Solar panels on a Nugget

[Andrebraun]

We have a 2022 Nugget and I am looking at Solar panel options as would like to do more off grid camping next year, I am not very technically minded so would like some recommendations of installers too

 

[Monty Rustbucket]

We bought one of these and it works pretty well for us - https://www.solartechnology.co.uk/product/120w-fold-up-solar-panel/
It's not a permanent fit. It's got its own in line charge controller and you can either charge through the 12v socket at the top of the O/S B-Pillar or use the crocodile clips to fit to the + and - of your leisure battery. I took the crocodile clips off and fitted connectors to the cable so I can have the link permanently fitted to the battery. I just plug it in as and when needed.

 

[Heinz Wolff]

Hello Keith, having clicked on that link I'm about to buy a 90 watt panel. Can I check - is the leisure battery the one under the passenger seat? (UK vehicle, RHD). Did you decide to connect directly to the battery because the 12 volt sockets A/B pillars) don't remain active for long after the ignition key is removed?
I plan to put the panels on top of the dash, inside the windscreen once parked up as I don't want them stolen, sat outside. Do you do the same? If so, do the panels still work ok?

 

[Heinz Wolff]

Update, my 90W (2 panels) work fine, sat ontop of the dash. I pretty sure there's enough room for the 3 panel, 120W version and there output would not be excessive. The charge controller prevents overcharging.
The leisure battery is under the passenger seat (UK, RHD) and wiring directly to the battery was relatively easy.

 

[Heinz Wolff]

After my first trip in the Nugget I can now say that the most effective way to keep your leisure battery topped up is to drive it. I tested the panels at home - after a full day sat in sunshine the contribution made by the solar panels was just a fraction of the charge put in by driving a short distance.
For the duration of my week of wild camping I had the fridge running (on setting 3) 24/7, lighting in the evening and heating on overnight and rarely saw the battery dip below 90%. I didn't connect the solar panels once, you'd have to stay in one place (off grid) to need one.

 

[Microgod]

Update, my 90W (2 panels) work fine, sat ontop of the dash. I pretty sure there's enough room for the 3 panel, 120W version and there output would not be excessive. The charge controller prevents overcharging.
The leisure battery is under the passenger seat (UK, RHD) and wiring directly to the battery was relatively easy.

Afternoon Heinz,

When you connected to the leisure batteries could you explain how you did this? With the two batteries connected in series did you just attached to the posts on one battery or did you connect it across the two ?

 

[Heinz Wolff]

Here's a photo of the leisure battery, I've attached 2 bits of masking tape to the connection cables to make them more visible. The solar panel supplier suggested buying an inline fuse (and kindly fitted it).
I'm going to extend one of the wires to allow me to relocate the connection plug to a better place, on the floor.