My Triton has the CSV 409 controller which I know has solar panel controller connections.

However, for the time being I'm planning on just using a 60W folding panel (Photonic Universe SWD-FWP-60M which has its own controller) to keep things topped up on non-EHU sites.
The only power we use is lights and cold water pump so no big drain. The main aim is to keep the battery up for the Reich Movers if they're needed on departure.

The folding panel just has a couple of clips to attach to the battery terminals - it may be a bit Heath Robinson but I understand it should "just work". However, in time I may want to provide a quick attachment point in the side locker to save having to keep messing with the furniture.

Would I be able to do that through the CSV 409 controller connection? There is an alternative connector kit which will screw to the battery terminals and provides a tail to connect to if that won't work.

So, does anyone use a free standing Solar Panel??

Glad you bumped this as I kept on meaning to. Surely our caravan service member can contribute here?

I would think that if your solar panel has a built in controller then its probably not advisable to send it through a second in the van. The built in controller will regulate the panel voltage (usually about 20V depending on the sun) down to the correct level for battery charging. Not sure what would happen if this reduced voltage is then fed through another controller, probably nothing dangerous or damaging but at the very least you would expect efficiency losses so the panels will be less effective at charging your battery.

Chris

That does make sense - thanks

I have the Photonics Universe 60W folding panel. I have installed a cable from the battery, via an in-line fuse, down through the floor and terminated it with a socket screwed to the underside of the floor up near the A frame. I have a corresponding plug on the supply from the panel. It's therefore quick and easy to set up. The panel is near the A frame which makes it easy to secure with a chain for security.

That's the model I have - I think I may have read a post from you about it here???

Initially I plan to use a fused Anderson connector with 6mm rings onto the battery. On my Triton 410 that's next to the wardrobe/heater cupboard. The Photonoc Universe adapter is too short so I'm trying to get a longer one made up. I plan on taking the cable out through the vent hole in the floor behind the heater and terminate it somewhere.....haven't quite worked out where yet. Short term it'sll just hang lose I guess.

The one thing that has been a bit of a concern is leaving it up all day while we're out. It looks like all the legs just unbolt so probably I'll drill the side of the frame so a decent padlock and chain can be used to attach to somewhere - I had in mind the screw mechanism of one of the corner steadies.

This is my input socket, just in front of the wheel chock storage. I fix my security chain to the metal loop beneath the draw bar. I have used the corner steadies but they can get a bit greasy.IMG_20170524_185545222.jpg - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)IMG_20170524_185438557_HDR.jpg - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)

Just to round this off, I realised that I needed a bit of custom cabling to allow me to access a connection for charging as well as acting as a power source for stuff plugged. After some searching I came across http://atleadsandlooms.co.uk/ This is a small company, I had a very interesting chat with Julian Hewitt who runs the business and he was just so helpful with suggestions and ideas. As a result I've got a couple of custom size cables on the way which will allow me to fix a permanent connection to the battery and also take power to TV or phone charger etc while off grid. Top service and well worth a visit if you're looking for cabling in the automotive line.

I purchased the same model yesterday and it arrived this morning, within 23 hours ! Only having a puck I think the 5m cables will be long enough. :)
Thanks for the original post, it helped me to make my mind up. :)

Glad to hear it. In the end I've removed the conical breather/vent underneath one bed head and pit a bit of plastic mesh in place withn X cut through. I've then got a lead from the battery through the underbed storage (protected) and up to that hole. I can then feed in the cable from the panel from either end of the van and link up for charging. If required as a power source until I get a 12V socket permanently in place I can just connect a 12v to the battery via an anderson connector.
Drilled a large hole through side of panel frame to take a padlock and opened up one of the other holes to take a second one. Big 8019L Mastiff chain lock to somewhere. That's all smoke and mirrors as a nail file would cut through the aluminium from in no time :)