Charge controllers for campervans and caravans

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Charge controllers for campervans - specific considerations

Chosing a solar panel charge controller for campervans and caravans can be challenging due to the unique considerations of how to charge the service battery and starter battery. This article covers the key considerations for solar charge controllers for campervans in terms of water protection, and monitoring your solar system.

Water protection

Conditions in a campervan can be quite damp depending on what you are using the vehicle for. For some campervan owners no water protection is needed. While others, who take part in water sports, may benefit from a charge controller with an IP rating of IPX4 and above. If the charge controller is going to be outside for any period of time, IPX7 would be recommended.

Explanation

Waterproof ratings are classified internationally as Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, for example IP54. The first number is in relation to dust and the second water. The higher the number the greater the protection.

Monitoring your solar system

In campervans and caravans, the charge controller is often installed in an inaccessible location, at the back of cupboards or under beds. Therefore, chose a solar charger controller without a screen but with integrated bluetooth. Or buy a remote display for a screen-less charge controller.
However, if you want to install the solar charge controller where you can always see it, choose a charge controller with a display.
Bear in mind it is often much easier to use the phone to set up the charge controller than using the onscreen display. Furthermore, phones often show the status of the whole system in a very easy to understand modern format.

Integrated bluetooth

Bluetooth integrated into the solar charge controller for display on your phone.

Bluetooth module

For controllers which don’t include integrated bluetooth, these plug into the main display to send a bluetooth signal to your phone.

Many controllers have a choice of bluetooth module OR remote display.

Remote display

Remote displays plug into your solar charge controller and the remote display is installed in a convenient location.

Some remote displays also transmit a bluetooth signal so can be used with your phone as well.

Remote control

Some companies such as Lumiax offer an infrared remote controller to view the solar data and edit parameters. This is particularly useful for controlling lighting systems.