Forum Discussion

Explorer

May 08, 2013

Small (5W) solar panel does work to keep batteries okay

FYI, in case anyone is curious, just wanted to let you know that the 5W solar panel on our 98 PaceArrow was able to keep the batteries charged for 5 months during the winter in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Where we do get short days in the winter and a fair amount of snow so I'm not sure how often the panel was covered. What's even more surprising is the panel is probably around 15 yrs old and cloudy so probably not even generating 5W peak. Our coach has 1 chassis and 3 house batteries.

I parked it in early December and took it out in early May and was able to start it up without any issues (In the past I've left it in storage for extended periods and never had any problems but never for 5 months and never where there's snow).

13 Replies

HiTech
Explorer
May 08, 2013
Michelb I have found the same thing. I have a 15v nominal that I always tilted into the sun in similar weather to yours and using only it above normal converter or alternator charging for battery, got 10 years service out of more than one.

A healthy single battery seems quite happy with some of the 5w squares.

I used to alternate mine between the chassis or house battery each visit to the RV.

In Texas it will keep up a group 24 battery, even 30% shade blocked but tilted into the sun. Batteries with a low self discharge don't take much if you totally eliminate parasitic draws.

Jim
addisonl
Explorer
May 08, 2013
I have a full solar setup that feeds house and engine battery so it's not quite the same but it is worth the maintenance hookups. My engine battery is still the original 2006 one, on solar since early 2007. It should be long gone by many standards and from what I heard about the same model online in other forums but it is still in great shape. I attribute it to the solar maintenance.
pfidahospud
Explorer
May 08, 2013
Thanks for that refreshing confirmation that one may not need a gigawatt bank of solar panels for basic needs!