Forum Discussion

goreds2's avatar
goreds2
Explorer
Aug 28, 2016

Solar For Motor Battery Only

Would this little solar unit suffice in keeping the motor battery trickle charged while the van is not in use parking in the driveway? Thanks,

10 watt solar unit on Amazon
  • Despite the nay-sayers... I think it looks like a decent little unit! I have a 0.75A maintainer (110V plug-in) for the dual coach batteries, so if you are getting even 0.5A, that's pretty good, if you don't have access to 110V. Check Renogy for some larger output panels to compare prices. ST
  • That's going to give you .58A max. That's a trickle for sure. I guess it's better than nothing but I would suspect the parasitic drains in the vehicle will be greater. If you disconnect the battery from the van it might just keep up with self discharge.
    I'd go for a larger panel.
  • If you disconnect the battery from the vehicle electrical system it "might".

    Jim
  • harbor freight also sells a cheapy- the problem is the "control"- these can vary in voltage and over charge.

    Suggest you get a DelTran Battery Tender- costco carries a 3 amp unit, but a 1 or 1.25 amp unit will work fine.
    there are other brands as well.

    run an extension cord and it'll keep the battery charged and prolong it's life.

    for winter storage if you are somewhere cold, consider taking the battery out and putting it on the bench.

    my chev based lexor TD draws close to 700 milliamps for the alarm and radio memory- pulling the fuses for these will reduce any pull on the battery when parked or adding a battery disconnect on the negative-

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001N72FES/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    mike