Solar for keeping batteries topped off.
Interested in a small solar solution to keep 2 24 group batteries topped off while the RV is in storage. Right now I disconnect and haul the batteries to the house and charge them monthly. The RV is i...
Forum Discussion
Disconnecting for short periods of time is always a convenient method.
Batteries left without a charging source, start to sulfate immediately, however. So if you're getting 9 years out of a set of batteries, by keeping a charging source available, you may get 10 or 11 years out of them.
My situation is longer term storage than most folks. My wife continues to work and I feel it's in my best interests to stick around. I also have a hand in my small business. What it adds up to is Winter storage in MN.
I have a temp compensated controller that is programmable. These devices keep my batteries charged better than I can with all types of chargers available. If I was to connect chargers or maintainers on my batteries, it would be about equal service life but I would have to monitor them 24/7 and that is improbable.
I'd suggest to install a 100W panel and inexpensive PWM controller. If you can get one with temp compensation, it will be better. The awful thing about solar charging, especially coupled with inversion to 120 V, is that once you get started, you want more.:)
Batteries left without a charging source, start to sulfate immediately, however. So if you're getting 9 years out of a set of batteries, by keeping a charging source available, you may get 10 or 11 years out of them.
My situation is longer term storage than most folks. My wife continues to work and I feel it's in my best interests to stick around. I also have a hand in my small business. What it adds up to is Winter storage in MN.
I have a temp compensated controller that is programmable. These devices keep my batteries charged better than I can with all types of chargers available. If I was to connect chargers or maintainers on my batteries, it would be about equal service life but I would have to monitor them 24/7 and that is improbable.
I'd suggest to install a 100W panel and inexpensive PWM controller. If you can get one with temp compensation, it will be better. The awful thing about solar charging, especially coupled with inversion to 120 V, is that once you get started, you want more.:)
