SIMPLE
PROBLEMS SIMPLY SOLVED
by
Hugh Murtagh, Installation Coordinator
Rainbow Power Company
The failure of
aftermarket power systems for campervans or motor homes
is often attributed to some people's impression that solar
equipment is inherently incapable. However, effectiveness
can be assured when a power system is properly commissioned.
Even when expensive
equipment is used, lack of competent design of the power
system can lead to failure. Determining your daily power
needs is paramount: equipment specifications, layout, and
variables should be accounted for in a scientific process
by an experienced designer. Recognising the difficulties
encountered by motor homers unfamiliar with stand-alone
power, the Rainbow Power Company offers a full design and
installation service.
Lighting is one
area where the best can be made of a power source. Standard
lighting that comes with a vehicle is often inefficient
and puts unnecessary strain on a power system. In the case
of a failing power system, most people seem inclined to
install more solar panels and batteries, which become both
expensive and inconveniently bulky.
A new range of
lighting equipment from Sundaya, (a Singapore based solar
kit manufacturer for which the Rainbow Power Company is
the sole Australia Pacific Region distributor), vastly
enhances the efficiency and reliability of solar power.
For cheapness, try their A-light, a 6 or 10 watt flat-mounted
fluro light fitted with a readily available Phillips tube.
A pull-switch is mounted on the fitting and can be cut
to any length or simply left 'on' to make use of existing
light switches. Already, over 500,000 units have been installed
world wide. The cost is a very reasonable
(RPC Cat # SUN-LT106 SUN-LT110).
For those with
small motorhomes or campervans, the need to be able to
move out under the awning at night is essential, and with
it comes the requirement for a portable and water-proof
light. The Sundaya 6 and 9 watt Multilight with a white
melamine shade (RPC Cat # SUN-LT06 SUN-LT09) requires replaceable
Ulux tubes. An optional clear cover guarantees
waterproofing to 25 metres.
An effective aftermarket
power system will provide enough daily power for your chosen
appliances and lights, and should also allow for a number
of days' autonomy, where bad weather or long periods off
the road prevent battery charging. For a battery pack easily
handled by one person the Sundaya 40 amp hour S4 battery
pack (RPC Cat # SUN-BP40 ) used with a panel and Multilights
safely provides a plug-and-play solution. Also manufactured
by Sundaya are 5 and 15 amp Apple Solar Regulators; with
a charging regime typical of more expensive products (pulse-width
modulation), the Apple outperforms the old-style relay
regulators by simply allowing more power through to your
house batteries each day without overcharging (RPC Cat
# SUN-RG05 5 amp and SUN-RG15 15 amp ).
Of course, trusted
brands such as Kyocera and Unisolar solar panels, Trojan
batteries, Selectronics sine-wave inverters, and Plasmatronics
regulators make up the body of a reliable high-performance
power system. The Woods high power battery charger allows
reliable and powerful primary and back-up charging from
a generator or a 240v connection. The Rainbow Power Company
stocks and recommends these products.
A current product
price-list, product test reports and services are displayed
at www.rpc.com.au. Realise the potential in your equipment
by consulting the experts at the Rainbow Power Company
at 1 Alternative Way in Nimbin, New South Wales (telephone:
02 6689 1430; email: sales@rpc.com.au).
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