Interview with Mirko Held (Managing Director of Solara)
Camper:
Anyone who wants to optimise their energy supply in the camper will have to install one or more solar panels. Which question should be asked first?
SOLARA:
Do I have to pay attention to weight or height? This question usually clarifies whether I prefer framed glass or flexible flat modules. And of course the question of budget. Sound flat modules are comparatively expensive.
Camper:
Then comes the question: How much total power do I need on the roof?
SOLARA:
Correct. As always, an honest consumption analysis must be made. Which consumers run for how long per day? This is the basis for the demand module. Roughly speaking, our experience shows: that 100 to 200 Wp are usually needed for camping buses or vans, and larger motorhomes need 200 to 400 Wp as a basic setup.
Camper:
In principle, a combination of glass and semi-flexible flat modules would also be possible?
SOLARA:
Yes, absolutely. Many customers supplement glass modules with semi-flexible ones, or with a mobile folding module if more glass modules would be too big.
Camper:
Which combination would still be critical?
SOLARA:
Combine modules from different manufacturers or modules of different sizes, i.e. with different output voltages. Even a 100 and a 150 from the same manufacturer should not necessarily be placed on one controller.
Camper:
Better one large charge controller than several small ones?
SOLARA:
Yes, already for reasons of redundancy – it is better to have several small ones, especially if different modules are installed.
Camper:
A look at current problems?
SOLARA:
Drivers of panel vans rely heavily on semi-flexible flat modules. They look smart and save weight. However, there are many unsuitable products on the market, extremely many fail and have to be dismantled at great expense. Sometimes bending radii are exceeded and sometimes soldered cell connectors break due to high thermal fluctuations. Solara relies on elaborately soldered, flexible cell connectors and an aluminium sandwich carrier plate as a basis to better dissipate heat and prevent overbending. Anyone who glues modules over their entire surface must be aware that some water can always diffuse through them. Increased moisture under the module can freeze and frost can destroy the cell.