I am thinking of getting a small solar panel to keep batteries charged (house and/or motor). what size would be better? do I need anything else to protect the battery?
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7 replies to this topic
#2
DickandLois
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Posted 01 February 2013 - 03:15 PM
Neil, a 24 watt solar panel is common on a number of coaches and is connected to the batteries using a 3 amp fuse. One could go up to a 48 watt panel with a fuse size 5 amp on the low side and 7.5 amp on the high side with out going into a lot of other additional parts, more then that and you should consider charge controllers.
A simple answer, but a starting point.
Rich.
A simple answer, but a starting point.
Rich.
#3
davidlpope
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Posted 01 February 2013 - 07:07 PM
Can't say much for those small trickle solar panels.
We have a 30 watt on our 03 Itasca Suncruiser and it's worthless.
However, I have a plan for you.
Internet: Solar Panels, can't remember the name of the company in Oregon, but it will appear on this web and there will be a phone number to call.
From what I wanted to do, I believe I'll need at least 100 watts.
Anyway, hope this helps.
Right now my problem is getting RV to Oregon.
We have a 30 watt on our 03 Itasca Suncruiser and it's worthless.
However, I have a plan for you.
Internet: Solar Panels, can't remember the name of the company in Oregon, but it will appear on this web and there will be a phone number to call.
From what I wanted to do, I believe I'll need at least 100 watts.
Anyway, hope this helps.
Right now my problem is getting RV to Oregon.
#4
neilcarol
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Posted 01 February 2013 - 10:01 PM
Thanks for the input.
I had heard that a charge controller may be needed.
When would one be needed or would a fuse do the same thing?
I had heard that a charge controller may be needed.
When would one be needed or would a fuse do the same thing?
#5
desertdeals69
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Posted 01 February 2013 - 10:30 PM
It depends on how many batteries you are trying to charge. If its more than a couple you will need more than 150 watt system.
#6
Ceupton49
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Posted 02 February 2013 - 08:59 AM
I have 2 - 120 watt solar panels with a Bluesky controller. Bluesky controllers pull the max out of your solar panels. The panels keep my batteries topped out during the day no matter how much we use them.
Very happy with them.
I bought the panels on eBay for $400.00 and the controller for $186.00 on eBay. Install cost was $500.00. Well worth the money.
We boondock at many NASCAR races without a problem.
Happy camping.
Very happy with them.
I bought the panels on eBay for $400.00 and the controller for $186.00 on eBay. Install cost was $500.00. Well worth the money.
We boondock at many NASCAR races without a problem.
Happy camping.
Chris & Carol
2013 Excursion 35B
2013 Excursion 35B
#7
camperken
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Posted 16 March 2013 - 03:37 PM
The company in Oregon is AM Solar.
#8
solarelectricsupply
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Posted 20 March 2013 - 08:44 AM
The point is any storage battery (accumulator if you are English) slowly goes dead. With a 12V (okay 13.8V+) solar panel attached across the terminals even 25 mA for 8 hours a day cancels out the slow discharge and maybe even adds a little charge.
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