate the energy it can supply to the battery, you multiply watts (of the solar panel) by the hours exposed to sunshine.

In practice it’s not a great way to calculate the output from a solar panel so we work to a few simple rules.

Seasonal differences

We would generally advise that an average UK winter's day will only give you one hour of sunshine

An average UK summer's days will give you six hours of sunshine

So in winter a 10w panel will provide 10w worth of energy back into your battery. (10w x 1 = 10w)

In Summer a 10w panel will provide 60w worth of energy back into your battery. (10w x 6 = 60w)

Using the above calculation takes into consideration any losses in the system from the regulator, cables and battery you may be using.

 

Touring Outlet Solar Range

Our solar panel kits come with all the items you need to fit and install your solar panel. Our Vehicle Mounted Kits have been specially selected to suit installation on a motorhome, caravan, camper van or boat.

Our Portable Panels & Kits are perfect for camping and touring where you would not like a vehicle mounted system.