{"title":"Campervan Electrics \u0026 Solar","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe parts that charge, control and distribute power in a campervan conversion: control panels, mains chargers and solar panels, with the ratings you need to size a system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCharging from three sources\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA leisure battery can charge from hook-up, from the sun and from the engine while you drive. Many vans use two or all three.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMains\u003c\/strong\u003e: the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sterling-pro-charge-ultra-12v-60a-battery-charger\"\u003eSterling Pro Charge Ultra\u003c\/a\u003e charges at 60A across three outputs, and the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cbe-pc380-power-control-system\"\u003eCBE PC380\u003c\/a\u003e kit includes a 16A charger.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolar\u003c\/strong\u003e: a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/solar-technology-200w-rigid-solar-panel-roof-kit\"\u003e200W rigid kit\u003c\/a\u003e or a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/solar-technology-290w-mhd-flexible-solar-panel\"\u003e290W flexible panel\u003c\/a\u003e. More panels are in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/solar-panels\"\u003esolar panels\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/renogy-solar-panels\"\u003eRenogy solar\u003c\/a\u003e ranges.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlternator\u003c\/strong\u003e: see \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/alternator-charging\"\u003ealternator and DC-DC charging\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eRigid or flexible solar?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRigid panels on aero brackets stand slightly off the roof, which helps them stay cool, and they're easy to replace. Flexible panels such as the 290W MHD are 2mm thick and follow gentle curves, which suits vans where height or roof bars are a problem. Either way, a 24V-class panel on a 12V battery wants an MPPT charge controller to make full use of its output.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eControl and distribution\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA control system such as the CBE PC380 brings the fuse box, 230V consumer unit, charger and tank and temperature readings together behind one panel. It manages power but doesn't store it, so you still need a battery sized to your loads.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSize it before you buy\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eStart with your daily loads and work back to battery and charging in the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/roamwired.com\/calculator\"\u003eRoam Wired calculator\u003c\/a\u003e. If you'd rather not build a system from parts, a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/power-stations\"\u003epower station\u003c\/a\u003e does the storing, charging and inverting in one unit. Have any 230V work installed and tested by a qualified electrician.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"cbe-pc380-power-control-system","title":"CBE PC380 Power Control System | 12V \u0026 230V Conversion Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe core of a conversion's electrical system in one box: a digital control panel, 12V fuse box, 230V consumer unit and a 16A mains battery charger, all designed to work together.\u003c\/strong\u003e CBE build the kit around the PC380 panel, whose 4.8-inch display puts your van's key readings in one place.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePC380 control panel\u003c\/strong\u003e with a 4.8-inch digital display\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDS300 12V distribution box\u003c\/strong\u003e with fused circuits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDS120S mini consumer unit\u003c\/strong\u003e with a double-pole 13A breaker and RCD for your 230V sockets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCB-516 16A four-stage charger\u003c\/strong\u003e to charge the leisure battery on hook-up\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWaste-tank probes\u003c\/strong\u003e plus internal and external temperature sensors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy a matched kit\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBuilding conversion electrics from separate parts means working out how the panel, fuse box, charger and sensors talk to each other. With the PC380 kit the harnesses, connector blocks and terminals are included and made to fit, which cuts down on wiring and on guesswork. The fresh water level sensor isn't included, so add one if you want a fresh-tank reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhere it fits in your power system\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe PC380 manages and distributes power. It doesn't store it. You'll still need a leisure battery sized to your loads and a way to charge it away from hook-up, such as solar or a DC-DC charger. Work out the battery size in the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/roamwired.com\/calculator\"\u003eRoam Wired calculator\u003c\/a\u003e, or see our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/power-stations\"\u003epower stations\u003c\/a\u003e if you'd rather have a self-contained system. If you run a lithium battery, \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\"\u003eask us\u003c\/a\u003e to check the charger's compatibility before you order.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFitting\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe kit covers both 12V and 230V circuits. Have the 230V side installed and tested by a qualified electrician.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CBE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51416054268071,"sku":"PC380KIT01","price":589.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0770\/1158\/3143\/files\/PC380KIT01_fullsize.webp?v=1790308343"},{"product_id":"sterling-pro-charge-ultra-12v-60a-battery-charger","title":"Sterling Pro Charge Ultra 12V 60A Battery Charger | 3 Outputs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA 60-amp mains charger that refills a large leisure battery bank quickly on hook-up or from a generator.\u003c\/strong\u003e It has three outputs, so one charger can look after your leisure bank, starter battery and a third battery at once.