Didn't want hijack anyone else's thread so here's my question. I was given 2 solar panels to use with my tt. They are Siemens SM55, 55 watt, 17.4 volt, and 3.15 amp each. I will use this setup 1 time a year when I make my Smokey Mountains trip, the only time I primitive camp. I have one 12 v 105 amp hour battery on the trailer. The only power we use in the trailer is for about 15 min of led lighting and each of us a quick shower at night. I would like to use the panels to help with the battery. Since the panels are only capable of 3 amps each would I do better running them separate with a cheaper controller or should I tie them together? I don't want to spend a bunch of money on a controller if possible. What would you recommend?Thanks

You maybe right on the edge of not needing a controller. Read this and give them a call for an opinion:Solar specialists

two 55 watt panels.... one battery???jeese. Seems to be lots of solar power and not much battery or power usage. you need a charge controller so you don't boil yourbatteries is my thinking.

I usually get 2 days out of my battery before I take it off to charge. We stay 8 nights and what I usually do is take the battery off and charge it, I have a plug in my truck that charges the battery as we ride around. I was thinking about buying another battery and adding it to the camper for added support. This will be a portable setup, not something I will mount on the camper.

For 8 nights, with that little use, a good fully-charged battery should last. I'd bring another along just in case.

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time2roll
Nomad
Sep 20, 2015
https://www.solarblvd.com Morningstar 10a controller $50

I would still mount the panels on the roof to keep the battery tip top shape between trips.
MrWizard
Moderator
Sep 20, 2015
a cheap $20>$30 controller from amazon either a 10amp or 20amp PWM controller
put both panels wired parallel together
2oldman
Explorer II
Sep 20, 2015
For 8 nights, with that little use, a good fully-charged battery should last. I'd bring another along just in case.
jwc99
Explorer
Sep 20, 2015
I usually get 2 days out of my battery before I take it off to charge. We stay 8 nights and what I usually do is take the battery off and charge it, I have a plug in my truck that charges the battery as we ride around. I was thinking about buying another battery and adding it to the camper for added support. This will be a portable setup, not something I will mount on the camper.
groundhogy
Explorer
Sep 20, 2015
two 55 watt panels.... one battery???
jeese. Seems to be lots of solar power and not much battery or
power usage. you need a charge controller so you don't boil your
batteries is my thinking.
rockylarson
Explorer
Sep 20, 2015
You maybe right on the edge of not needing a controller. Read this and give them a call for an opinion:

Solar specialists
2oldman
Explorer II
Sep 20, 2015
How long will you be camping?

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