The Female Perspective!

If you don’t want to spend all your life in caravan parks, but want to have the freedom to go where you want and do what you want, then there is really only one thing to do - install solar panels to give you that freedom. Of course, that is provided you want to have some of the lesser comforts of home without the hassle.

Most caravanners probably started life as tenters. Remember cooking by the gas lights? Tried putting up your tent by gas light or worse still a tarp with poles and ropes - oops someone knocked over the gas light on the tall stick? Well, we have passed those days and our bodies want a little more comfort but we still want to have the freedom afforded by bush camping in our caravans.

Here’s where “Solar That Really Works - the Caravan Edition” really comes into its own. It’s a different set of rules for using solar power. Being the not so technical member of this partnership, I didn’t realise how much power it took to run a microwave - sure you can do it but the poor battery - it takes yonks to recharge fully. Don’t think because you are not technically minded this is not the book for you - it really IS just the book you need if you are going to add solar power to your van.

Another really interesting thing which you sort of realise but probably haven’t thought about in detail is the hours of sunlight, the differences between summer and winter, whether you are in the north of Australia or the south, the angle of the sun and how all this relates to the solar panels on the roof of your caravan. This is explained in simple language in Collyn’s book and that’s where you really have to start - working out where you are going, for how long and what sort of “power “ you will need for that journey, whether it is for weekends or for the big one - around oz.

I didn’t know, for instance, that some batteries can only be discharged and recharged a number of times before they “die” - it is often a case of spending a few more dollars to get the right one. Most reputable caravan manufacturers put deep cycle batteries in their vans but some don’t - not expecting that you will do anything but go to a caravan park.

Depending on what appliances you want to use, e.g. television, microwave, lights, fridge, computer, and yes even a sewing machine can operate on solar (but forget the iron - what a shame!) then you can consult the excellent tables to work out what sized panel and inverter would suit your requirements. Remember to try to look into your crystal ball and anticipate any additions - it will help save you $$ in the long run, especially if you are aiming to keep your van for several years.

Whether you have a camper trailer or a huge caravan, there are guidelines here to ensure the least technical among us has a starting point. Collyn even has some recommendations of where to go to purchase all the equipment you could need and a heap of Internet research addresses too.

So don’t just tell your caravan dealer to install some solar panels - do your homework first - consult this book and you could save yourself a refit at a later date when you find what you need is not what they thought would do the trick! You might even get game and decide with the information provided - hey I could do that myself!

An excellent investment either as a self help or enlightening book whether you’re a solo traveller or a technical person - there is a mine of information which will help you find that for caravans - there is solar that really works!

Chrissy Eustace

June 2003