Guide for Disconnecting from Main Grid
Off-grid caravanning is a unique and exciting way to explore the great outdoors, free from the constraints of electric hook-ups, Wi-Fi, and other modern luxuries. This type of camping offers a camping X-factor that bigger, facility-filled parks can't compete with, as you'll rely on the best caravan leisure battery for electric power and solar panels for a sustainable energy source.
To ensure a successful off-grid caravanning holiday, it's essential to fit a solar panel capable of keeping your system charged, typically a 100-200W set-up. Solar panels can be fixed to the caravan roof or bought in portable metal frames. All panels over 18W will require a voltage regulator/controller, and a Maximum Power Point Tracking charge controller is recommended for better performance.
Photovoltaic panels generate electricity from all light, not just direct sunlight, and will produce a fraction of their maximum output in winter. The maximum charging rate will be the wattage of the panel multiplied by the hours of useful light. An AGM-type leisure battery is particularly efficient when used with a solar panel for topping up.
When off-grid, you'll also need to manage your gas supply carefully. Lots of gas appliances, such as heating, lighting, TV, hob, oven, and fridge, can be used for off-grid caravanning. To ensure sufficient gas for an outing, consider investing in a self-refill system like Safefill or Gaslow. There are two types of bottle gas: butane and propane. Butane vaporizes at temperatures down to minus 2°C, while propane vaporizes as low as minus 42°C.
It's also crucial to maintain your leisure batteries properly. A leisure battery has much thicker lead plates inside than those provided in a car battery. A gentle trickle charge is better for leisure batteries than fast charging, and it's essential to keep them properly charged through the off-season and when in storage.
The NCC has set up a Verified Leisure Battery Scheme to help determine what size leisure battery is needed for a caravan. When buying solar panels, look for a panel with international IEC 61215 quality certification and buy from a dealer offering a good warranty.
Off-grid sites can be small, wild, and located in extraordinary locations, often rural and remote. Off-gridding doesn't have to mean roughing it; with careful planning and the right equipment, you can enjoy all the comforts of home while exploring the great outdoors.
Lithium batteries are perfect for off-gridding, offering powerful and lightweight batteries that can be discharged much further than lead-acid batteries. Inverters turn 12V DC battery power into a 230V AC output, allowing the use of household appliances off-grid.
Running out of gas or battery power can negatively impact a caravanning holiday, so it's essential to plan and manage your resources carefully. With the right equipment and a little preparation, off-grid caravanning can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience.
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