Allotment Solar

I've been helping a friend recently with the 12v wiring for their stylish new van home and this has motivated me to actually get some solar panels up at the allotment.

Panels:

Now at least 10 year old 12v panels that have been retired from my parents off grid farm. They're only 50w each but they're still going strong. I made a little wooden frame for them which can be adjusted to different angles to suit different seasons.

Battery:

Used leisure battery. Id normally advise against getting used batteries as you have no idea what people have done with them.

In this case it's going to be leading a very easy life so it shouldn't matter too much.

Controller:

10a Epever MPPT controller as used from someone who's upgraded their surf van. 

I've found Epever to be a really good blend of price and reliability. They obviously don't have the features of Outback/Victron etc but they're a quarter of the price.

Yes I couldn't find any proper strain relief and am using string. But it will be fine.

This isn't the final resting place but I need to clear out some space in the shed before it can be moved there.

The plan for this is to create some automated watering using a 12v solenoid valve. This year we've seldom been away from the allotment for more than 24 hours but next year it would be really nice to have a holiday and not call too much on the good nature of our plot neighbours.