Frequent Questions

Can solar panels store electricity?

Solar panels generate electricity when they are exposed to sunlight. During darkness they no longer generate electricity, so a battery is required to store the electricity as it is produced.

 

Do solar panels produce electricity in cloudy conditions?

Solar panels work best in direct sunshine, but will work in normal daylight and cloudy weather although the amount of power will be reduced.

 

What size of solar panel do I need?

Trickle charging your battery to compensate for self-discharge: 5W-10W

Small loads such as LED lighting, stereo equipment or charging your mobile phone: 40W-50W

Larger loads TV’s and water pumps: 80W-100W

If your appliance is constantly using electricity such as a fridge: 100W-150W alone.

 

If you are using a number of appliances in your camper, motorhome or boat then the total consumption should be added together to discover the true size of the solar panel required.

For example:

4 x 5W 12V LED lights, used 4 hours a day

1 x 40W 12V LED TV, used 3 hours a day

 

Based on the above, the average daily power consumption will be 4x5Wx4 + 40Wx3 = 200W/h (watt-hours)

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If we assume there will be an average of 5 hours of sunlight and you have a 50w solar panel on your camper van. It will generate in the region of 5x50w =250Wh of electricity. This is more that what we require in the example above. There will be loses in your equipment though so this extra capacity will compensate and also make some allowance in variation in weather conditions.

 

What is the Difference Between Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Solar Panels?

Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels capture energy from the sun and turn it into electricity. They are also both made from silicon, which is used for solar panels but the manufacturing process differs:

Monocrystalline solar panels are produced from single wafers then joined and generally thought of as a premium solar product. The main advantages of moncrystalline panels are higher efficiencies.

Polycrystalline solar panels are produced from fragments of silicon generally have lower efficiencies than monocrystalline options, but their advantage is a lower price point. In addition, polycrystalline solar panels tend to appear blue.

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PWM vs. MPPT Solar Controllers
Solar controllers regulate power from panels to batteries, preventing overcharging. The two main types—PWM and MPPT—differ in efficiency and application.

PWM Controllers
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controllers act as a switch, reducing panel voltage to match battery voltage around 13v, leading to energy losses. Since voltage is pulled down, panels rarely operate at peak efficiency of 18v.
Best for: Small solar systems in warm climates (40°C+).

MPPT Controllers
MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers continuously adjust voltage to extract maximum power. By preventing direct linkage between panel and battery, they minimize voltage drop and can increase energy harvest by 30% or more, especially in cooler conditions.
Best for: Larger systems, colder/cloudy climates, or shaded environments.

Conclusion
PWM controllers are budget-friendly for small setups in hot climates. MPPT controllers optimize power output, support larger arrays, and perform better in varied weather. 

 

How do I run my 230v appliances from my 12v battery?

In addition to a solar charging kit you will need a power inverter. This device converts the 12v DC power to 230v AC that your normal household appliances require to operate.

We would always recommend purchasing a pure sine wave inverter. They may be more expensive but they will not damage electronic appliances, unlike some modified sine wave variants.