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e60A at 12V\u003c\/strong\u003e across three outputs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e11 preset charging profiles\u003c\/strong\u003e covering gel, AGM, sealed, open, calcium and LiFePO4 batteries, plus one you set yourself\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e90–270V input\u003c\/strong\u003e, so it copes with weak or fluctuating campsite supplies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower factor corrected (0.99)\u003c\/strong\u003e and over 90% efficient, which Sterling say lets it run from generators with a less-than-clean output\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLED displays\u003c\/strong\u003e showing charge status, battery type and warnings at a glance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePowering it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt the full 60A, taking a 100Ah lithium battery from 20% to nearly full takes roughly an hour and a half on hook-up, allowing for the slower final stage. That makes the most of short stops on paid hook-up or brief generator runs. Charging is only part of the picture: check how much battery your daily loads need in the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/roamwired.com\/calculator\"\u003eRoam Wired calculator\u003c\/a\u003e, or see our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/power-stations\"\u003epower stations\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eChoosing the size\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eA common rule of thumb is a charger of around 10% of battery capacity for lead-acid banks. 60A suits large banks or anyone who wants a fast charge. Sterling chargers can also run in parallel if you need more. For the custom profile you enter the absorption and float voltages yourself. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\"\u003eAsk us\u003c\/a\u003e if you'd like help with the settings.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sterling Power","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51416054300839,"sku":"PCU1260","price":469.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0770\/1158\/3143\/files\/PCU1260_fullsize.webp?v=1790308344"},{"product_id":"solar-technology-290w-mhd-flexible-solar-panel","title":"Solar Technology 290W MHD Flexible Solar Panel | 2mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e290 watts from a panel just 2mm thick, for van roofs where a rigid frame won't fit or would add too much height.\u003c\/strong\u003e The mono high density (MHD) cells sit in a lightweight laminate that follows flat surfaces and gentle curves.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e290W\u003c\/strong\u003e rated output, 24.4V at 11.89A\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2mm thick\u003c\/strong\u003e and 1710 × 890mm, weighing 4.6–5.2kg depending on version\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSalt-spray and UV tested\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUp to about 1,740Wh a day\u003c\/strong\u003e on Solar Technology's estimate for good conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhich version?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eSTPVFU290\u003c\/strong\u003e uses shingled monocrystalline cells under an ETFE top sheet and comes with an inline fuse, two 0.9m leads and two 3m cables with MC4 connectors, so several panels can be joined into an array. The \u003cstrong\u003eSTPVFU290R\u003c\/strong\u003e has its cable exiting from the rear, a built-in diode against battery discharge, and weighs 4.6kg.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCharging a 12V system\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a 24V-class panel (24.4V at maximum power). Solar Technology specify a 20A charge controller, which isn't included. On a 12V battery bank, choose an MPPT controller: it converts the panel's higher voltage into extra charging current, where a basic PWM controller would waste much of it. Real-world output depends on season, weather and roof angle; model your summer and winter days in the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/roamwired.com\/calculator\"\u003eRoam Wired calculator\u003c\/a\u003e. The panel also pairs with a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/power-stations\"\u003epower station\u003c\/a\u003e that has a suitable solar input.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Solar Technology","offers":[{"title":"With inline fuse (STPVFU290)","offer_id":51416054464679,"sku":"STPVFU290","price":739.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rear cable exit (STPVFU290R)","offer_id":51416054497447,"sku":"STPVFU290R","price":739.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0770\/1158\/3143\/files\/STPVFU290_fullsize.webp?v=1790308345"},{"product_id":"solar-technology-200w-rigid-solar-panel-roof-kit","title":"Solar Technology 200W Rigid Solar Panel Roof Kit | with 20A Controller","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA complete 200W roof kit: panel, charge controller, aero brackets, cable gland and adhesive.\u003c\/strong\u003e Solar Technology's PV Logic MHD rigid panel has a water-resistant, robust construction for outdoor use on motorhome, van and boat roofs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e200W rigid MHD panel\u003c\/strong\u003e, 25V at 8.0A\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e20A PWM controller\u003c\/strong\u003e for 12V or 24V systems, charging one or two batteries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePremium aero brackets\u003c\/strong\u003e bonded with the supplied elastic adhesive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCable entry gland\u003c\/strong\u003e for a tidy, sealed roof entry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt-in diode\u003c\/strong\u003e against battery discharge through the panel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat it produces\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSolar Technology estimate about 1,200Wh, or 48Ah, on a good day: enough for a typical compressor fridge, lights and phone charging in summer. Output falls in winter and under cloud. With dual-battery charging it can also keep your starter battery topped up, and you can add panels in series or parallel as your needs grow. Model your summer and winter yields in the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/roamwired.com\/calculator\"\u003eRoam Wired calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSize\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe panel measures 1520 × 670 × 35mm and weighs 11.8kg. Measure your roof space, allowing for roof bars, rooflights and vents, before ordering. The panel can also feed a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/power-stations\"\u003epower station\u003c\/a\u003e with a suitable solar input.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Solar Technology","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51416055021735,"sku":"STPUMH200AE","price":439.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0770\/1158\/3143\/files\/STPUMH200AE_fullsize.webp?v=1790308382"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0770\/1158\/3143\/collections\/STPVFU290_fullsize.webp?v=1790311176","url":"https:\/\/shop.roamwired.com\/collections\/campervan-electrics.oembed","provider":"Roam Wired Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}