Whatever your outdoor pursuit, and whether caravaning and motorhoming is it, or just a means to an end. Then there is nothing so annoying as running out of juice! Especially when its the big match or your favourite soap opera!
At TLC we know the frustration it can cause and not least the arguments.
We have added a range of generators to our portfolio of tried and tested products, designed to high specification and quality.
A solar power system for camping, caravans and motorhomes brings the convenience of modern technology to your time in the great outdoors. Solar panels provide free energy from sunshine, while a deep cycle battery can store it for later use. Using a charge controller to insure steady power and an inverter to run normal AC devices such as lights, laptops, and fans, a solar power system gives you power even while camping off the grid, and of course, your 12 volt appiences.
Panels and Batteries
The heart and soul of the solar generator system are the solar panels and the battery. The panels convert sunlight to usable power which is stored for use in the deep cycle battery. Choose a panel for price and size that fits both your budget and camping style. Most panels come in approximately a one by three foot size, and two or more can be easily hooked together for more wattage. The battery should be a deep cycle model--car batteries are designed for quick bursts of power for engine starting and will not tolerate constant drains. The deep cycle models can deliver steady power and be recharged and drained many times before losing their storing capacity.
Charge Controllers and Inverters
A charge controller is necessary to protect both the panels and the battery. It regulates the power coming from the panels into the battery, and prevents the current from reversing and flowing back out from the battery, harming the panels. An inverter is used to convert DC or direct current from the deep cycle battery into common AC or household current that can be used to power small appliances. Purchase an inverter with enough watt capacity to handle the load you will need, keeping in mind how much power your panels are generating. Inverters are available at most big auto parts stores, and charge controllers are readily available online. A 12 volt DC meter is handy for checking the amount of charge in the battery and to see how much power the panels are generating.
Building a System
Hook the charge controller to the solar panels according to the manufacturer's instructions, using enough wire to ensure you can always place the panels in direct sun. Next, wire the controller to the battery. Mounting the battery in a plastic battery box or ice chest is a good idea for protection and safety. The controller and inverter can also be placed in the chest, or attached to the outside. Wire the inverter to the battery according to the manufacturer's instructions, using a heavy gauge wire to insure minimal power loss. A system with a three square foot solar panel can generate enough power to run a laptop, lights, or a small fan for several hours. By adding more panels and batteries with an adequate controller and inverter system, you'll have greater wattage to keep power up for even longer.
Engine-generator for use in a caravan or motorhome or when carrying out your favourite outdoor activity.
An engine-generator is the combination of an electrical generator and an engine (prime mover) mounted together to form a single piece of self-contained equipment. The engines used are usually piston engines, but gas turbines can also be used.
Many different versions are available - ranging from very small portable petrol powered sets to large turbine installations.
A diesel generator is the combination of a diesel engine with an electrical generator (often called an alternator) to generate electric energy. Diesel generating sets are used in places without connection to the power grid or as emergency power-supply if the grid fails.
Small portable diesel generators range from about 1kVA to 10kVA may be used as power supplies on construction sites, or as auxiliary power for vehicles such as mobile homes.
