Solar Setup

Firstly I fabricated the framework to hold a metal box from SuperCheap that would contain the batteries and controller. This is because there is little room in the van itself. I also incorporated the support framework for the Airconditioner that I was installing into the front window.  I then made a control panel out of an old computer case that would hold the Solar controller and the isolation switch and others.

Box for Batteries and Controller

So from the front box you can monitor the solar output, battery voltage, 12v load current(what you are drawing from the batteries), control all 12v power to the inside of the van, front and back LED flood lights, and battery isolation. I have also installed LED strip lights to the inside of the box lid that will be motion sensor activated for easy night access.

 

Wires from tow hitch to van

After monitoring the system on sunny days, the panels push about 7amps into the batteries and the 55lt 12v fridge only takes 2amps at the most. So I think what we have is more than enough...

Solar Panels insitu

As a side issue, I have been playing around with different types of LED lights from EBay and found that the surface mount - panel kind of LED light is superior to the bayonet replacement type. The one below is sold to suit a Jayco caravan but I eaisly adapted it to mount inside the existing dome lights in the Viscount.

LED light for a Jayco from EBAY

LED Bayonet type replacement light for caravans

New side marker lights from EBAY

2 x 48 LED flat panels - pretty bright!

Narva tail lights

Narva fuse panel