Boats and Campers

Customer question (received via email 8th September 2020):

Good afternoon

My sunware 35w solar panel that connects to a Fox 350 e controller needs replacing.The panel sits on the coachroof of a yacht and would be occasionally stepped on with light shoes.
The dimensions are 740 x 440.  The 740mm is more critical than the 440mm. I could go to 750mm but larger would overhang.

do you have anything that would be suitable please?

Willgen Reply (Email from Bill 9th September 2020):

Many thanks for getting in touch and apologies for the delay getting back to you. 

The 35W Spectralite 35S would be a suitable replacement with...

Customer question (received via email 1st July 2020):

Hello,

I'm looking to keep batteries maintained in my T5 camper which gets fairly infrequent use. It has a 110A leisure battery and a cranking battery. I am assuming that solar is the best option. Side windows are tinted.

Best, Jon

Willgen Reply (Email from Bill 2nd July 2020):

Hi Jon,

Customer question (received via email 1st July 2020):

Dear sir, I have space on the cockpit roof measuring 400 by 700 for a flexible solar panel. What size panel can I have?
Thanking you in anticipation.
Yours, Trevor 

Willgen Reply (Email from Bill 2nd July 2020):

Hi Trevor,

Many thanks for getting in touch.

Unfortunately nothing fits exactly, but the best use of your 400mm x 700mm space is achieved with a PV Logic 20W Flexi solar panel.

Panel dimensions are 345mm x 475mm.

I did look at using multiple smaller panels but nothing quite works out. If you could find the extra space, 3 x PV Logic 10W Flexi panels would...

Customer question (received via email 30th May 2020):

My Motorhome has 2 x 110ah leisure batteries fitted in parallel and a 90ah vehicle battery. What would be a suitable solar trickle charger to keep these topped up during storage with no drain from the leisure batteries and an alarm/tracker/radio drain from the vehicle battery - I intend to alternate the charging regime between leisure and vehicle during storage. I can mount the panel in unshaded south facing location outside of the vehicle. 

Paul

Willgen Reply (Email from Bill 1st June 2020):

Hi Paul,

Many thanks for getting in touch.

For the situation you describe I...

Customer question (received via email 10th May 2020):

Hi. Looking for a small solar panel to maintain a charge on a 110Ah rib battery. Need to mount on the stern A frame as boat will have cover on it when not in use, may need 6m of cable or so. The panel will be out in the elements all year. Smallest would be best and I'm guessing I may have to make some sort of backing/mounting plate. Could you let me know what my best options are please.

Kind regards
Derek

Willgen Reply (Email from Bill 11th May 2020):

Hi Derek,

Many thanks for getting in touch.

To maintain a 110Ah battery throughout the year (ie through winter as...

Solar panels are the perfect battery chargers for use on board your boat; they are 

• Highly reliable, robust and maintenance free
• Easy to install and use
• Totally silent 

• Up to six times more solar power in mid summer than mid winter - a perfect match for winter battery maintenance and summer use
• No running costs
• Reduce / eliminate need to run generator or engine 
• Extend battery life by keeping charge maintained
• Environmentally friendly source of power

The Spectralite range of Spectra Semi-flexible solar panels  offer marine quality along with reliability and affordability.

The Spectra 30W  is our most popular semi-flexible solar panel  and although suited to a wide variety of off grid power projects is most commonly purchased for battery charging duties on yachts, boats and camper vans.

If you need the very best, we also stock Sunware Marine Solar Panels  and, of course all of the balance of system components you may require. 

If you are looking for a compact semi-flexible solar panel for your project please get in touch for friendly help and...

12V solar chargers are perfect for year around maintenance of 12V car and vehicle starting batteries and caravan/boat (leisure) batteries. But which is best for you?

There are numerous 12V solar trickle chargers available and choosing the right one can be difficult. Cheap is tempting but not always cheerful and who should you believe when it comes to performance and quality?!

Well worry no more. Here is Willgen's definitive guide to choosing the right 12V solar battery charger for all year round battery maintenance.

What's Best For...?

Before we get into the detail, if you are looking for a quick pointer in the right...