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dpgllg's avatar
dpgllg
Explorer
May 14, 2020

Looking for Solar Panel system to just MAINTAIN battery

I have to store my 5th wheel at a storage yard. I am looking for a solar panel system that will maintain one 12v deep cycle battery. The battery will be charged prior to being hooked up to the solar system.

The 5th wheel has the Furrion charging port already installed and will support up to a 100 watt panel.

I have been trying to figure out what I need but man you can get really lost in the details.

This system would only be used during camping season as the battery comes home for the winter.

Like I said I want to maintain the battery. I do put the slides out on occasion and other 12V things while stored such as some lights etc. It would be ideal if the solar could replenish this minimal use.

The Furrion 50 watt panel advertised as a battery maintainer is $269 on the Furrion website.

Furrion 50 watt Panel

Is this enough for my needs? Is there a less expensive BUT just as good alternative?

Dave

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  • CarnationSailor's avatar
    CarnationSailor
    Nomad
    May 14, 2020
    I use a 30-watt panel aimed toward the southern sky. It keeps 2 12-volt batteries charged at 100% for the 6 months it is in storage. Panel and controller cost about $120 total. And we don't get a lot of winter sun here in the NW.

    Also, I hook the charge controller directly to the batteries and leave the battery disconnect switch in the OFF position to eliminate any draws.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    May 14, 2020
    Arrive after camping with a fully recharged battery?

    Not likely

    Heed the advice above or take the battery home.

    Long term battery storage at underharged is a surefire battery killer.
  • dpgllg's avatar
    dpgllg
    Explorer
    May 14, 2020
    OP Here,

    "You could remove the wires off the 12v battery to ensure no draw at all on it while in storage"

    I have installed a battery Disconnect that shuts off all power from the battery. The disconnect that came from manufacture did not kill all power.

    Dave
  • fyrflie's avatar
    fyrflie
    Explorer III
    May 14, 2020
    This is what I use and so far has never let me down.

    https://www.batterytender.com/5-Watt-Solar-Tender-Charger-With-Built-in-Controller

    My batteries have a disconnect switch so no parasitic loss when off.
    And mine is a Class A so the panel only maintains the chassis battery and my longest storage time is about three months. Other than that, we use the MH at least once a month.
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    May 14, 2020
    Too much money for 50w for such limited use. Solar does not cost that much.

    The scenario in the OP might work with a "power box" you can take with you and bring home when visiting the storage place. You could remove the wires off the 12v battery to ensure no draw at all on it while in storage, and get your 12v and some 120v too for running things while there from the power box, which can be recharged at home. The power box inverter would run your converter to make 12v if I understand that right.

    The power box might come in handy at other times too.

    The Furrion connection should not limit you to one of that brand's systems. Will it adapt to other ordinary wiring?
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 14, 2020
    The math is the most definitive way to figure this.

    Let's say you come home with a 50% depleted battery. I'll assume that means you need to replenish about 50ah. That panel will crank out, at most, about 3 amps for a few hours per day. So I'll be generous and say about 20 ah/day.

    That means it will take the panel about 3 days to charge your battery with full sun every day.

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